www.jennygperry.com artwork and words by Jenny G. Perry
I imagine you have heard the statement: “We make plans and God laughs.” I have not only heard it, but lived it. This morning, I was having breakfast with two new friends with whom I connected following a Women’s Business Forum Speed Networking event. Think speed dating on steroids as at least 50 (mostly women and a few men) professionals from Bucks County, PA gathered to interact and offer mutual support for each other’s businesses. Good thing I can use my super-hearing to filter extraneous noise. Among them were bankers, event planners, musicians, the owner of a classy adult store and someone who plans ‘fun funerals’ which may seem like an oxymoron, but really is a trend that allows people to celebrate loved ones and not just mourn their passing.
LisaBeth Weber (the musician) Kyle Tevlin (the fun funeral woman) and I sat at a table at Nonno’s which is an Italian bakery and coffee shop in our small town burb of Doylestown, PA. Enjoyed soy chai and a decadent chocolate brownie (not so guilty pleasure since I knew I would be going to the gym a little later for my regular ‘playout’) as I got to know more about them. Laughed riotously as LisaBeth shared about the love between her grandparents who had been married 70 some years, said in her grandfather’s Yiddish accent. I could relate since I am the granddaughter of Russian immigrants as well. I could hear my Bubbe’s voice echoing in my ears as LisaBeth spoke. Got to hear more about Kyle’s I Want A Fun Funeral: Putting A Little Life Into Your Last Wishes concept and thought about how it could revolutionize the way people view death. As a minister who officiates at personalized and not cookie cutter funerals and a bereavement counselor who helps people pick up the pieces, it makes so much sense to me. I related to them about my marital history and the things that I am now doing in my life since I had been widowed at 40. Had it not been for my husband’s passing, a series of events that wound itself to this moment, would not have unfolded.
In the shower tonight, I took it a step further as I recalled the jobs and relationships I had wanted that hadn’t panned out as I originally wished. Had my desires come to pass, I would have missed other relationships that were perhaps even more fulfilling or without which my life wouldn’t be as rich. At those times, I wasn’t always able to consider that question about things working out for the best. Yes, I am an optimist; or rather, an ‘opti-mystic’ who views the world through the eyes of possibility and still there are times when I need to be reminded that all is in Divine Order.
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