memories and traditions and a big big smile

After the flurry of Christmas crafting and all of the winter business, I haven't actually made anything in a few weeks. However, on the note of a homemade life, I wanted to remember my Grandpa Jerry's funeral. I say a homemade life, not because Grandpa Jerry was crafty or handy with tools, but because he was very good at creating a good life. What was remembered the most at the funeral was Grandpa's good, calm nature and his smile... oh his glowing, iconic smile! Ryan also got up and remembered how Grandpa was rarely happier than if you would finish everything on your plate and he could load you up with seconds... thirds. As Ryan said, it wasn't apparent why that would make him so happy when we were kids, but upon reflection as he got older, it was because he was rarely happier than when he was providing for his family. Ry had more to say, but cut it short for composure. After putting that so perfectly, I may have to rattle him for the rest of his thoughts. Anyhow, there was a chinese ceremony at the wake, i likely won't see many more of these. Grandpa had food (tried really hard to get a RAW__ WASHED duck to include with his vegetarian meal, alas misunderstandings etc.. no duck, but I did see what may have been a turkey neck). The siblings each covered Grandpa with a blanket, and gave him a golf club, and much to Brian's shagrin, a rod with a broken eye... Wish we would have grabbed a different rod. Owen definitely saw that part, and was very sweet, and kind of matter-of-fact about the whole ceremony... basically he understood that Great-Grandpa was resting, and went away. O. thinks he's gone fishing, and that's okay, he said goodbye great-grandpa and that he loved him... then worried that Great-Grandpa needed "some rope on his pole". Some folks thought his candor was a good reminder and affirmation of life and legacy. Anyhow Grandpa also got a silver coin in his mouth, and the family each lit an incense stick and kow-towed (three bows). The siblings burned money for him. It was all quite lovely. we wore black arm bands, the grandkids had a little red tied to it. Grandma did really really well. Everyone got a white enveloppe with candy and a dime in it upon entry. The Candy to take the bitter taste of death away. The dime is supposed to be spent before going home that night. What else did I learn... not to drive direcly home, which is why we had dinner out both nights. Upon leaving the funeral, we receive a red-envelope. Adrianne and I were in charge of Grandpa's portrait (of him with a big fish and a smile), the Uncles escorted it outside of Uncle Dudley's sunroof from the church to the freeway (sorry grandpa, just couldn't leave the picture outside on the freeway). In the end, all of the funeral gear, gloves, armbands, a few flowers, were tossed in with Grandpa. You're not supposed to take any of the white envelopes or hang onto the red ones for any amount of time. Finally, the family all received a light which to hop over upon return to home... I think to keep any cemetary mojo outside of the home. It was all so interesting. However the biggest celebration of Grandpa Jerry's life.... which was documented not only in the ceremonies, the kind words, but in the masses of people who attended his funeral. The funeral director was estimating close to 500 people. All friends, loved ones who shook our hands, shed tears, had fond memories... of his generosity, of his smile.

The last of the Christmas gifts

Well, I kept Brian up late, probably too many nights finishing these... I think they're cute. He designed all of them except "grow" which was a modification of my friend Val's 2007 Christmas card, which I love. They went over... okay, not nearly as dazzling to 1-4 year olds as all of the books, toys and shiny wrapping paper. Dad was suitably pleased to have a shirt that matched Owen's Lucky Dog, but it fit him a little tighter than a sausage casing, so it's now Mom's shirt. I'll have to do one more shirt for him... soon. They were fun!