The Funeral Singer

I actually got paid to sing at a funeral today. I was so busy being amazed that people were paying ME to sing, that I really didn't stop to think just how hard this little gig would be. When I heard that the funeral was for a 19-year-old girl, I knew that this would be different from the other three funerals I have attended in my life, all of which were for people between 60-100. I knew it would be sad, but I had no idea that there would be hundreds of people packed into a room that would comfortably seat 200, that the entire Saguaro High School football team would line the walls, that it would be standing room only, that it would be 90+ degrees in the room and I would feel like I was going to pass out...

One of the first things I noticed when I arrived was that part of the family was African American. This intimidated me because the song I was to sing, Amazing Grace, was originally a slave spiritual hymn, and though I have a pretty voice, it is definitely not a big booming Aretha Franklin type voice. The idea of a small white Jewish/Christian girl singing before this type of "audience" seemed ironic and scary. The other thought that occurred to me was that I didn't know a soul there and the last time I sang solo in front of so many people was in high school choir. Then there was the whole idea that they were actually paying me. It wouldn't be acceptable to "mess up."

The funeral itself was touching and sad. She was very loved and it was nice to be able to catch a glimpse of her life, that ended too soon. I definitely had to wipe away a few tears, listening to her family tell stories about their bright, smiling Princess, and hearing their sobs of despair. I hope my song gave them comfort...

"Yea, when this flesh and heart shall fail, and mortal life shall cease,
I shall possess within the veil, a life of joy and peace."