Getting to Know Each Other

Sunday my wife and I went to a memorial service held to celebrate the life of a fellow remodeler who had been dealing with a terminal illness.

It was a very positive event. His death was not a surprise. He had taken the time to prepare to depart.

The mix of people was amazing, reflecting his diverse interests. Attendees included family, old friends, NARI members and members of a local historical society, inclined to celebrate the past with lots of passion for the present.

I learned more about this man at his memorial service than I knew when he was alive. Have any of you had that experience?

Most of one's life is spent in action. A variety of needs and interests drive the doing. Typically, however, there is not a lot of taking stock and celebrating what has been.

As we age, we will attend more of these services. That is inevitable. The way I see it, the challenge is minimizing the knowledge gained at these events. By that I mean how can we learn more now about the people with whom we associate?

By the way, I think it is particularly hard for men to do this. I do not mean to be sexist, but women seem to have an easier time getting to know one another, and men seem more comfortable talking about work and other results-oriented stuff. Does this fit with your experience?

Here are ideas to consider so you will not be surprised at the next memorial service you at-tend: