Last respect is a living respect

At a funeral service I attended recently, the person officiating announced that any of us who want to pay our last respect can come forward and do so.

In this culture, this meant seeing the face of the deceased for the last time before it’s buried - forever.

I couldn’t bring myself to seeing his body laying in the coffin. I imagine his face will look peaceful. I imagine that, his countenance, like his heart, will be pure.

For me, the last respect isn’t to see his lifeless face. The last respect is to remember how joyful he was during our last conversation. And celebrating how much of a gift his life and living was.

The last respect I could pay him is to remember the values he held dear, and live a life that either respects or honours those. Or both.

The last respect is a living respect.