Belmont, NC, Sunday, Nov. 24 -- The Sisters of Mercy convent chapel had filled, with nearly 300 people present.
     Just inside the entrance Sr. Mary Thomas lay in an open casket.
     The focus of people in the chapel was on sharing; sharing about the impact Mary Thomas has on people's lives.
     One after another they came to microphones placed around the chapel and spoke their hearts to honor a woman whose loss truly hurts. There were poignant stories, funny stories, sad moments.
     Tears and laughter.
     There was no doubt: she was a flaming torch lighting a path for others.
     She had made many great contributions to her profession and to the community.
     Yet, as important as her community contributions were -- and they were important; she started or spearheaded many, many important community efforts -- the emphasis was on her affect on individuals.
     And the focus was the life lessons of Mary Thomas Burke.
     What are some of those lessons?

• People gained confidence in themselves because she believed in them. In believing, she demanded excellence, and people responded in kind.
  
• People felt loved because she gave them her attention. That made it easier for them to be more loving.
  
• People felt lifted up because she always asked about them or their families. That helped them connect more deeply and genuinely with others.
  
• People gave up their walls because she refused to stop loving them. That helped people see that loving is a decision, a choice, freely made by the lover.
  
• People saw that change does not have to have a confrontational face; it can be collaborative.
  
• As important as the world is, nothing is more important than another human being.
  
• She never gave up. Never.