Debbie Goodman , Family Friend

I arrived early at the chapel where Lorna’s viewing and funeral were to be held. The thought of viewing her body was making me apprehensive and sad. As we entered the room, my husband and I saw many friends that we hadn’t seen in several years. After visiting with them and some of Lorna’s children, I walked up to the casket. Lorna looked peaceful and beautiful, but my sweet friend was not there. I felt empty inside so moved quickly away to sit in a chair. Shortly thereafter, we moved into the chapel, where the funeral was to take place. It was a surprise to me to see how full the room already was, and eventually we seated ourselves on the first row of the back section.

Tearfully, I listened to the organ music and contemplated the unexpected loss of my best friend. This just seemed too much to bear. Lorna was a light to her family and friends, and her dying at such a relatively young age was devastating to me.

The audience began to stand as the casket, followed by the family, slowly entered the room. As tears flowed like a river down my face, I looked at her casket and her sweet family left behind. Suddenly I felt a distinct warmth enter the left side of my chest and slowly spread across. It was a powerful feeling, and at that moment I absolutely knew that Lorna was standing right beside me and telling me she loved me. I had never felt anything like that before. It was the sweetest experience, and the realization of what it was made me sob that much harder! The funeral was beautiful, the speakers eloquent, and the Spirit strong. I look forward to seeing my beautiful friend again.

I know that Lorna was helping me when we sang for her funeral. After shaking, and feeling (and being) very emotional through the whole funeral, I was a mess before we got up to sing. I knew that there was no way I would get through the song, and I knew Lorna knew me well enough to know that.

I prayed through the whole funeral for emotional control. There were many times when Lorna and I sang together when I would choke up, and she would have to sing on without me until I gained composure–she was always so sweet. I don’t think she wanted it to happen that day. As you were speaking, I said in my mind, ”Okay Lorna, if you don’t want me to cry through this, you need to help me out.”

The moment I stood up with the others to sing, I felt calm and serene. I made it through the whole song. I was able to sing without choking up. I remember looking at the music and thinking, “ wow, we are almost done! I’m going to make it,” Lorna helped me. I can see her sweet smile and hear her encouraging words.