Train Trestle

Recently, I met with a friend and his pastor to discuss funeral plans for the future.  It was a grand two hours together. The pastor and I were talking about some memorable experiences we had had.

I then shared how I did a graveside service, overlooking a river and train trestle.  The wife, who was suffering from dementia,  was a patient on the floor when her husband had died and even though I was called when he died, there was no conversation from her at all. No other family came that night.

The daughter wanted as minimal a service as possible and that was paramount.  I didn't even meet with them prior; it was a very strange situation, believe me!

Indeed, scripture readings were minimal, I had no words to offer under the circumstances...and just then, in the distance, a train went over the railroad trestle and blew its horn. The setting was very pastoral overlooking the river and hospital; the sounds were very soothing.

Courtesy of Pixabay

Something prompted me to ask, "does anyone have any words you would like to share?"  I got a very stern look from the daughter in great disapproval!

With that, the wife, with dementia, spoke up very peacefully, and exclaimed, "he would have loved this spot...and to hear the train whistle blow...he loved trains!"  These were the first and only words I heard her say!

That was the whole reflection, eulogy, whatever you want to call it. I would call it the divine spirit stepping right in and setting everyone straight that we can try real hard to control a lot but we may not be in charge!  I'm sure glad I was not in charge that day...one major funeral I'll never forget. Amazing what a train trestle can do!