(108) A Peaceful Day ~ Elder Ephraim's funeral observed ~ prayer and quiet

It's been a hard few weeks in so many ways.

I feel like I can't keep up with the number of people we know

who we heard who have died.

I feel that we are past a certain tipping point where

this is just going to be a lot more common.

We are of that age now I guess.

***

I had a much better day considering how difficult yesterday was.

***

I went on a walk; had good conversations; and watched Elder Ephraim's funeral 

on and off as I could amidst phone meetings and making dinner and such things. 

For those who wish to see it or could not watch it but wished they could have,

one of my friends shared where it is archived.

Here it is:

May Elder Ephraim's Memory be eternal! 

***

I watched parts of it that I missed and when I was watching

the monks and novice monks giving the final kiss

(in Orthodox funerals you kiss the Gospel and also often the 

hand and forehead of the one who has left us)...

I cried.

I cried thinking/feeling that I was seeing my own 

salvation because of the prayers of these present there.

I know/know of a few people who were at this funeral;

my Husband and I prayed for them again tonight;

it is a blessing to be able to share in this small way

in the momentous week for them of loss, of grief, of hope, of prayer. 

***

There is so much grief and loss in life.

***

May God have mercy on us and save us!