This is not only a variation on the name of a popular movie; it also describes my day today. In my work as a hospice chaplain, I have the privilege of being with people at the most important time of their lives. This is a true description of my day today.
This afternoon I had the privilege to officiate at a wedding for one of our hospice patients. In fact, for today’s ceremony he was sitting in a wheelchair; it was the first time I’ve seen him out of bed. He was dressed in a pair of shorts with a polo shirt. On the shirt was pinned a simple red rose. His bride sat in a recliner next to him with a bouquet of flowers in her lap. Both smiled all through the brief ceremony.
After the ceremony, with shaky hands, the newlywed couple fed each other cake. It was a sweet moment to witness. The whole experience was special.
Then this evening I had the honor of officiating at the funeral of one of our patients. This man was a member of what Tom Brokaw called “The Greatest Generation”. Although funerals can be sad occasions, this one was a fitting celebration of a full and long life.
“For weddings and a funeral”… What a day! As I think of it, there is one overarching theme which connects the two. It is all about LOVE. When all is said and done, the only thing that matters in life is that we lived a life of love and those whom we loved.
