Yesterday we attended Susan's funeral service. Sigh...
The day started with Abigail in a crumpled mess of tears on her bedroom floor. Faced with the reality of the funeral, she decided she did not want to go. She was done with all the sadness. After consoling her, we talked about doing things we don't want to do because it's the right thing to do. We still gave her a chance to back out of going and didn't want to force her to go. But, I was glad when she decided that she needed to go for Mrs. Owen's family. (Abigail is friends with all of Susan's three grandchildren, but Madeline is in her grade level, and Abigail knows her best.) Of course none of us wanted to go to the service, but we needed to go. Funerals just aren't events that you anticipate and look forward to.
This service was legendary. There were about 1,500 people in attendance, making it the largest service I have attended. At two hours, it was the longest service I have attended. With Susan's service to Christ as the theme, it was the most magnificent service I have ever attended.
Our church's praise team began the service by leading worship, and one of the teachers as well as Susan's daugher-in-law (Cooper's teacher) joined the band in singing. It was glorious music, as it was so real and raw. Another poignant moment was when Susan's son, Starsky, spoke about his mother. He was so composed and eloquent and delivered a message of following God that no one could deny. I know Susan would have been so proud of Starsky. But, he also made us laugh. He read a few cards that the family had received from students during the week. They were the most hilarious thing I've ever heard. I hope we are able to follow through in printing a book of these cards.
-Mrs. Owen stood still for her rights. (included a pop up statue of Susan.)
-I know you're mom died, but you need to get over it.
-Dear lunchroom helper (Mr. Owen is often in the lunchroom cleaning up after the kids), Sorry the misses died.
Oh, I wish I could remember more of them. They were so hilarious. Hopefully, we will be able to follow through in printing them as a book. Proceeds will go to the scholarship fund in Susan's name.
Another memorable time was during one of the slideshows of pictures of Susan. The background music was a song from Roger's (Mr. Owen) iPod. W
hen he is setting up rooms at the school, he listens to his iPod. One day recently Susan came in and heard the song and said they should dance, so they did. As the song played at the service, Roger stood and danced with Susan's sister as a tribute to the dance he shared with Susan not long ago. I'm pretty sure there was not a dry eye in the place. It just speaks to the sincerity that was felt in the service.
In my opinion, the most significant portion of the service was not someone speaking or signing. Everyone who was a student in Susan's school at some point in time was asked to stand. It was amazing! There were hundreds and hundreds of children and adults standing all over the sanctuary. To my right, Abigail was standing. To my left, three young adults were standing. It was breathtaking. As if that wasn't enough of an image of Susan's footprint on so many lives, the pastor then asked for everyone who made a decision to follow Christ based on Susan's input into their lives. Still, hundreds of people stood. That. Is. Amazing. I know that I pray that I am able to reach at least one life for Christ in my time here on earth. I can't imagine reaching hundreds of people. I just can't imagine.
Oh, goodness. What a day. Although she's young, I know Abigail will remember the impact Susan had on her life. And, I will always remember and thank Susan for the impact she has had on our family.
