Mom's Funeral

Mom's Funeral was just as she would have wanted it- Simple, lots of family and lots of music.

Thanks to Shiela for taking the pictures.

Mom's Program and Mindy's Talk

I have told my Mother a hundred times that I wouldn't speak at her funeral. I love you very much I said, but I just can't do it. I know my Dad was there for at least a couple dozen of those discussions.

When we were discussing the funeral the first thing out of his mouth was that he thought all the children should speak. I quickly reminded him of my stance on the issue. My other siblings assured me that I could say no. I texted Christopher telling him of the request. He also said that I could say no. Then I imagined the printed program that had all my siblings name on it and then in the lower left hand corner a P.S. There are really eight children, but Mindy didn't want to speak or sing or play the organ.

So here I am willingly and gladly speaking (kicking and screaming the whole way.) But as Mom would always say, You have two options. You can do this happily with a smile or grumpily with a frown. Today I would add a third option, Heart Broken and sobbing.

As we centered around hymns for the theme of today service. I had no hesitation in what I would speak on. Lord I will Follow Thee. Hymn 220. As I was repeating the first verse in my head.

Savior may I learn to love thee, Walk the path that though hast shown, pause to help and lift another Finding strength beyond my own. Savior, may I learn to love thee, Lord I will follow thee.

The phrase Pause to help and lift another began resonating with my heart. It didnt' take me long to remember a few experiences that illustrate how my Mother would Pause and help lift another...

I don't know how many times during a family prayer I would learn news like marriage engagement, pregnancy, illness, tragedy. She would often pray for friends and family by name for specific needs. Quietly she served through her supplications to the Lord.

Not long ago, I was having one of those days and called my Mom for the upteenth time that day. I asked if She and Dad were tired of talking to me yet. She assured me that she enjoyed talking to me and then my Dad chimed in that they had just had a discussion about how much they loved and looked forward to talking to each of their children. I took comfort in this as I was bordering on stalking at this point. She often would pause what she was doing when I called and give an encouraging word.

Last Christmas, my parents became aware of a family near NorthPort whose house had burned to the ground. They had 10 children including a 2 week old baby the father had recently lost his job and their home owners insurance had lapsed. After some thought, my Mom called with an idea. She wondered if I thought that instead of giving each of her kids and grandkids money for Christmas it would be okay to give that money to this family in need. What greater gift to her posterity than an example of service.

As I was searching for some things on my Mom's computer I came across many things. After reading the minutes from a cub committee meeting in 2006, I found the folder that contained my Mom's talks. She gave 3 talks this year alone. I would like to close with some of her own thoughts:

“Giving Service is not only a requirement; it is the ultimate expression of the Light of Christ in our lives”

“Christ is our example of how to show love to our neighbors. And what was his example? It was showing love through service. 1 John 3:18 “My little children, let us not love in word, neither in tongue but in deed and in truth”
I would like to close with this: I have cross stitched one of my favorite quotes from Joseph Smith: Happiness is the object and design of our exitences; and will be the end thereof, if we pursue the path that leads to it; and this path is virtue, uprightness, faithfulness, holiness and keeping all the commandments of God.

She closed one of her last talks with these words: Rejoice the Lord is King! Your Lord and King adore. Mortals, give thanks and sing and triumph evermore. Life up your heart! Lift up your voice! Rejoice, again I say, rejoice!

I rejoice in the life of Marjorie Call Barnes my Mother, the Grandmother to my children and my best friend. And I rejoice in the Plan of Salvation which makes it possible for us to be together again.