| Obituaries offer a peek into a person's life. These interesting bits of writing can be very revealing, while some tell very little. Authorship is probably the explanation for length and content as some are no more than a few paragraphs, but then there is the occasional death notice that reads like a biography. I personally find the latter irresistible, whether or not the person is known to me. Strange sounding perhaps, but just attribute it to the natural curiosity of a writer. Marilynn's obituary consisted of the usual pertinent facts. The brief write-up was accompanied by the photo of a young, attractive woman, 50ish, with a sweet smile. This short summary of Marilynn's life makes her sound quite ordinary. Marilynn spent many of her last years battling cancer, and I do mean battling. With her family's support, every avenue for cure was investigated. Pain was Marilynn's constant companion, and the reality of possible premature death must have resided somewhere in her consciousness each and every day - yet - no complaint was ever voiced. As best she could, Marilynn carried on her prized responsibilities as wife, mother, and new grandmother. In short, Marilynn leaves a lasting legacy of a life of faith lived out in difficult circumstances. No written words could adequately describe her gentle spirit, tenacious resolve to beat her disease, but calm acceptance of whatever her future held. Those of us fortunate enough to have known and loved Marilynn never had a doubt about her integrity and a heart that radiated a childlike innocence for it was who she truly was. So what's the point? Isn't it the family's or predetermined wishes of the deceased to decide what is said of them in print? Of course, without question. But I would humbly propose that who we are should speak for itself. When our deeds must be enumerated or chronicled, the richness and depth is lost. Our life becomes a list. Marilynn lived fully, hopefully, and expectantly. These attributes cannot be appreciated from a few printed statements; they must be observed each day and consistently lived out. At this, Marilynn was a master. |
| A Lasting Legacy by Cynthia Price |
Cynthia and her husband, Bill, have four grown children and five grandchildren. She has been active for
many years in her church and in Bible Study Fellowship.
A writer and speaker, Cynthia has a heart for women and their special needs. She is available to speak to
your women's group and can be contacted at cbankprice@cablelynx.com.
many years in her church and in Bible Study Fellowship.
A writer and speaker, Cynthia has a heart for women and their special needs. She is available to speak to
your women's group and can be contacted at cbankprice@cablelynx.com.
| www.marymaywrites.com |
