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Ever since the funeral of Vera's nephew Yuri, I can not get that song out of my head. It is both sorrowful and uplifting. It is the one that her nephew sang with his guitar. It is called 'I Will Rise'. It came out in 2008. Here are the lyrics. They were written by Chris Tomlin, Matt Maher, Jesse Reeves, Louie Giglio.
"There's a peace I've come to know
Though my heart and flesh may fail
There's an anchor for my soul
I can say "It is well"
Jesus has overcome
And the grave is overwhelmed
The victory is won
He is risen from the dead
And I will rise when He calls my name
No more sorrow, no more pain
I will rise on eagles' wings
Before my God fall on my knees
And rise, I will rise
There's a day that's drawing near
When this darkness breaks to light
And the shadows disappear
And my faith shall be my eyes
Jesus has overcome
And the grave is overwhelmed
The victory is won
He is risen from the dead
And I will rise when He calls my name
No more sorrow, no more pain
I will rise on eagles' wings
Before my God fall on my knees
And rise, I will rise
And I hear the voice of many angels sing
Worthy is the Lamb
And I hear the cry of every longing heart
Worthy is the Lamb
And I hear the voice of many angels sing
Worthy is the Lamb
And I hear the cry of every longing heart
Worthy is the Lamb
Worthy is the Lamb
And I will rise when He calls my name
No more sorrow, no more pain
I will rise on eagles' wings
Before my God fall on my knees
And rise, I will rise, I will rise"
I would also like to say that the celebration of this young man's life was very special. There were over 300 people in attendance. A feast was served at the Slavic Pentecostal Church in Frankfurt, just over the Utica line. It was so elaborate and unrushed that I decided to call in and not work my evening shift at the Olive Garden. My boss Jean was great and told me to enjoy and not worry about a thing.
Big screens showcased the life of Yuri and of his family. The gatherings always centered around a meal. Yuri loved to cook and many of the pictures showed him preparing food. Indeed, one of the mourners, a pastor from another church, got up to speak. He wanted to share how Yuri would join him to set up for the men's Prayer and Breakfast service. He said that Yuri always had a positive word to say to everybody. He also would not leave until all the work was done.
I was getting to know my friend's brother. He was kind to everyone. He lent himself to everyone and yet he did not belong to anyone. He had a winsome smile and gorgeous blue eyes, very handsome. His good looks were enhanced by the beauty of his soul.
The tables were announced and now my table was going up. There was that delicious broccoli salad that my husband Jim enjoys so much. There was Braciole, that rolled up flank steak made with herbs and topped with herbs and tomato sauce. Another of my Easter European friends used to make it. Christine was originally from a part of Poland that later became Germany during WWII.
There were also these tasty chicken patties seasoned and tender. There were assorted pickles, and cucumbers, a cabbage salad, rye bread, and a creamy potato dish served with a mild white fish. There was an abundance of food and everything tasted so good. The ambience was even better. One was surrounded by love and warmth. Vera's sister Lubov welcomed me to join her table with her husband and adorable children. Interestingly, 'Lubov' means 'love' in the original Slavic now used in Russian-speaking countries.
That Brazilian vanilla soda was on the table. My son James likes that. We have gotten that on occasion at the Russian store on Albany Street in Utica. There was also cherry juice and sparkling water.
Vera's husband Eugene was inviting people to come up and share their stories about Yuri to uplift everyone.
Lubov took my hand, "Come Virginia, let us get sweets now." Her sister Vera always referred to cakes and cookies simply as "sweets". I like that.
The dessert table was almost as big as the main food table. The "sweets" were out of this world. Along with a huge pot of coffee, there were pies, raspberry cheesecake, linzer tarts, chocolate covered meringue, prune cake, chocolate cake with rice krispies, almond delectables and, the most facinating of all - were what looked like peaches. But, they were not! They were a macaron of sorts. The young lady beside me told me that a sweet milk was inside. I took one to bring home for James.
Before leaving, I was drawn to Vera's paternal Aunt Elisabetta. She was the original 'Babushka'. She had the map of Belarusia on her face. She had such a kindly face. Lubov brought me over and introduced me to her. She gave me a big hug and patted my face. I think that is a common form of expression in the old country - to caress one's face in a caring fashion. That is what Elisabetta did. She is very sweet. God love her.
Vera gave me a container to take something home for Jim and James. She is very considerate. I love all her family.
I went out to the foyer where there were huge coat racks. This is another thing that I marveled at. One could hang up a fur coat with a hundred dollar bill in the pocket and come back and everything would be intact.
Now I was on my way with priceless memories.
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