There is nothing so satisfying as a fine funeral. Being a funeral aficionado may be an odd quirk, but that description is part of my personal brand. Words, music, texts, tears are all the currency of grief. As a writer … Continue reading
On the last day of the year, I played for a funeral for a dear woman whose Christmas present was waking up in heaven. She and her husband left a legacy of faith, family and service. Though there were … Continue reading
Thanks to many who prayed for the service for my friends’ son. Here’s a list of prelude and postlude music I played. I tried to choose a mix between hymns, Celtic-sounding “mournful” music, and popular songs, keeping in mind that … Continue reading
“It isn’t Narnia, you know,” sobbed Lucy. “It’s you. We shan’t meet you there. And how can we live, never meeting you?” “But you shall meet me, dear one,” said Aslan. “Are -are you there too, Sir?” said Edmund. “I … Continue reading
By Daniel Harper Margaret was a complicated person. Now, when someone says that at a funeral, alarm bells should go off inside your head. But what I mean is that Margaret was a mixture of different characteristics like most of … Continue reading
My beautiful niece turned 30 this week. Her thoughtful husband decided the best present would be a book with a poem for each year of her life, written by family and friends. I was honored to be asked to contribute … Continue reading
After I finished Going Home To Glory, by David and Julie Eisenhower, (see Revisiting Eisenhower) I decided to read Julie Nixon Eisenhower’s biography of her mother, Pat Nixon: The Untold Story. I learned a lot reading this book, first of … Continue reading
I think about death. I do. When my husband falls asleep on his back with his hands on his chest and his chin falls down, I call it the coffin pose. My funeral playlist is an oft-pondered subject. I am … Continue reading
Curt and I just finished watching Chuck Colson’s Memorial Service held in the Washington Cathedral, on May 16th, 2012. It is close to 2 hours, but time well spent. You can scan the program to see the musical selections and … Continue reading
Grandson pallbearers. The honor guard In a culture where casual is cool, the formal ceremony of military honors is arresting. It is sobering. It is potent. Every note of Taps, every fold of the flag, every word in the presentation … Continue reading
A Living Pencil 