OBSERVATIONS

A friend asked if I'd sing at the funeral of a friend of his family. When I got there, I saw people hugging, smiling, and consoling one another. Others were sharing stories, smiling, and wiping tears. None of it was depressing or sad. It was wonderful to hear person after person as they stood to pay loving tribute to the deceased. No one seemed to be fishing for words to say. No one exceeded the 2 minute time limit either. THAT was remarkable...lol. A young man sang "Speak to My Heart", and at some point in the song, the entire gathering joined in with him. It was the kind of congregational singing that I miss. 
Apparently, one of the deceased's favorite sayings was "Handle your business". Person after person shared how he taught them one thing or another, mentored them, was always prepared to help, was hard working, fun loving, music loving, and encouraged them to get back up when they fell.

It pays to treat people with kindness, to demonstrate to one's family how much you love them to the extent that they believe it and declare it with no doubt or reservation.