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On September 21, 2006 we laid my dear grandmother Josephine to rest. At the
cemetery, as the priest finished the closing prayers, he asked that we please
take a moment to think about who my grandmother became in her life time, her
accomplishments, her way of being, and all that we loved about her. He then
introduced us to a custom that is unusual in the United States, but common in
Italy and that was for us to applaud her life as a sign of admiration,
celebration, and dignified appreciation.
Even though it seemed awkward at first, the applause soon became louder, more
intense, and lasted for an unusually long period of time as we each began to
express our sense of pride and admiration for my grandmother.
You may remember watching the funeral coverage of Pope John Paul II in St.
Peter’s Square in April 2005 that drew millions to Rome. I remember my own
curiosity of the mourners’ applause when his coffin was brought out. This
tradition is more common as a way to commend a respected individual’s
sacrifice and dedication, like the Pope.
My grandmother’s life accomplishments were humble, but who she was as a mother,
grandmother, sister, daughter, friend, etc. -- that in and of itself was well worth
the love and affection we expressed through our applause.
The applause was a way for us to thank my grandmother. It was an expression of
our gratitude for who she was to each of us. Our applause was also a way for us
to express our sincere and pure emotions in the moment. The experience of the
applause certainly served up a very different perception for me as I shifted
from a perspective of mourning her loss to a perspective of celebrating her
life. Since that day, I’ve carried with me these two questions that may also be
helpful for you.
Coaching Inquiries:
- What would it look like for me to continue to show my gratitude and appreciation
for my ancestors?
- What would it be like for each of us, everyday, to applaud the lives of those we
love?
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May you be filled with goodness, peace, and joy.
Christina Lombardo Ray, PCC, CPCC (Christina@LifeTrekCoaching.com)
LifeTrek Coaching International
Columbus, OH
U.S.A.
Telephone: 614-332-9747
Fax: 415-634-2301
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