Having the last word
DECEMBER 27, 2007 (THURSDAY)
An old story tells about flowers delivered to a funeral and a new business grand opening, both on the same day. The cards that went with the flowers got mixed up, so the new business owner got the message, “Rest in peace,” and the card for the funeral said, “Good luck in your new location!”
Today’s news carries the story of a man who addressed Christmas cards to 34 of his friends and family members, and wrote “Heaven” as the return address. He asked his barber to hold them for him and to mail them for him after his death. The barber held on to them three or four years, but mailed them this year, because the man died in October at the age of 88. Recipients of the cards were surprised to get a Christmas card with “Heaven” as the return address, and a hand-written message in each card.
Humor is a defense mechanism. We sometimes use it when we feel that we are unable to face up to reality. That’s why we joke about death. We’re not saying, “I feel no pain.” We are saying exactly the opposite. We feel the pain, and we find a little relief as we joke about it. The two stories above are typical of the jokes or humorous real-life situations.
When death comes, it’s no joke. We ache inside and experience genuine pain when we lose someone in death. We are confused and at a loss to explain our feelings. We appreciate those who stand by us, asking no questions and offering no advice, just comforting us by their presence. In time, we will seek the advice and share our feelings. Those who love us will help us, just by loving us as they always have. God reaches out to us through them.