I have officially arrived at the Losing Side. When my parents were alive, there was a point when they started losing friends and relatives at an alarming rate. I could not understand how they could stand losing so many people they loved.

They did not cry about the deaths. Mom kept a supply of sympathy cards. The church ladies would call and assign a food to make for the family. Mom boiled dozens of eggs. Dad peeled them. Funeral bulletins were kept and filed.

Every week someone else moved on to the other side of life. Siblings, Sunday school class members, neighbors, and former co-workers started falling off the conveyor belt. Their world was emptying. 

I bought a handful of non-sappy sympathy cards last week. I sat down and made lists of memories of each dearly departed. I mailed these as I left the mountain to head home for a funeral. Next week, I must get back up the mountain for another.

We went to a party last night where we discussed dear friends who are gone. Mr. Flower and I gave pointers on what to do after the loss of both parents. How best to clean out sixty plus years of life from the home place. Who to call for help with appraisals or junk removal. What to do when mistakes are made on the death certificate…

If this seems morbid to you, it is because you have not yet arrived at the losing side. When you get there you will know it is time for those precious folks to go. Life goes on long after the thrill of living is gone.  Oh, yeah…

You will eventually not cry as the coffin goes by.

The Losing Side is just another part of this journey. When you are there, keep cards and casserole dishes at the ready. The more the better. Needing a generous supply means you have had a life full of folks you love.

Keep living and loving as long as you can.

FLOWER between funerals