lola's eulogy

Lola as a grandmother
Friends, family and loved ones, Thank you all for being here.
As a child, I constantly misplaced things. You could see me bouncing around, turning the house inside out and upside down looking for a lost toy or book. I would frequently go to Lola asking her help in locating whatever I had lost or couldn’t find. I vividly remember one time when I was looking for a can, running frantically throughout the house and it was just right there in front of me but I couldn’t find it, she handed it to me and told me “Lisa, look with your eyes not your mouth.”
That was just one of the lessons Lola taught me. Now as a grown woman, Lola still had so much wisdom to impart. Even though she had a difficulty hearing, she would always listen to whatever you had to say. So many times, we can hear but not really listen to each other, thinking instead in what ways to respond or about whatever else was important in your life. That was not the case with Lola, when you came to her with a concern in your heart. She made you the priority. Whatever kind of pain or challenge, you could come to Lola and she would help you through it.
She gave me good advice. She was a woman with a sharp mind and great wit, always imparting wisdom and making us smile and laugh.
The greatest lesson she gave me is the one I want to share with you today. It was a somewhat gloomy day and one of Lola’s stronger days. She had just finished a stroll in her wheelchair. We sat together and I looked at her sweet face. We held each other’s hand and she told me “Lisa, life is short.”
That is all she said. That’s all she had to say. Once you know your life is short and not forever, your perspective becomes enriched.
This is the lesson I want to share with you. Whether you are inspired to love more deeply, abandon greed and petty rivalries or jealousy, live life more fully, take risks and chances, find peace, devote yourself to your God or a higher spirituality, please look within and do what you must. The best way to remember Lola would be to live our lives remembering life is short, being people of good character and embodying kindness and compassion as she did.
To everyone who helped Lola and took care of her I say Thank you so much. In a world where many die in hospitals or even alone, I’m happy we had a chance to be with her in her final moments. Now it is Lola’s time for transformation as she moves on from life her among us in the physical world to the next. Let us do our best to live with the lessons she imparted and following her example of kindness, compassion and love. We send Lola off to her eternal rest and peace with our prayers.
Peace and blessing to you all as we continue our journeys through life.