Justin Lee Blum

“Some people are just an unexplainable spark of life. They ooze freedom and seek awareness, they belong to nobody but themselves yet give a piece of who they are to everyone they meet. No one truly knows the struggles they have been through, or what their eyes have seen, whatever they had to conquer, it just somehow shines through them as a glow. If you have met such a person, hold onto him. He’ll allow you into his soul and you will see the magic.”

Welcome and good afternoon. My name is Ronda Berkey and I am honored to be with you as your funeral celebrant as you all have gathered to pay tribute to Justin. He was that spark, that free spirit, that glow you now have in your soul and you were so lucky to have seen the magic.

I thank each and every one of you for your presence here today.

It is something so significant when we can stop to acknowledge the importance of a life and how he touched his world.

Your presence is a sign of respect for how Justin made a difference in your life and you took the time to stop and honor his special place on this earth.

Before we begin the service, we will pause to light a candle. The lighting of a candle signifies the essence of light in all of us. It is also symbolic of the eternal flame that stands in remembrance of those gone before us… this lighting is in tribute to the source of life and the brilliant light that Justin was to all… I ask Denise and Andrew to please step forward to light this candle.

Lighting of the candle

I was told Justin would be making fun of us for “all of this”. He wasn’t in favor of events that were about him. He wasn’t into bragging about himself what he has done or where he has been.

Andrew said the only thing he would brag about is how good he could take a hit. And he also would be critiquing this video about him, because that was what his job was as a Media Content Analyst for Cognizant Corporation. He judged what video content was worthy of placing on the internet for such places as Facebook and U-tube.

So sorry Justin…today is about you! Today you are the center of attention- no matter how you tried to avoid it in life, your family and friends have come together to honor and remember you.

The death of Justin came at all like a lightning bolt; hitting hard, and causing a jolt of pain that still sits like an open wound. Today is to celebrate the years, the months, the days and the hours God placed his beautiful heart on this earth.

“You cannot relive your life, there are no do overs or skipping the awful parts. Each moment lived makes it all worthwhile, the good and the bad. You accept it as a whole- like the world, or the person you loved.”

Today is a day to accept and share the words of comfort; be compassionate with each other and fully understand the feeling of loss. As a community you have all experienced the loss of Justin. Offer condolences and praise today. Truly be there for each other as you recall your special memories of Justin.

To speak of someone is to pay respect. May the words and prayers that we offer up today bring peace and healing to all that are here to celebrate the life of Justin.

Denise told me that she is very proud of both her sons. Justin and Andrew have both grown up to be considerate, caring and genuine men.

I believe everyone in this family knows how much they are loved- I hear you all are quite verbal and none of you are shy about telling each other anything.

Justin needed that. He needed to have that confidence of love and support as he moved through his life. He struggled with a rough road for a while, but he was fortunate with good friends and family that helped him in pulling it all together.

He had that “likeable” spark that drew you in. You were endeared to a laid back quiet character, his covertly covered mischievous ways, his out of the blue statements and expressions and his bit of a smart- aleck attitude, but most of all you recognized a truly good and generous heart.

Even that mean boxer dog from next door knew a real and genuine guy when he saw Justin. Poor thing is still coming over for a petting session. Children and dogs know a good person when they meet them and the babies and the little kids had a blast with Justin.

You will miss those full on hugs and his big belly out loud laugh, or hearing his music blasting in his car that announced his arrival. Most of all you will miss his kind and loving heart and his expressions of love he made towards you. Denise wanted you all to know how much every single one of you meant to Justin.

They say we do not remember specific days…but we do remember moments…

My words can never express that jest for life that Justin had, that is better off being left for those who really lived in his essence. So I turn to you. So many of you have the moments, the times of pure laughter and joy that you shared with Justin. Please I ask you now to come and share, lift the burden of loss and help those gathered here feel the joy of a genuine friend….

***speakers***

I thank you all for your thoughts and sharing of words. They are like prayers that lift high up into the heaven like a freely released spirit and we know that they were heard by Justin.

As we close our service I have been asked to extend an invitation to all of you to come by the house and continue your celebration of Justin’s life with a time of good food and fellowship.

If you take a look at the front of Justin’s memorial folder- there is an eagle – and I asked Denise why she choose that set of stationary…she told me it most reminded her of Justin, a strong figure with a free spirit. So in tribute to that memory, I have a gift for all of you, it is an eagle feather. Remember Justin as that strong and free spirit.

Today all of you have gained strength and helped released those words of great praise to carry Justin home- free to soar as high as he wants. Thank you!

Let’s end with a final prayer, you may bow your heads if you wish…

Dear Lord, I ask that you bless all that have shared this day with Justin’s family.

May they go forward with happy memories of Justin. May the words, the touch and presence of others bring solace and comfort. May they remember his joy in being with others and the generosity of his presence. Thank you for allowing us to share and rejoice that Justin has found peace and comfort. We rejoice because he is in your divine presence. May each of you be blessed in your coming in and going out as you end this day.

Our service has ended here in the chapel. Thank you and God bless.