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We are never promised tomorrow...
So let me tell you how she filled her days.
Then give examples of kindnesses shared by parishioners.

Wow what an honor. You must have struck a chord with this guy. Praying for you. you'll be great I'm sure.

Muji, Thoughts and Prayers go out to you as you speak. Your compassion speaking at that church must have come through, that is such an honor. Kindnesses shared by parishioners as Jewells said, I also like that. The only other thing that comes to mind is "Paying it Forward"...not sure if appropriate, but how nice it would be if her memory/her struggle prompted more kindness/understanding. You got this!

It is a great honor that he asked you. This is very personal, but I think it accords with your beliefs as well ... I would talk about how, even though we can't see, hear or touch the departed loved one, they are not far from us and we will see them again when our time comes. From what I've read, I would think that the woman who died is very close to her husband right now, and longing to let him know that she's okay, and longing to ease his sorrow. They will be reunited one day.

Prayers in progress, muji.

^^^^Please give muji exactly the right words to say. ^^^^

Not a doubt in my personal heart that you will do fine.

I agree with with Arfi, you will do fine. Sending my prayers too

Thanks, everybody. Upon reflection, I figured what I have to say is what I've learned here at DS PTSD. That our peer support is in being witnesses to one another's struggles. That is daily strength. So being witnesses to this man's work to memorialize his wife now is support, is daily strength, too. Witnesses who will help in the work of making her immortal in the remembrance of loved ones.

her life was well lived with courage

I'm off to drive to the church soon. I didn't sleep well last night, I wish I'd had a restful night to prepare me to speak at the memorial. I go straight to the parishioner's home. He wanted me to be there and go with him in support when it's time to go to the church for the memorial service. Hoping I can just be a support...

Prayers of loving support headed your way Muji!! You'll do great! Just remember to breathe and search your heart and soul... you know what to say!

Yeah, you're right, Presh. I spoke about how we at DS PTSD are witnesses here for each other. So I said that at the funeral that could work, too. We could witness both the loss and love of the love one's family.

I had no idea how much the congregation wanted of me when I left the house this morning. I thought I was just going to add some words to the funeral service. Turns out I was the featured speaker and I supplied the music. Bruce Springsteen's song "The Promised Land" was the favorite song of the woman who died, so we played that in the church. Sounds wrong, perhaps, but it turned out to be pretty cool.

Muji

I am so sorry I missed this post!!! I am still trying to remember to use the home button.

I hope it went well Muji

Wow, you did a great job! You worked well under pressure and pulled together a thoughtful and respectful service. What a nice send off for this lady.

Muji I hope you take some time to reflect on the positives, how you handled it and what skills you used. Also how you took care of yourself in the face of fear and unknown. You used your skills and calmly made it happen. Wow what a great accomplishment.

You inspire me.

Thanks, everybody. Honestly, it was the support from here at DS PTSD that got me though, and just as importantly, what I said at the funeral was just to do what we do here, and you get can through hard times. DS PTSD is awesome. Peer support is where it's at....