Funeral of a Friend

This evening, accompanied by Destiny, I attended the funeral of Kristin Claudi. All I could think when I was there was, "This is ridiculous!" This beautiful woman was only 28 years old. How can that possibly happen? According to her family, it is still a medical mystery. It was incredible to see how many people were there! We arrived at about 5:30 (service started at 6pm) and there was already a line out of the hall. Her husband and his family started the receiving line followed by her mother, father, brother, sister and extended family. Her mother said, "At least she had a full life and was doing what she loved." I heard someone else say that "she went out like a light" and I guess that means that she was so active and suddenly passed instead of slowly suffering. That is comforting to know. I wasn't expecting the memorial to have an open-casket and it was really difficult to see her glowing, young face resting so peacefully. She had a flower resting on her ear just like I remember seeing in high school. I don't really remember ever seeing her upset beacuse she was always very happy and lively. I suspect that is why she was such an engaging teacher. I don't remember her ever speaking ill of others. She was such a classy person. I'm so sad and baffled. I'm speechless and fearful. The Vice Principal of Moanalua Elementary read a poem called "When Tomorrow Starts Without Me." I thought I was going to explode with sorrow!

When Tomorrow Starts Without Me
By David Romano

When tomorrow starts without me, and I'm not there to see.
If the sun should rise and find your eyes, all filled with tears for me.
I wish so much you wouldn't cry, the way you did today,
While thinking of the many things we never got to say.

I know how much you love me, as much as I love you..
And each time that you think of me, I know you'll miss me too..
But when tomorrow starts without me, Please try to understand..
An angel came and called my name and took me by the hand,
It seemed my place was ready - In Heaven far above,
and that I'd have to leave behind, those things I dearly love..

But as I turned to walk away, a tear fell from my eye.
For all of life, I'd always thought, I didn't want to die.
I had so much to live for, so much yet to do,
It seemed almost impossible, that I was leaving you..
I thought of all the yesterdays, the good ones and the bad..
I thought of all the love we shared, and how much fun we had..
If I could relive yesterday, just even for a while,
I'd say goodbye, then kiss you ‘til I saw that special smile..

But then I fully realized, that it could never be,
'Cause emptiness and memories, would take the place of me.
And when I thought of all those things, I might miss come tomorrow,
I thought of you, and when I did, my heart was filled with sorrow. .
But when I walked through Heaven's gates, I felt so much at home.
When God looked down and smiled at me, From his great & golden throne,

He said, "This is eternity, and all I've promised you.
Today your life on Earth is past, but here it starts anew.
I promise no tomorrow, but today will always last,
and since each day is the same day, there's no longing for the past. .
But you have been so faithful, so trusting and so true,
Though there were some times you did some things you shouldn't do. .

But you have been forgiven, and now at last you're free,
So come and take me by the hand, and share my life with me.."
So when tomorrow starts without me, don't think we're far apart,
for every time you think of me, I'll be right there - in your Heart..

Kristin Akemi Maekawa Claudi

May 27, 2009
Kristin Akemi Maekawa Claudi, 28, of Honolulu,
a Moanalua Elementary School preschool teacher,
died in Honolulu. She was born in Honolulu.
She is survived by husband Valter, parents Stanley
and Sharon Maekawa, brother Tad, sister Michele
Chan, and grandparents Koyei and Kiyoko Matsumoto.
Services: 6 p.m. Wednesday at Diamond Head Mortuary.
Cremation to follow. Casual attire.