Embracing the Living Eulogy

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EmbracingThis past Easter was kind of a tough time for our family, when a college teammate of my husbands suddenly and unexpectedly passed away. We had just had a baby who was diagnosed with reflux, and a few other family members and family friends were going through difficult times. My husband and older son went back to NY for the funeral, while reflux babe and I stayed in Cincinnati. I decided he and I would attend church on Easter morning, but after a few tough nights with reflux I started to question that decision. Ultimately, Easter morning I sucked it up and we got ourselves together and went to mass.

I’m not overly spiritual or religious, despite being raised Catholic and still practicing. I’m not really one to believe things happen for a reason. Then, the Priest began his Homily and it really stuck with me – even days later.

It was about eulogies, since ultimately Easter Sunday would be the day to deliver Jesus’ eulogy. However, our Priest thought we should be doing ‘living eulogies’ instead.

For reference, the definition of eulogy, according to Google is:  “a speech or piece of writing that praises someone or something highly, typically someone who has just died.”

Father Del of St Veronica Parish explained that it is too late to say such things to someone after they are passed. The time to do it is when they are still living. Not even on a deathbed, or when illness strikes. Tell them how much they mean to you, and that you love them, just because. Build up their confidence, let them know they are appreciated. It sounds so easy, and yet, so few of us do this with any sense or regularity or sincerity. It hit so close to home, after the week we had, I almost let my emotions get the best of me. It is like when some horrific event happens and people say they will hug their kids a little tighter tonight. Why? Why do we not do that everyday? Yes, I get that life happens, but we should not need something tragic to happen to make sure the people that are the most important to us know how we feel. What would the world be like if we could all do this a little more often? Father Del thinks pretty good, and I completely agree.

So, my two cents? Write your favorites a quick note, or thank you. Then, go hug your kids and spouse a little tighter. Not just today, but everyday. Because that’s more important than anything else.

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