Eulogy

 Eulogy...it is such an evocative word. It conjures up in most of us, people and places, funerals, family members and memories, failures and tributes. But a eulogy is so much more. It is a unique moment in time...where someone, usually closely connected to the deceased, sits down, using photos and a family's collective reflections, to create a narrative, a story that shows to others who the person was, their achievements, their quirky mannerisms, their wisdom and their impact on the lives of others. It is a time of truth but it is also a time of anguish, pain and pretence. It is a time when things are said that some of the people listening (or watching) know are not true. There is much reflection, some of which, might be described as anguished reflection, where tears are not enough and only 'distance' can assist in the healing. I've often wondered how eulogies of serial killers, might read. What could be said? What is left out? Are family expressions of love conveyed to those who are listening? Does anyone really care? I often think that eulogies are a bit like a work reference...it's not what is said but what is not said, that conveys the most significant and relevant information. I also often reflect on what a living eulogy might look like? Who would be invited and why? Who would be the speaker? Would the person themselves, take part? So many reflections! One final one - there is around 8 billion people on the planet. How many will have a eulogy? How many won't because of indifference, persecution, war, crime or terror? Every person deserves a eulogy! What will yours sound like?