take a bow

Most funerals claim to be a celebration, but one that I attended the other week really got to me. The service was somber and moving, like all. But then, at the end, as the pallbearers approached the casket, one let out a sharp whistle and began to clap. The other pallbearers immediately joined in and pretty soon the whole room was applauding -- not for those who spoke during the service, but for the person we were there to commemorate. It was the final thank you, the ultimate gesture of respect, as if to say, "Great performance; job well done."

Whatever I end up accomplishing in my time in this world, I should be so lucky to earn such praise at the end of it.