At 10am this morning I stood outside a church and watched the coffin of a 32 year old man being brought into a church. Behind the coffin were his grief stricken wife, clutching their three young children - the oldest of which made her First Holy Communion three days ago - and beside her his shell shocked parents, brothers, sister, neighbours and countless friends.
On one side of the church entrance was a guard of honour dressed in uniform, and on the other side a guard of honour dressed in the team colours of the football team he played for.
The homily, coincidentally, was given by a priest friend of mine. He spoke very convincingly of the importance of living your life, however short it is to be, and of making a difference in the time you are here on earth.
That man in the coffin touched so many people's lives and he was deeply respected and loved because of it. His young widow has gained so much strength over the past ten days in the knowledge that she had married a truly good man who had time and energy for everyone. His children have a man to emulate. His friends will have an aching heart for quite some time.
So live life. Don't put off doing something until you retire, you may not be around. Be kind to those around you, create your own legacy. Make a difference.
1 comment:
Oh Mairead, how sad that is especially for his wife. Hope Niall is taking it ok
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