The Sound Of Angels

I went to a funeral today. Although I knew the sweet woman that passed away, for the most part I went to support my friend.

It was a nice funeral. Each of her kids spoke, but what struck my soul was the music. Her grandkids performed a musical number. Those that played a string instrument played their respective violins, cellos, etc. I think Laurie told me there were 55 kids up there. It was a spectacular sight. And it sounded like heaven.

I'm not very comfortable in funerals. Let's be honest. Who is? They are incredibly sad. I have attended funerals that did a great job of celebrating the life of the lost loved one. There have been funerals in which I have left angry because the entire funeral seemed to be a conspiracy to sign up new members to join the church in which the funeral was held. This funeral was a celebration of life. I like that.

While the kids were performing, I found myself lost in thought. I contemplated the music, the talent that is abundant in that family. I gave pause to my own life and gave a fleeting glance to the future funerals that will most certainly come my way.

My thoughts drifted to a funeral that I had attended in September of 2007. A friend of ours died with his wife in a car accident. It was a tragic experience for everyone who had come in contact with Eti. He grew up in our neck of the woods and he, as well as his siblings, were great friends with my kids.

Anyhow, I had not experienced a Polynesian funeral before. The evening before the actual services, I went to what I thought was a viewing, but instead it was a gathering to celebrate the life of Eti and Trichelle. Many family members spoke to the over-flowing congregation. Quite often, they spoke in their native language and that meant I didn't know what was being said. What was easily understood was the anguish they felt.

Once again, the speakers were great, but what truly struck me was the music. There would be speaking, then suddenly someone would begin to sing. Soon, the entire congregation was singing. I had never heard these songs before. The songs were all a cappella and perfectly in tune. I wish I could describe the sound. I know I left feeling that I had just heard angels singing. It was a bit of heaven on earth.

I can't tell you for sure about heaven or hell, christianity versus atheism. But I can tell you that angels do speak to us. And when you get a lucky enough to hear them? Stop and listen.