2 Funerals and a lesson

I’ve been to a couple of funerals recently. One was a lady my age and one was a lady my mother’s age. Lives that were a generation apart.

One was born just before World War II started, the other during the Vietnam War.

One sailed on a ship to do their OE (overseas experience), the other flew in a jet. 

One grew up listening to the radio to get the news, the other watched TV.

One wrote letters to communicate with her remote children, the other used FaceTime.

One smoked because all her friends did, the other didn’t because none of her friends did.

One grew most of her own vegetables, the other bought most of hers.

One wasn’t expected to have a career, the other was.

These differences reflect the degree of change that’s occurred between these generations. They are not insignificant, and I can only see the pace of change increasing when looking forward to subsequent generations.

Despite the contrasting worlds these women lived through, what struck me was not the differences. It was the similarities. 

At each funeral, I listened to those who spoke about these women’s characters and the lives they lived. The speakers relayed what they remembered. What was important for them to share.

And they shared the same things. They talked about loving relationships, adventures, kindness, curiosity, playing, and having fun.

I learned that times may change, but the things that matter don’t.

In a sea of change, people are our biggest constant.