Giving A Eulogy

I’ve never given a eulogy before.  It is an unbelievably surreal experience.  Standing in that church on Saturday, in front of so many people I know and some I didn’t (but do now), trying to speak the words to say good bye.  To adequately describe how much she meant to me and how much I love her.  I’m not sure that I was entirely successful because just like how you can’t bottle sunshine, there is no way to fully capture those feelings.  I did my best.  I got through it.  When I was done speaking, her brother hugged me, before he spoke.  Just when you think your heart is incapable of breaking any further apart, or hurting any more, your best friends brother hugs you and it’s all over again. 

The church service was very beautiful.  And it was more of a celebration of her life, rather than some somber, maudlin event.  Don’t get me wrong.  It was sad.  Probably the saddest thing I’ve had to do in 25 years.  But we spent time in the church together enjoying our memories of her, laughing about things she had said or done.  It was truly a celebration of her life and I think she would have approved.  The only thing that would have been better is if they played either Journey or Bob Seeger music at the service.  J 

I got a thousand hugs on Saturday and I owe a thousand thanks.  I met so many people that know me....because of her.  Because she told them about me, and how much she loved me.  It was incredibly comforting to hear. 

 

I’ve decided to publish my words, what I struggled to say at her funeral, since so many of her friends that are also my friends were not able to attend the funeral to say good bye in person.  Please, please feel free to leave a comment, tell me a favorite story about Catherine.  Something that touched you.  Something that made you laugh.  Your favorite thing about her.  Share with me. 

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Catherine was my very best friend and I loved her with all my heart and soul.  She was the most kind, gentle, caring person I’ve ever met.  She had the biggest heart and enjoyed serving her community through various local charity volunteer work.  She made a difference in others lives and was proud to do so.

She was the smartest person I know.  Seriously.  Super, super smart.  During the 9 years we were friends, she chose to go back to school full time, while still working full time, to get her Masters Degree.  She wanted me to call her “Master Catherine” when she was done (this statement got a giggle out of the crowd, but it is absolutely true….she really wanted me to call her that!  ha – cheeky little girl!).  She did this more to push herself than for career advancement; although, she wouldn’t have turned that down!  She just wanted to see if she could do it.  She was incredibly successful at school, as she was in most things in her life. 

We traveled together.  After only knowing each other for a short time, we decided to test the new friendship waters and take a cruise.  5 days locked in a tiny stateroom cabin with someone you ultimately discover you DON’T like can be miserable.  Fortunately for us, all that first trip did was cement the fact that we were meant to be together.  Yin and Yang.  Frick and Frack.  Peanut butter and jelly.  (I lost it here….)

She was the biggest champion for equal rights I have ever known.  Fighting loudly and voraciously (she would have been proud of me for using a 50¢ college word there!) in support of others that did not have a voice.  She believed that everyone on this planet, regardless of their gender, sexual orientation, race or religion, had to have a voice, to be heard.  If they couldn’t do it, she would. 

(losing it biiiiiig time here)

I cannot believe we are all gathered here today to say goodbye to such a bright, shining star in our lives.  She was my best friend, my sister, my soulmate and she will be so so incredibly missed every single day.

Goodnight Catherine.  I love you so very very much.