Life Lessons I Learned at a Funeral

Last weekend, we celebrated the life of TL's cousin.  She passed away too soon, after only 45 years of life, leaving behind a husband and 3 young kids.  It's unfair and awful, and everyone there was questioning why.  But despite that, it was a time to celebrate her & her beautiful life.  This isn't the first funeral I have been to.  But something about it struck me.
One of the speakers gave an observation that I believe is related to a Ralph Waldo Emerson quote. It was something like this:

As I listened to each of these people share beautiful stories of her life and share the memories, and wonderful things about her... I realized the one thing about funerals that frustrates me and therefore is something I really hope for.  I hope the person who is being celebrated can hear the words being said about them.
It also made me realize that I need to do the best I can to tell the people in my life the things that I would say about them at their funeral.  That sounds morbid, but it's the truth.  The stories, the memories, the reasons why you are so thankful to have them in your life.  What you would miss about them if they were to not be in your life anymore.
Don't hold back.  Even if you feel silly.  Tell the people in your life how you feel.  Express your pride. Express your love.  You want them to know now.
It also makes me want to live a life where people would have good things to say at my funeral.