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Monday 28 January 2013

Ideal Idiosyncracies




"Wow, listen to this,"I said to my husband, "world traveller since she was six months old, citizen of the world,  she has lived in 32 countries, married for only  2 short years...
or how about this one; suddenly at home at 34 years of age...devoted mother to Julie and late baby Islay," hmmm I murmur, "that is really sad."

I was seated beside my husband on the couch and was reading the obituaries. This is something I like to do when I read the paper.
 My husband does not understand this at all -and finds it quite a rather morbid fascination.
I on the other hand find it to be  an eye opening ,thought provoking and  quite simply profound observation.
 After all these are loved ones final assumptions of this person, and there is something about the tribute even if it's somebody I don't know, that can make me feel what is being conveyed.... whether that is shock, sorrow, tenderness, regret, remorse,pain,sadness, and also faith, hope and love.

A few carefully chosen words, sum up a life ,that now has come to an end.

It made me think about a poem that I found years ago...
A poignant reminder to  me how important it is that the people I love; know it  and I have cherished them while they were alive.
I hope you like it too, and it inspires you to love and appreciate and if necessary, mend fences quickly, as life does not carry a return policy.


                    DO IT NOW
If with pleasure you are viewing any work a man is doing,
If you like him or you love him, tell him now;
Don't withhold your approbation till the parson makes oration
And he lies with snowy lilies on his brow;

No matter how you shout it he won't really care about it;
He won't know how many teardrops you have shed;
If you think some praise is due him now's the time to slip it to him,
For he cannot read his tombstone when he's dead.

More than fame and more then money is the comment kind and sunny
And the hearty, warm approval of a friend.
For it gives to life a savor, and it makes you stronger, braver,
And it gives you heart and spirit to the end;


If he earns your praise - bestow it; if you like him let him know it;
Let the words of true encouragement be said;
Do not wait till life is over and he's underneath the clover,
For he cannot read his tombstone when he's dead.

--B. Braley



sad tombstone in old cemetery - "and silently the tears run down her face and in the still of the night ..."

via



  Love one another deeply,from the heart.
                 I Peter 1 : 22



4 comments:

  1. I've always tried to be that way, I too believe in telling the person NOW !!I know a friend who reads the obituaries for the same reason!
    You are so kindhearted dearest friend!
    Much love, Rayanne

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  2. Amen Lucy.
    How true...if we would but live each day as though it were our last, what a differene it would make.
    Expressing those things that need to be ezpressed, and holding our tongue when the words wouldn't help or bless our hearers.
    Lord help us to live with a view of eternity and love from our hearts...deeply.
    Beautiful reminder...bless you Lucy xo

    All my heart,
    Deborah xoxo

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  3. What a gentle reminder this is, Lucy, to tell the people we love how much they mean to us. I think it is a sweet thing that you take the time to listen and learn about others' lives, especially those you don't know. This statue is beautiful. God bless you, Lucy.
    ~Sheri at Red Rose Alley

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  4. I'm drawn to the obituaries as well:) A friend and I used to discuss what we'd find, and those around us thought we were strange. But, you articulate perfectly here why it can be so enriching. So well put!

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thank you and blessings for words from your heart...