We are gathered here today to remember the life of Brian, to celebrate what he meant to us all. We come together in grief, acknowledging our human loss. There will be disbelief and sadness in the hearts of many of us who are here. Perhaps it is hard to admit, even to ourselves, how profoundly vulnerable death can made us feel. Our celebration of our love for Brian cannot blunt these feelings. It is not about feeling better, but about finding strength and support in the sharing of this love. And in the depth of this grief is revealed a secret. Life, experienced fully with all its joys and sorrows, then gives it's secret to itself.
Ecclesiastes 3:1-8: "There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under heaven: a time to be born and a time to die, a time to plant and a time to uproot, a time to kill and a time to heal, a time to tear down and a time to build, a time to weep and a time to laugh, a time to mourn and a time to dance ... "
(I shared some stories that were read by my son-in-law, Alonzo, to be shared later)
None of us will ever know what was going through Brian's mind, or know what was so overwhelming to him that he couldn't stay just one more day.
I know Brian would want each of you to live life fully,
to work hard,
and to be kind to others.
Brian, your humor, kindness and selflessness will continue to inspire us forever.
Everyone who sits in this room today is a gift to everyone else here. When we are together, just our presence, even in silence, is a deep comfort. To those who were very close to Brian, no one can predict what feelings and experiences will arise in the days, weeks, month and even years to come. There may be waves of joy and sadness and tears.
Everyone who is here is proof that you do no have to ride these waves alone. We know, too, that it is not only grief that we will feel. There will be genuine smiles, and gratitude for the memories that Brian has given us that can never be taken away. Be brave, but not too brave, when the sadness seems to overwhelm you. And practice forgiveness. Learn to forgive your own grief. As the sadness subsides over the weeks and months ahead, remember the important lessons you have learned: that time is precious and to cherish the time you have with family and friends, to have the courage to ask "How are you?" and to stay and listen; t
o show the love you have for the people in your life, and to say and show how much you love them.
God didn't promise days without pain,
laughter without sorrow
Nor sun without rain.
But he did promise
Strength for the day
Comfort for the tears
And light for the way.
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