The Happiest Funeral Ever

The Happiest Funeral Ever

Wow! You should have been there. First let me start by telling you a little about Max. He was tall, tall enough to stand out in any crowd, but that wasn't what you would remember. I think it would be his smile. It was always there. And the upbeat sense of humor. Always a kind word.

No, I'm not trying to make an ordinary man sound above average. Max was an above average man. Truthfully, I did not know him well. He sang in our church choir which was directed by his wife. Since my Mike also sang in the choir I was around the group for gatherings and parties.

After many months of hospital stays, tests, and frightening diagnoses, Max was well enough to come home. He began to slowly improve. Home is good medicine. Then one Sunday he was able to sing in the choir again. Prayers truly are answered. Max was back with us, getting better, gaining some weight back. Two lovely granddaughters were born during this time. Happy days for all had arrived.

Then came the news. Max went to sleep. Shock rang throughout our church community. Desserts baked. Meals provided. Tears and sadness. Then came the memorial service.

The sky was gray and cloudy. Though the service was planned for 3, the church began to fill by 2. Fifteen minutes before the family entered, music began. Solemn. Hushed. Respectful.

Here's the happy part! Then there was music played that Max really liked -- a beautiful hymn with a jazz beat. At this moment the sadness turned to celebration.

We were not there to mourn Max. We were there to celebrate his spectacular larger-than-life life. Max was there with us. His spirit filled the sanctuary with joy and hope. The choir loft could not hold everyone who had ever sung in the choir with Max. There was one seat though, Max's seat. He will always be with the choir in spirit.

And ... it only got better. As the gray sky ushered in a terrible storm words were spoken with tears choaked back, pauses between the words. Thunder rolled as rain pelted the windows. Lightening rushed across the sky furiously. It seemed as each speaker paused, thunder rolled more loudly.

Now I must say, it seemed that one of two things was happening. Either Max was so enthustiac about his appointment to the heavenly choir that he was announcing the event to us or the devil was simply furious that he never had a chance to work on Max. Either way the storm only heightened our celebration for this life.

Amazing Grace, one of Max's favorites was perfectly performed by the choir, a superb solo of Ave Maria was sung. The crowning joy to the service, however, came at the end. We all sang Lord of the Dance.

Max indeed is dancing with our Lord. Amen