We are unexpectedly in Atlanta to celebrate the life and mourn the death of my Pop, my mom’s father, who died after 88 wonderful years. We drove down from Chestertown Friday, missing the full brunt of the East Coast storm, but suffering plenty of messy driving through the great state of Virginia in the wee hours of Saturday morning.
I haven’t been to many funerals, but this one has been more happy than sad. Lots of memories of a wonderful man, lots of catching up with family who wouldn’t otherwise have seen one another this holiday.
Alden got a new dress for the occasion. She wears black well, I think.
We got a chance to meet my new sister-in-law Megan (left) and my sister Andy.
We had the opportunity to meet my cousin Arthur’s daugther Audrey, the newest member of the family.
Robbi and I were both horrified to be reminded just how small, useless, and strange-looking very new babies are. Audrey is a fine example of a two-month old, don’t get me wrong, but I had completely forgotten just how different a two-month-old is from a 21-month-year-old. The experience startled us. We wondered aloud whether or not we should try to send the new baby back. I called our OB to see if there was anything to be done, but he assures me that Tarzan will be arriving soon, and that there’s nothing we can do about it.
Last night was the visitation at the funeral home. We had a chance to pay our respects to Pop.
Alden got to meet Pop last winter. I took her over to his ashes to say hello.
And goodbye.
Later, back at my grandparents’ house, we celebrated my birthday, which was last Friday.
My brother Alex got me a grocery store cake. At first, I was led to believe that I had turned 31.
A closer inspection, however, made it clear that I have just entered my teenage years.
In biological terms, I am 35 years old. But on a funeral weekend, such trivial things seem unimportant.
Here I am with my brother, sister, Mom, and Dean. Lindsay couldn’t make it from Oregon, but she’s with us in spirit. It’s good to be together right now.
We love you, Pop.
Matthew, I’m so sorry about your grandfather.
And Happy Birthday to you, even if it was during a sad occasion.
Yes, Alden looks splendid in black.
Sorry to hear of your loss. But, having a birthday (and soon to be birth day) so close to a passing certainly lends a deeper appreciation for all of it. At least, that has been our experience.
Best to all of you, with blessings that birth day is a lovely cap to your holidays.
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