A Funeral

Last week, my sister and I went to a funeral for a beloved member of our community. He was a life-long friend of my father, and after Daddy died, he continued his friendship with us. He checked on us regularly and showed up often with cantaloupes, corn, and watermelons. The funeral was full of love -- and some tears and some laughter. I think our friend would have liked it. 

My sister and I were the only white people there, but I know we were not his only white friends. We came home talking about the blessing of the pastor’s message, celebrating the warm welcome from some old friends, and remembering our growing up in a community marked by love, faith, harmony, and hard work. It was a sad day and a good day, all at the same time.