I attended the funeral service two Fridays ago of a distant relation (by marriage, several families removed). I only saw her once a year, at Easter, when various members of these families came together to play bocce and softball and chase after children and take photographs and eat. I didn’t know her very well, but I do know that she was loved deeply and she will be missed. There will be a palpable void this coming Easter. She left behind two young children.

There were hundreds of people at the service. Many spoke about her. It was quite moving to see how many people came to pay their respects. I would be lucky to have so many people honor me when I die. The saddest moment was when her children and their father helped carry her coffin. Carrying their mother to her grave is something that I wish no child had to do. But, perhaps it was the only thing they could do, given the circumstances. Perhaps doing less would have been even more painful.

I can’t imagine what they must be going through. I just know that I need to do everything within my power to spare my children from a similar fate. At least, until they’re ready. As ready as anyone can possibly be to face the death of a parent.