I received a text about a month ago, the kind of text you dread. One of my best friends from college lost her mom unexpectedly. This was the same woman with whom I spent the evening a few months prior as she showed me her beautiful garden and delighted in her beautiful grandkids.
I was heartbroken all day and honestly in shock. I couldn’t believe this woman was suddenly and so unexpectedly gone. I waited until Caleb got home to tell him the news and asked him if it was ok if I flew up to Seattle for the funeral. He said of course I could go, no questions asked. For us, attending a funeral is of high value.
I remember when my mom died. I was 27 and had no idea what to expect or how to plan for her funeral. I anticipated a day of tears, but beyond that it was all new territory for me. The service was beautiful and honoring. One of my biggest take-aways was the friends and family who came to celebrate my mother’s life. I didn’t even know I would want or need them there, but it meant so much to me that they would take the time to learn about her and be there to give me a hug. Their faces are etched in my brain and their hugs in my heart. It was a life lesson that I am glad I learned early. It’s important to be present with those who are in pain.
So I purchased my ticket to attend the funeral of my friend’s mom. I went to serve. I went because I knew the importance and value of being there. And the service was beautiful, and so very impactful. And I had the thought… What a wonderful investment of money that it was! So many of us have emergency funds and vacation funds… but what about a funeral fund? It’s an investment in the relationships of our friends left behind.