What is most important?

Today was Lisa's funeral. I knew it was not going to be easy. What funeral where a young mom leaves 5 children and a loving family behind would be easy? I have to say though, it was BEAUTIFUL. Lisa's sisters Marie and Theresa worked tirelessly over the past 5 days making sure that Lisa's life was celebrated properly. There were balloons from Disneyland where Lisa worked for 10 years and loved visiting with her kids, there was a beautiful eulogy that so appropriately and eloquently summarized Lisa's life, and most importantly there were a TON of memories shared. I was truly moved by the Mass and have not had that strong of a reaction to the Eucharist in quite a long time. Maybe it was the fact that Lisa had such a respect and dedication to the Eucharist as well and it was reflected thru her? I think so.

As Marie was reading her eulogy she was listing many of the things that Lisa had done in her life. She traveled thru Europe for months, she went to the beach at any time she could, she loved poetry, theater, and art, and experienced the arts in any way possible at any moment she could. What I find especially remarkable is that most of these things that she did, she shared with her children. She was always taking them to Disneyland, to the beach, or on some other adventure all the while taking a million photographs. I was listening to this in church today wondering why I don't do this as much with my own children.

After the funeral everyone headed to the cemetery for the burial. Amy, Chris and I skipped the burial and went to the Spiers house to set up for the gathering afterwards. We were getting ready to set out all the food and we started opening cupboards looking for serving bowls, platters, serving spoons, etc. What we found instead was mismatched plates and cups. Nothing that looked like it cost more than a few dollars each. I know that Lisa sacrificed to stay at home with her children, especially with a husband that was not always there for them, but it really hit me at that moment just what kind of a mom Lisa was. She was the mom that would rather spend her money making memories and having fun with her children instead of filling her kitchen with all the latest gadgets and serving pieces.

What is my kitchen filled with? The latest gadgets and serving pieces. I think I need to take a lesson from my dear cousin. Thank you Lisa for teaching me something very important thru your example. We will miss you!