rest gently in peace

UMxx

Brick created on 18/08/2008 @ 11:31

Your brick story

Today I attended the funeral of my neighbour Acho - it was held in a Korean Pentecostal Church.

The service was not ritualistic - lots of singing and prayers and then more singing and readings. Everyone seemed to be able to sing - so unlike my own memory of RC masses with people kind of mumbling along self consciously.

I will never forget the way that so many - young and old rocked gently with the singing - it was a comfort for them I think. It was not uniform rocking -just a natural movement with the music.

I will never forget the deacon who sobbed while he delivered the eulogy - I couldn't understand a word but I knew what he was saying.

I will never forget Acho's sister who arrived from Korea yesterday to attend her only sister's funeral - who lived far away and how she wailed when the hearse drove away.

I will never the faces of Acho's sons as they lowered the coffin into the ground - and how their father could still wrap his arms around them and comfort them.

But most of all I will never forget Acho's smile - a truly rare smile - always looking joyful at seeing you like it was a great surprise to see me.

This is sadness that hurts so much and so many people.

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Comments

18/08/2008 @ 18:41 flitterbug said

my thoughts are truly with you and his family, someday we will all be togther again and when he greets you in the after life the first thing you'll see is that wonderful smile, lots of love and hugs for you UM
always, flitt
18/08/2008 @ 19:11 Mebenji said

(((Hugs))) for you and her family.
-Mebenji
18/08/2008 @ 19:13 harmony said

Um, I couldn't get through this without crying. Love, Harmony
18/08/2008 @ 23:05 Overseas said

A very sad day - how are their sons ?
19/08/2008 @ 11:25 UMxx said

I saw the younger of the sons this morning - it looks like everything has hit them. They are in their late twenties but there is something about grief that seems to allow the child's face to be seen with in the adult.
too sad - we are going to find a port wine magnolia and plant it so we will have a living memory of Acho - a beautiful one.
Thank you for your words and sentiments - this just feels awfully unfair for the family. love to you all UM xx
19/08/2008 @ 11:40 harmony said

He Magnoia - that's a beautiful idea, UM. love, Harmony
19/08/2008 @ 15:25 Overseas said

A Magnolia is very good idea to keep Acho's memory alive.
"Funnily" my fingers have had once more difficulty to go as fast as my brain. I wanted to ask how old their sons are, and ended up asking a different question. Anyway, thanks UM for the details about them.
20/08/2008 @ 17:32 inspire said

I know I'm late in the game, but my thoughts have been with this family for quite some time. And the magnolia, that's a wonderful and beautiful idea. I wouldn't expect anything less of an idea from such a wonderful person.
Take care of yourself and remember to give yourself plenty of gentle hugs.
Lots of love, Inspire xxx