It's Worth Trying

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When my husband's cousin Jim died recently his widow Marisha asked me to read a poem at his funeral service. She said she'd been impressed when I'd read one of my poems at my own husband's funeral 2 years ago, and she wanted to do the same. She'd written the poem but felt she'd be unable to read it out herself as she'd be too emotional. I said that of course I'd do it but perhaps she could try, and I'd take over if she faltered. I told her that she'd probably find the strength from somewhere, just as I had done. But no, she was adamant that she couldn't do it. When the time came for the reading I went up to the pulpit and said a few words about Jim, then explained to the congregation (limited to 30 because of Covid) that Marisha had asked me to read her poem as she felt she wouldn't be able to manage it herself. Then I looked directly at Marisha in the front pew and said "Do you want to try?" I was really pleased when she said she did. I stood the requisite 2 metres behind her, near enough to take over if necessary. I'm happy to say that she sailed through it, no problems at all. We were all so proud of her, but best of all she was proud of herself. On such a sad day it gave her a lift to have been able to do this last thing for her beloved husband. It's an old but true saying that you never know what you can do till you try.