Celebrate Life!

I have been a chaplain mostly on call for all levels of care for 17-years mostly on prn or part time status. Saying this, I do not buy myself birthday gifts. This year I decided to buy myself cremation package. So wherever I am in this world my family will not need to worry and need to take care of arrangements. (When my Dad heard about my gift to myself, he bought it.)

My sister said to look for a belated birthday package.(She sent me Purdue facemasks.) I found this box addressed to me in the lobby without identification. I opened it. I was taken back from the contents. I then laughed because the following memory came to me:

"A group of independent living residents approached me and they were upset that another resident, who passed away a few days later, did not want a funeral. I respected his wishes as I requested of them.

The residents asked if I planned to have a service upon my passing. I said, 'No.' (There was more of a conversation.)

During the the 5 to 6 weeks following our discussion, my residents continued to ask me questions about my life, my likes and dislikes, and what kind of food I enjoy.

A couple of weeks later I was invited by this group and other residents had shown up for this unnamed activity. I was honored that these residents honored me with their version of a celebration of life along with a reception."

I heard late yesterday a member of St. James Cathedral by the name of Dan passed suddenly. He was a kind soul and his Facebook posts gave me pause and sometimes I broke out laughing. He was close to my age. Rest in Paradise.

With tears in my eyes, I brought the box out of my bedroom closet and unpacked it in the living room. I plan to put the memory box on my dresser to remind me to enjoy the good and to learn from the not so good but mostly to celebrate each day.

May you celebrate each day, too!