Greta Empey's funeral was today at 11 a.m. George Clifford led the service with me helping out. Greta had no children but was extremely close to her great-nephew. As someone who comes from such a large family, it always astounds me when families can be so small. It's not good or bad, it's just different.
In this case, her role as an aunt transformed itself into the role of surrogate mother. Without the presence of his biological mother, Kevin came to rely on the love of Greta. What a gift for both of them -- a boy without a mother finds a great-aunt without a child. Sometimes life calls on us to be special to others in ways we never expected. This was obviously a special relationship and one to be celebrated.
George did a good job of expressing this reality and of leading a meaningful service. As minister of visitation, he provides pastoral care to many of our parishioners. I am so thankful for his ministry. Officially retired, I appreciate all the years of experience that he's had. In ministry, experience means a great deal. He's a solid rock to lean on.
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