We buried my Great-Grand Aunt Mae Mae last Thursday, and at the funeral of this 91 year old woman I saw something amazing… The church was completely packed!
I don’t know if you have ever been to a funeral for someone over 90 years old, but there typically aren’t that many people there. Most of that person’s friends and extended family members have passed away, and all who are left are close family members and a few scattered community members.
This wasn’t the case for Aunt Mae Mae. Every single seat was taken, the balcony was full, and there were over 15 personal tributes spoken for my Aunt’s life. Most of those tributes mentioned something of her ability to love wholly, unconditionally, and without respect of person. She had over 60 kids, grandkids, great grand kids, and great-great grand kids, and a handful of others who considered her their “adopted” mother. Not only were those family members at the funeral, but also the friends of those family members who may have not even met my Aunt. People who didn’t even know Aunt Mae Mae were recipients of her love through those that surrounded her.
That is a powerful love; a love that is so deep and stretches so wide that it impacts an entire community for generations.
Aunt Mae Mae did not just love. Nor was she just a caring soul. Aunt Mae Mae was love. Love permeated and drove every decision and interaction she had with people.
I learned the power of being love last Thursday. Love is what draws people, influences them, and holds them close to you for a life time. Be love and emote that energy to your family, to your employees, and to every stranger you meet. You will see a magnificent difference in how your life’s dreams manifest themselves.
Be love.
Thank you for the lesson, Aunt Mae Mae. I love and miss you.