In one of the closing prayers at the funeral for Sr.
Benedicta Boland, we read, “We take comfort in the hope that one day we shall
see Sr. Benedicta again and enjoy her friendship.” It occurred to me that what
we miss most about people after they die is the opportunity to enjoy their
friendship on a day to day basis … they are no longer present to share a cup of
coffee, play a round of cards, discuss the day’s headlines, or be a sounding
board for life’s mysteries.
Thus one of death’s many lessons is not to take our
friendships for granted. Sr. Benedicta had many visitors during her last two
months of life, because it was clear her health was failing. Her family and
friends were blessed to be able to visit with her one last time. We can’t
always count on that blessing, however. Therefore, we need to cultivate a
steady sense of gratitude for our friendships and consciously enjoy being with
our friends while we are still on the same side of the doorway of death.
On July 27, 2011, the 65th Session of the United Nations
General Assembly declared July 30 as “International Day of Friendship,” and in
many countries, “Friendship Day” is celebrated on the first Sunday in August. Death,
our mentor and master teacher, reminds us not to wait for a particular day on
the calendar to acknowledge and celebrate our friendships, which are one of
life’s greatest blessings.
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