Hi Laurie, I know what you mean, some of the funerals I've attended hardly met my definition of a celebration.
I must say, though, that a very dear friend of mine died about 10 years ago. Of course, I attended her funeral and all I can say is that it truly was a homegoing ceremony and celebration. The church kicked this event into OVERDRIVE. The gospel choir sang upbeat songs with a full band and esemble (tamborines, pianos, organs, drums, horns and other misc. instruments). People stood up and gave the most inspiring 2-minutes speeches about Pam's love, life and legacy. It was truly unbelievable. Before it all got started, the choir director announced "they didn't mean any disrespect, but they just couldn't be sad because sister Pam would not want that." "Therefore, we are going to praise the Lord for who she was and look forward to seeing her in Heaven one day." And with that they gave the most incredibly charismatic performance one has ever seen.
We had been friends for more than 25 years (talked everyday long distance for 5 years) Yet, I could not cry because the service was such a "high." African American churches have a history of being charasmatic; this one was true to form.
Maybe one day, you will get to experience such an event. It certainly softened the burden of losing her.
Take care,
W.
