tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29373297.post7533315839716730620..comments2024-03-23T18:50:32.902-04:00Comments on Telling Secrets: Hospice Lesson #7: LegacyElizabeth Kaetonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06787552280232329081noreply@blogger.comBlogger13125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29373297.post-20196381182172041592015-02-24T15:57:43.294-05:002015-02-24T15:57:43.294-05:00You know, Jim, you have me thinking. Weddings are ...You know, Jim, you have me thinking. Weddings are anxious times - lots of money invested in the ceremony, the music, the gowns, the flowers, the pictures, the reception, etc. In their anxiety, people can be demanding and forget the joy - and yes, even the love - that is central to the whole event.<br /><br />In terms of funerals, its the vulnerability isn't it, that makes it so special. And the expression of faith. And hope in the face of despair. And being invited in and trusted by people who are so vulnerable.<br /><br />It's a blessingElizabeth Kaetonhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06787552280232329081noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29373297.post-29771084038649680132015-02-24T15:55:52.493-05:002015-02-24T15:55:52.493-05:00Whatever other profession has pretty much free acc...Whatever other profession has pretty much free access with people's lives, the good and the bad? It is a privilege to be invited -always moments of grace and awe. Jim Von Dreelehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16086182881240461407noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29373297.post-30283939324567434672015-02-23T17:16:18.786-05:002015-02-23T17:16:18.786-05:00As presiding as a priest over a number family wedd...As presiding as a priest over a number family weddings, including my children and my brothers and their children and these were joyous events, but not typical of the rest of my ministry. I also celebrated and preached at funerals of several of my own family members.<br />Elizabeth, I am thankful for your exploring these issues. I have had many powerful experiences in my ministry with people who are deeply vulnerable in their grief.Jim Von Dreelehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16086182881240461407noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29373297.post-73567253637501826532015-02-23T16:06:44.639-05:002015-02-23T16:06:44.639-05:00Hey, Jim, Couldn't agree with you more. It doe...Hey, Jim, Couldn't agree with you more. It does sound weird but I'd much rather do 10 funerals than 1 wedding. So, deeply meaningful for everyone. Such a privilege to be invited to share the journey with the family. I can't tell you how many times I've run into a family member in the market or diner and inevitably, that family member will say to the other person in her company, "SHE'S the one who did my ____'s funeral. You know, SHE's the one I told you about." That RARELY happens after a wedding. LOL. Elizabeth Kaetonhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06787552280232329081noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29373297.post-51226582918158459792015-02-22T20:04:05.207-05:002015-02-22T20:04:05.207-05:00Well said. Over my many years (43+) as a priest, ...Well said. Over my many years (43+) as a priest, my clergy friends and I would often and still do say: we would really do 10 funerals to 1 wedding. While the death of people we have loved for years is difficult personally, the fact we stand there with their families is an incredible privilege and source of strength for grieving families.Jim Von Dreelehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16086182881240461407noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29373297.post-85826525186666845332015-02-22T16:30:45.782-05:002015-02-22T16:30:45.782-05:00Lynn - Absolutely right. Lynn - Absolutely right. Elizabeth Kaetonhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06787552280232329081noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29373297.post-77410672759097954732015-02-22T07:50:26.489-05:002015-02-22T07:50:26.489-05:00I think it begins and ends with God. Along the wa...I think it begins and ends with God. Along the way we're blessed with human relationships, and the transitional objects which remind us of those relationships. Hopefully we can let all the" stuff", the transitional objects, serve the purpose for which they were intended, to continue to love and be loved. The common thread connecting it all is God.Lynnnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29373297.post-67769487816096472012015-02-21T14:40:32.510-05:002015-02-21T14:40:32.510-05:00It's true, Kay&Sarah. I don't miss &qu...It's true, Kay&Sarah. I don't miss "things". I miss people. Elizabeth Kaetonhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06787552280232329081noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29373297.post-44391032987409771942015-02-21T13:35:49.112-05:002015-02-21T13:35:49.112-05:00This is a profound truth. So many think it is mat...This is a profound truth. So many think it is material things left that is important but I have never missed material things. I always miss and long for those things that made that person unique and a part of my life.Kay & Sarahhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04244257765709660605noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29373297.post-34195779931706658592015-02-21T09:46:32.390-05:002015-02-21T09:46:32.390-05:00You know, Clark, if you make enough mistakes and l...You know, Clark, if you make enough mistakes and learn from them, eventually, you actually get to know stuff. Elizabeth Kaetonhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06787552280232329081noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29373297.post-55152456176548714162015-02-21T09:45:51.504-05:002015-02-21T09:45:51.504-05:00Of course, Gwen. You are most welcome.Of course, Gwen. You are most welcome.Elizabeth Kaetonhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06787552280232329081noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29373297.post-27379936157416257192015-02-21T00:15:31.841-05:002015-02-21T00:15:31.841-05:00Well said! Thanks for sharing your wise words. Well said! Thanks for sharing your wise words. Clark Hendleynoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29373297.post-63170376126351496722015-02-20T22:42:36.495-05:002015-02-20T22:42:36.495-05:00Thank you for this gift.Thank you for this gift.Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02328362064872955623noreply@blogger.com