My wife, Kathy, was laid to rest on Saturday, May 18. It only seemed right I deliver the eulogy at her funeral service. There were a few times over our 44 years of marriage, when we were involved in serious discussion; I would say, “sometimes I don’t think I even know you.”
She would always counter with, “You know me better than anyone else in the whole world!” I suppose that was true.
I wanted so badly to properly honor her extraordinary life. Where would I find the words?
When Kathy retired a few years ago, I purchased matching recliners for our den. A small glass-top table sits between them. Next to a reading lamp it became a perfect resting place for her Bible and daily devotionals. I have several Bibles, but hers became one I turned to often because it was so handy. Over the past year I have read from it many, many times.
In the days leading up to her memorial service I struggled to find words to say. Then, the day before her service I was strangely drawn to her Bible. In all the times I had read her Bible I had never noticed the notes she had penned on the inside of the front and back covers. But there they were - her words, her thoughts written in her beautifully distinctive writing style.
How better could I tell you about her? Here are her thoughts:
“Time and good friends are 2 things that become more valuable the older we get.”
“Live like there is no midnight.”
“Life is to be lived to enjoy, not endured.”
“A strong man can handle a strong woman. A weak man will say she has an attitude.”
“Surprise yourself every day with your own courage.”
“Laughter is an instant vacation.”
“Don’t trade God’s timing for your own deadline.”
“What matters most is how you see yourself.”
“When life gives you more than you can stand, kneel.”
“Don’t stop when you are tired, stop when you are done.”
“The best way to make your dreams come true is to wake up!”
“Realize how lucky you are.”
“Either way, you run the day, or the day runs you.”
“Mindset is everything.”
“To trust God in the light is nothing, but to trust Him in the dark – that is FAITH.”
“In our waiting, God is working.”
“You may have to fight a battle more than once to win it.”
“Stay patient and trust your journey.”
“Believe you can, and you are ½ way there.”
“Always remember to fall asleep with a dream and wake up with a purpose.”
“It’s hard to find your faith inside your comfort zone.”
“Well behaved women rarely make history.”
“Solitude is the place for purification.”
“The best mirror is an old friend.”
“Pain shapes a woman into a warrior.”
“Happiness is the best makeup.”
“Try to be a rainbow in someone else’s cloud.”
“Be honest. Be silly. Be Kind.”
“Forever is composed of now.”
“If you can imagine it, it is possible.”
“Some women fear the fire. Others become it.”
“Today can become a great day if you make it so.”
“The secret of life is that it ends.”
Well, I could not have said it better myself. Now you know why so many people loved her.
Copyright 2024 by Jack McCall
