Lydia had died at the age of 81. She lived a full life and wanted to be remembered for her work as a charity leader and events organiser for her local church.
You see, Lydia never married or had any children, so when she died there were very few people at her funeral. Many were people she knew from church and a few good friends. The important thing is that she was very well liked and it is not about how many people are at your funeral, but how you touched their life’s through your actions while you were alive.
She devoted her time to helping less fortunate families and their children. She would search high and low for clothes for them and donations of food when she could. Lydia loved doing this and in return the families always invited her for tea and at Christmas gatherings in their homes. The family’s didn’t have much, but they did have big hearts and nobody forgot Lydia.
Today in the chapel made me think about my own life and when my time comes to be here no more. How I wanted to be remembered by the people I knew and loved.
It seems to me that being kind, generous and caring to others brings you so much more happiness than having lots of money and lots of things.
Lydia wrote a few words that she wanted to share with everyone at the funeral and this is what she wrote:
“I have not forgotten how you helped me to be part of your community and families. I will always treasure this and I hope that you will continue to help others the way that I did. Open your hearts and doors to people that need it.”
Everyone on hearing this nodded and smiled at each other. I knew that instant that her wishes were being granted. We all said our last goodbyes in the chapel for Lydia.
Thankyou Lydia for being a part of my life
Love Joyce xx