I hadn't attended a funeral in years. They've never been my favorite ceremony and whenever possible, I made excuses to avoid them, preferring to bid final farewell in private.
But when Jeanetta's aunt, Modean (Deanie) Reed, passed away in Harrison at age 89 and her funeral was held a few days later, I felt moved to share my farewell to such a kindly, Godly woman by prayerfully wishing her Godspeed and expressing that hopefully we will meet again in the promised place.
The ceremony was conducted by Modean's son Rev. Eddie Reed, pastor of the Capps Full Gospel Church just outside Harrison, alongside his son William.
More than 100 were in the sanctuary to honor Deanie's long life that had touched many others over the decades through her lifelong quest to share gifts from her beloved scriptures.
The service went like we've all to come expect at such tributes to life: An introduction by her grandson William, gospel music (her favorite) and the heartfelt farewell eulogy by Pastor Eddie.
It was his simple message, derived from an expression his devout mother had used when something in her life became a memory, that resonated deeply in me.
"That's behind me now," was the essence of her thought, meaning she chose to continue looking forward rather than backward during the remainder of her life.
That previous experiences have forever passed, Pastor Eddie told the congregation, but time remains to create new ones today and tomorrow, which also were destined to become tomorrow's memories. "So whatever it is, put it behind you and look at what lies ahead."
Staring into the attentive crowd, he used the example of the day his mother told him she formerly hosted large, joyous Christmas dinners where the........