Checking In
How are you?
More often than not, a social nicety. Part of the verbal interplay that occurs between people as they pass one another in the hallway or used to open a conversation en route to more “important” topics.
And rarely do we give a complete answer. We offer a non-committal “fine” or “good,” followed by “and you?” If things are anything less, we keep the details to ourselves. After all, why saddle anyone with what is actually happening?
Today, at a funeral attended by hundreds and viewed by thousands, I reintroduced myself to someone I knew from camp. “How are you?” Mikey asked.
“How are you?” What kind of question is that to ask at a funeral?
“How are you.” As Mikey taught me, perhaps there was no more important question to have asked today.
Frume Sarah is Shabbos-observant -- in a Reform way, that is. Please note that from Friday afternoons until one hour after sundown on Saturday evenings, Frume Sarah will be unavailable, in observance of the Jewish Sabbath.
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Thank you for your understanding...and gut Shabbos!!! 
Frume Sarah's World 
Very true–I think people generally just don’t know what to say.
True. In this case, Mikey pointed out that it was important for us to be honest and face how we were feeling rather than simply give a pat answer.
Oh my gosh–I checked your link and I had no idea she passed away! How awful, she seemed like such a special person.
She really was. I encourage you, if you can find the time, to sit and watch the archive of the funeral service. The eulogies and musical tributes were achingly stunning.