Too Tired to Blog

I experienced quite a few "firsts" this week in my role as the first counselor in my congregation's Relief Society:

• This was the first time I had ever been involved in a funeral. 

• A widow passed away quite suddenly and she had no family members who could dress her body for burial. For the first time in my life, I was able to help with that. I am forever grateful for my mom and the other excellent women I could consult with to prepare for this unique act of service. Their insights allowed this to be an unusually spiritual experience for me. When we finished dressing her, she appeared glorious, heavenly, at peace. I think I sensed joy. Was it her joy? I don't know. I just can't explain the feeling any better than that. 

• Our Relief Society organization was asked to put on a luncheon for the family members after the graveside service. That's pretty typical, except our fine president had just had a baby the day before and would not be available to direct the affair. I was able to manage it, surprisingly enough, but only because of our president's meticulously clear notes, and nothing short of 14 fabulous volunteers who bought, prepped, served, setup, washed, cleaned, and babysat everything and everyone just as it needed to be done. I love, love, love serving with these people.

And then, when it was all said and done, I came home and collapsed on the bed. Five nonstop days can add up on a person. The adrenaline was gone. All that was left was exhaustion. Burning eyes. Aching body. Lucky for me, the kids were okay with playing card games on the bed while I drifted in and out of consciousness. Dinner was leftovers. I think the kids ate plain white rice and nothing else. Oh well.

I'm happy. I would like to think about these happenings in more detail. I want to record more about this process and publicly thank those 14 volunteers by name, but that's not going to happen tonight. I'm off to bed.