Gathered to Her People...

Was it a funeral, or was it a celebration of life?  It could be termed a memorial, burial, service or wake—but mostly, it was a time of visiting with many words spoken.  There were tears, big meaningful tears, and there was laughter.  And, there was beautiful music and singing.  There were many hugs exchanged and many “I love YOU”’s spoken. 

There was a phrase that the pastor had us repeat during the entire service.  That phrase was “Gathered to Her People.” 

And that, my dear friends and readers, is what happened during the course of time from last Sunday morning, December 30, 2012 to Friday afternoon, January 4, 2013.  My precious grandma was gathered to her people.  She was born and raised in Southern Illinois, but around her fiftieth year, things began to drastically change for her and my grandpa.  Those changes took them to a place far from Southern Illinois—West Texas.  (And, by the way, it is a very long way to west Texas from Southern Illinois—by anyone’s standard of measure!) 

The pastor reminded us that we were helping fulfill her earthly wishes—those of bringing her body back to rest nearer to her home, in a sense to be gathered to her people. For she is now buried or laid to rest in an area of the cemetery near her parents, one of her brothers, one of her sister-in-laws and right next to grandpa.  This is as it should be.  For in this life, those who meant the most to her were her family. 

My two cousins, my sister and I each spoke a few words during the eulogizing…it was good to share, poems, memories and thoughts…It was a realization for me, though, that the original branches of the “Melton Clan” are almost all gone.   Grandma was the oldest of six children…she had one sister and four brothers.  Her sister, my great Aunt Mary, is still living, and her youngest brother, Cork, is still living.  The three middle boys have all gone on before her.  Each of the six had children, and their children have had children—my grandchildren make six generations from Edo & Lucille Melton, the parents of the clan. 

There is a legacy of long life and long marriage within this clan.  Of course, we have buried loved ones too soon, and divorces have happened—but those are not the ‘norm’ for the majority of the clan has grown old together.    There is a legacy of deep love for family and country and great pride in working hard to make and honest living.    

When we gathered yesterday to honor AnnaBelle’s life, it was truly beautiful—the sun was shining and the snow had melted just enough to crunch under our feet as we trudged to the burial site.  Her flowers were gorgeous—thanks to her sweet niece, Nadine.  (one of Aunt Mary’s three daughters, who must have inherited Lucille’s green thumb, and love for all things flowers!)

It was good to see family members that I had not seen in years.  It was good to catch up with the funeral director.  I have known him and his family my whole life, but in these years, I only get to see them when we are gathering our loved ones to our people.

That realization is something that we need to face each day, for we never know when this day could be when we breathe our last.  Keep short accounts with people…do not let issues pile up—say I love you, and mean it.  Pray for each other, and mean it.  Cherish each other—and mean it.  Be passionate about the work you are doing, for it is a gift that you can even do ‘it’—whatever your gift for working is.  And, celebrate OFTEN! 

And now, I am off to plan different kind of celebration of life.  You see, seventeen years ago today,  eight Christmas trees stood still decorating our home and we had no idea the ENORMOUS change that was about to take place wtihin our family!  But, as we all know—especially if you know us personally—change is how life works…exciting, YES—terrifying, YES—but always well blessed and never, ever dull!

And, tomorrow, this branch of the Bishop clan will gather with a few close friends to celebrate the blessing of Madison and Mallory's seventeenth birthday--Bring on the Birthday cake!!!