HONORING A GOOD LIFE

When someone good passes away, we celebrate their life by sharing their accomplishments. We focus on what they brought to the people around them, love, joy, laughter and resilience.  This reminds us that every good life is worthy of acknowledgment. Accomplishments don’t always need to be grand to be meaningful. Sometimes, it’s the way a person makes others feel or the small contributions they make that have the deepest impact.

Learning about other peoples’ lives helps us understand the unique and valuable contributions they made, reminding us that everyone, regardless of ability or background, has a meaningful story to tell us. By remembering and sharing these stories, we show that humans are complete, not defined by labels but by memories and stories of the love they gave and the joy they spread.

We can learn from everyone’s life, no matter what their station, and we can honor the memory of lives full of purpose. Highlighting the unique strengths and qualities of those who have passed allows us to appreciate what made their personality and contributions special.  Whether it’s their creativity, determination, kindness, or resilience, we can share how they inspired others, and we can celebrate the challenges they faced, focusing not just on their struggles but on their moments of joy and courage.

Sometimes, a person with special needs might have helped raise awareness for a cause, brought a community together, or taught others about empathy, inclusion, and acceptance. By telling their stories, we understand how their presence made a difference. Focusing on the fullness of their lives and their triumphs, challenges, and the love they shared, ensures that their memory and lessons continue to resonate with us.

Every good life, no matter what the circumstances, has inherent value. Telling each story with respect and dignity conveys this message. All good lives matter and are worthy of being heard. When we emphasize common humanity, we connect through shared emotions…love, fear, dreams, challenges, and joys. By focusing on universal experiences, we can show that no matter what our differences, we all share the capacity for good.

We can challenge stereotypes and misconceptions. Too often, people with special needs or those seen as “different” are defined by labels. By focusing on individuality, passions, and personal experiences, we can highlight that everyone’s life is complex and multi-dimensional. Each good person has unique qualities that make them special, and these qualities deserve celebration even after they’re gone.

By making space for diverse voices, we broaden understanding and empathy. Encouraging empathy through storytelling invites us into the experiences of others. Stories help break down the “us vs. them” mentality and promote a shared sense of experience.

Inclusive storytelling is essential. The more we see and read about diverse stories, the more we realize that every good life has meaning. By sharing stories of those who’ve made significant contributions despite or because of their differences, we shine a light on role models who show that imperfections in each of us only adds to the richness of humanity.

Let’s create a culture of listening where every good soul has the chance to be heard. Whether in schools, workplaces, or families, listening to each other’s stories without judgment breeds connection. When we value everyone’s good voices, we affirm that their lives deserve respect.  By leading with kindness and inclusiveness, we can inspire others to do the same, creating ripple effects that encourage everyone to value the importance of being good humans.

Some of you will wonder why I consistently valued good humans over others. Who decides who is a good human? We each must judge ourselves to be our best and yet we also judge others. None of this is black and white and there are many shades of grays in goodness. These are the differences between us. I’m seeking the good humans to write about. I also hope that goodness will prevail in all of us. And I know this is impossible…but I continue to hope.

Shabbat Shalom.