2 Weeks / 2 Funerals, some perspective

Two weeks ago I attended the funeral of a 90 year old Woman who was a very close friend of my Grand Mother. I fondly remember playing Rummy (cards) in the park with her as a child. One point conveyed in the eulogies was on the secret to living a long life. The key, it is said, is to never malign another. Always say good things about your fellow. Even more so - always think good things, benefit of the doubt etc... There is a strong sense of loss and grief at every funeral - but this one was very inspirational.

Today's will be another matter altogether.

The Father of a classmate of one of my Daughters was hit by a car. What a tragedy. I pray that his Wife and young kids will find a way to eventually reach some peace with this loss. The lesson here for me is the need to appreciate every day. Live each day as if it could be your last, especially in terms of how you treat others. Make sure everyone in your life knows how much you love them and care for them.

Just as a flame can be transferred from one candle to another without diminishing the energy of the first, so too can the gift of love be given without measure and without fear of depletion.

A couple of Judaic Links:
- HaMakom yenachem et'chem b'toch shar avay'lay Tzion vee'Yerushalayim. / May the Omnipresent comfort you among the mourners of Zion and Jerusalem.
- Q&A on Mourning at AskMoses.com

All my love,
Michael.