Not Final, Not The End

Death is not final, not the end, but just an interlude, a brief parting, a belief so strong I saw, recently at a funeral. A funeral I attended, not of family, not of a friend, not even an acquaintance, but that of a woman, a dear wife of someone I heard of, pretty much an absolute stranger.

You may ask why ? Oh it was a tragedy that struck a chord in me. A young woman who stepped out one morning, bidding goodbye to her family, with no inkling it would be final, but sure of seeing them in the evening. Unfortunately, an irreversible stroke she suffered in her office, to slip into a coma from which she never returned.

At the funeral I saw a loving husband and a forlorn child all of seven, bid farewell to a wife and a mother, not with tears but with hope unending. With the hope of a resurrection, of meeting once again in heaven. His eulogy, for the love of his heart, was not interspersed with tearful interruptions, but a narration of love, filled with stories of her immense kindness.

All who came forward, the lives she had touched and livened, paid tribute by celebrating her life, speaking of her beautiful nature, her inclusive love for everyone. They spoke of her readiness to help, to render service to all, even to the least of them, bringing light to their lives, even the worst afflicted. There she now lay in the casket, dressed in her bridal red, her lips turned up in a smile as she went to meet her Maker .

Her faith they said was strong, she was ready to answer the call, anytime . No grimace of pain, no regrets or rancour on her peaceful face. Her treasures she had stored in heaven and she feared not leaving her earthly abode. Her family, though sorrowful, were secure under the wings of the Almighty. And then I saw all things converging together, grace, love and peace, in the fulfilment of God’s promise for those who are righteous, even in the midst of absolute grief !