A single rose can symbolize lasting love

This column is offered as ‘food-for-thought’ and not to be considered morbid, but when a local friend passed away recently, remarks made by another friend at the visitation service gave birth to it.

“Oh, she looked so good,” someone said, “The funeral home really did such a great job on her

Instances such as this is why I don’t ‘view’ the deceased during visitation with the family, granting them the respect of privacy they deserve. It is also the main reason I have opted for a closed casket at my funeral. It would take more ‘pancake’ make-up the funeral home technician could come up with to fill in all the wrinkles on my face. But then, I don’t actually consider these wrinkles. They’re really just lines - lines of living a long, happy life filled with experiences of joy and some sorrows along the way - like highway lines on a road map.

For myself, I would like to be remembered not for what I looked like, but rather as a noble character with a practical but positive outlook on life along with a loving heart and generous attitude. When quizzing some friends on the subject, these are some of the answers I got:

Charlene King said: “I want to be remembered as a person who spoke her mind, then went on about my business; a person who was not afraid of work and one who would help whenever needed.”

Carolyn Hudson said: “I want everyone to have their own personal memories of me because that is what is important to them.”

Deloris Cooler said: “I want to be remembered as a Christian who loved my church and also as a loving mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, wife and caretaker to other children through my lifetime.”

Cheryl Tanner said: “I want to be remembered as a ‘sold-out’ soul on fire servant of Jesus Christ who embraced my purpose and that I ran my race with love and compassion for humanity."

I would like to share the lyrics of the song “Just A Rose Will Do,” written by 1992 GMA Gospel Music Hall of Fame inductee John Alexander “J.A.” McClung.

Born in 1894, he began singing at the age of 13 and composed many gospel songs during his lifetime. His last two songs - “You Are the Silver Lining” and “Just A Rose Will Do” were written just before he passed away on July 23, 1942.

In 1972, country singer Porter Wagoner recordeda version of “Rose” which included these lines:

“When time shall come for my leaving, when I bid you adieu, don't spend your money for flowers, just a rose will do.

“I'll go to a beautiful garden, at last when life’s work is through. Don't spend your money for flowers, just a rose will do."

In 2010, the Lewis Family recorded it with an added narration of their own:

“I’d rather have one rose from a garden of a friend, than the choicest flowers when this day on earth shall end.

“I’d rather have one word of kindness said to me than flattery when my heart is still and life has ceased to be.

“I’d rather have a pleasant smile from a friend I know is true, than tears shed around my casket when I bid this world adieu.

“Bring me all the flowers today, whether pink, white or red. I’d rather have one rose now, than a truck load when I'm dead.”

Embrace your family and friends today, while we are all together, by visiting with them and sharing time together.

If you don’t have flowers in the garden, stop by the floral department in your favorite grocery store and purchase a bouquet of flower's to give to them, along with a hug and an “I love you.”

Remember, just a rose will do.

This story was originally published June 20, 2016 at 6:31 AM with the headline "A single rose can symbolize lasting love."