We’re celebrating the life of my sister, Bonnie Pauahi Stevens, later this morning with her friends and family.

I’m on the program to give the eulogy.

I had to look up what that means, and seek advice on how to do it right. I ended up finding an excellent article, titled simply: “How to Give a Eulogy”

The author’s style was easy to read and thought provoking. It gave me hope that I could do it.

I have no idea if what I’ve written will come close to the mark. I’ve only read it through once out loud, but several times silently as I edited and fussed over words and phrases. My challenge will be to get through it without getting lost, or letting emotions well up suddenly out of nowhere.

I’ve got a large print copy, legible from a distance, to get me through.

Sending off my parents was easier. They were both nearing 100 years when they died, so dealing with it was more arms length, although that sounds weird and callous. This is more of a “it could have been me” moment. It’s more existential. There’s a feeling of vulnerability and mortality. I can hear the time clock ticking away.

Bonnie believed in a life hereafter where she would be reunited with her late husband, Ray, who died ten years ago. I think that gave her some personal comfort at the end, and who am I to argue?

Bonnie had blogged Ray’s 18-month battle with cancer. Just hours after he passed away in early March 2007, she returned to her keyboard and wrote:

“Give thanks for the life which touched so many.”

That’s what we will do again today.