To Err Is Human; To Urn, Divine!

Well, yesterday was one loooong day. We had my mom's wake, followed by a brief service, and then a reception at our place.

I really didn't know what all to expect, as, unlike when my dad died, virtually all of her friends are now dead and buried. Who'd have thunk it; a woman who was a 2-3 pack a day smoker for over 50 years, and who had at one time had been on oxygen 24x7 for nearly a year, would outlive all her contemporaries. But, as mom used to always say "God didn't want me, and the devil didn't either".

It was most interesting all the folks who attended; our friends, my sister's friends, a surprising number of neighbors from the old 'hood, many relatives, some co-workers, and a few really interesting surprises. We had an original neighbor from the early days of the neighborhood, who I had not seen in probably 40 years...but, we surprisingly recognized each other right off. An old friend from my grammer school showed up, who I hadn't seen since 8th grade graduation (different high schools) across the city. Patti (sis) as usual did her outstanding OCD job with a picture montage, arranging the room, flowers, carpet fibers, repainting the room and adding stencils, etc. As my contribution, we had a large basket of hershey bars to give to everyone as "funeral favors"...mom, totally loved her hershey bars. The best was the younger kids all getting into the whole funeral theme; no body on display, and free chocolate....what a deal! They'll be rushing to that next funeral.

Per her wishes, mom was cremated. This was (I think) the first funeral that I've been at with a cremation urn, instead of a body on display. What a huge difference! I can't recommend it enough. Instead of the usual tear-fest, everyone spent time looking at the pictures of the "real Janie", and remembering her life as it was, not as the broken body that she had become at the end. I have to highly recommend this cremation thing in the future.

A brief catholic (she was catholic) service was performed by "Deacon Dick" (wouldn't you change your name in this day of priestly pedophilia?), and he did a surprisingly nice job of it all. Some kind words, no heavy religious mumbo-jumbo, and a very nice tone to the whole thing. I had to really compliment him.

Following the service, scores of people came over to our place for a reception. Food provided by our resident chef, Laraine, who is one of the great cooks of our time. Well, at least of those people who continue to cook for me. Pork tenderloins and mango chutney, shrimp, pulled pork, and of course, her patented chocolate cake. Many other folks brought food also, and we were most appreciative. It's an interesting tradition...put 'em in the ground, then eat until you puke.

Anyhow, it was a nice, albeit tough day, but it's behind us now, mom's in a better place than where she finished at, and the world continues to turn.

I'll restart our trip blog tomorrow after a brief reset on my thoughts. Best to everyone; stay happy, healthy, and continue to enjoy every minute like it could be your last...because it could.

Appreciating Life Lumpy Out