I attended the funeral or as the pastor called it and I like this better "home going service". By far it was the largest one I have ever been to with over 1000 people in attendance. What really struck me was how close knit this family was and how their spiritual beliefs have sustained them through all this. While it was tragic that while young Matthew Bellamy died at such a young age what was more impressive was how he lived and the joy that he brought to everyone he knew. He was very involved in sports, especially baseball and soccer. But the one thing about him that was brought up over and over was how he seemed to be always smiling. At the end of the service they did a video presentation of his life starting on the day he was born then continuing through the years. At the end was a single photo of him with that famous grin with a caption under it.."Please don't be sad...just smile...I'm with God now". Needless to say there was not a dry eye in the place.
I believe in every tradgedy there are lessons to be learned and the one I took away was this. It really isn't so much about the number of years we live..but how we live while we are here. I can tell you this boy and his family have had a postive impact on many people. I saw evidence of that today. I wish you could have heard some of the stories that were told.
One more thing. I know some of you will be pulling for the Colts but this year please say a prayer that the Saints win. Matthew was a big Saints fan and was active in helping plan his familys super bowl party in hopes the Saints would be there.
