Funerals

Today I attended the funeral for Celeste, held the day after what would have been her 23rd birthday.  It was definitely a bittersweet event.  I can't say I love funerals (who can say they can?), but there's something about them that provides a great deal of closure and peace for me.

For one thing, it was wonderful to see some friends I hadn't seen for a long time.  Would that it could have been under better circumstances.  It's unfortunate that sometimes the only way to get people together is for things like this.  Still, at least there was a silver lining in all this.

Additionally, the service for Celeste was absolutely wonderful.  The memories that different family members and friends shared about Celeste were perfect--some even had me rolling on the floor laughing :)--and the musical selections were beautiful.  I feel like it was exactly what Celeste would have wanted.  After having the chance to remember how amazing Celeste is (is, not was) and to remind ourselves that this is not the end, I am much more at peace.  I'm grateful I was able to make it to the funeral and that it was such a beautiful service.  My prayers continually go out to her family and friends who still grieve her loss and will never stop missing her.