Thnaks to everyone for your prayers and support for the last few weeks~ I really appreciate it. Damian's funeral was held at the Bruderhof Community in Farmington, Pennslyvania on Thursday, December 7, 2006. It was one of the most beautiful funerals I have ever attended. December 7, 2006 When we first arrived, we were ushered into a waiting room with refreshments. Some of the family members were there to greet people and make them feel welcome. Several of us who were especially close to the family waited in the small coat hall to escape the noise of the gathering. 
Eventually, some of us were escorted to a different building of the community where Damian was laid out. He was in a simple Bruderhof bedroom and had not been "made-up." Only a few people were allowed to see him at a time. The family was allowed an hour or so to be with Damian before the burial. We (my family and friends) waited outside or talked quietly in the room with the refreshments. The meeting (or service before the burial) was held in the Bruderhof meeting house. It was beautiful with all of the hand-made Christmas decorations. 
I'll never forget when the family entered carrying the coffin. I could hardly look at Micah (Damian's 20-year-old brother)'s face because of his expression. They laid the closed, hand-made coffin up front and sat down. Then simultaneously, everyone rose and sang, in glorious a capella, a beautiful Bruderhof hymn. Music had always been a huge part of Damian's and my family's lives, and we had learned severaly Bruderhof songs together, but I had never heard the Bruderhof music sung like this before. After the meeting, Damian's brothers and father lifted the coffin and we followed behind for a near mile long walk to the burial place. The snow was falling fast and it was very cold. 
At the burial site, they lowered the coffin and Damian's brothers began shoveling dirt over it. After a few minutes, other people began coming up to help cover the grave. My tough, 14-year-old brother finally cried as he took his turn with the shovel. After the grave was covered, the women brought flowers to the grave. Some of us knelt and prayed that God would use his life to work in others lives, as He had in ours. This Christmas, there is so much that to remind me of God and His love and His plans. I pray that you will grow closer to Him and never take your life for granted. Each day is a gift from God and we don't know how many or how few we will have. Please use them wisely. 
Have a Blessed Christmas. | 
