Today was my aunt’s funeral in Wisconsin.  I was not there; I was at my home in California.

This is the second family funeral I’ve missed in 2009.  The first one was my Grandma Violet’s funeral back in April.  A DVD recording was made of her funeral service, and I was given a copy not long after her funeral.  However, I’ve never been able to watch it.

I’ve not been able to watch it — not because I was too emotionally overwrought to watch it, but simply because there never seemed like a good time.  I mean, it’s been like, “Hmm, what should I watch tonight – Dancing With the Stars or Grandma’s funeral?”  There just hasn’t been what I’ve felt was an appropriate time.

However, I decided that today was an appopriate time.  Since I wasn’t able to be at my aunt’s funeral, I watched Grandma Violet’s funeral service today.  I didn’t do any other work (although I did pick up the toy room as I hummed along with the hymns; I think Grandma would have approved.)  Obviously, it wasn’t nearly the same as actually being there.  But, it gave me the chance to hear and be comforted by the familiar Bible readings and hymns that I would have heard if I were actually at my aunt’s funeral, and it gave me the chance to pray the familiar prayers that I would have prayed if I were there.  Furthermore, it gave me a chance to ponder and meditate on the amazing love that God has for his children here on earth, and the incredible home that God’s children have waiting for them in heaven.  All of that felt appropriate, and I’m glad I used my time in this way.

There are many things I love about where I live.  But, on days like this, I definitely wish CA was a lot closer to WI.

Good thing we’ll all be together forever in heaven.