A Life In Pictures

Wakes and funerals, in addition to being sad, despondent occasions, are also both physically and mentally exhausting. The wake itself, held on Wednesday night, went from 4-8pm. Then, we were back at the funeral home by about 8am this morning to meet, see Nana one last time, and then head to the church for the funeral. The only silver lining of these difficult events is undoubtedly the way in which families can catch up, reconnect, and re-bond over memories. Think about it: the only two times extended families see each other (unfortunately) are for weddings and funerals. Weddings are happy occasions, but there is so much going on—dancing, pictures, drinking, and eating. It all goes by so fast. But during wakes, you have a 4 hour window of time where there is no food, no music, and nothing going on—and this, in several ways, can be wonderful. We are able to all slow down and talk . . .

I was able to really spend some quality time catching up with my cousins—particularly Lauren, Brian, and Allison, whose name I am sure I am spelling wrong (its probably with a Y, and I am in trouble). Kristin and I used to spend lots of time down at their house in the summer—they lived in Plymouth, right by the water, the Plymouth Rock, and the Mayflower—both of which are not as great as you may think. We’d ride bikes, skateboard, go to the mall, and make fun of some kid they called “lumpy.” Living in Maine, I don’t get to see them much anymore, and it was great to reconnect with them.

Their mother, my Aunt Patty, put together this sort of “life in pictures” CD for Nana, and it played constantly throughout the night. The CD has 500 pictures on it, and viewing it is amazing! In addition to pictures of Nana, there are pictures of my mom in high school and elementary school, pictures of all us cousins together, and, perhaps most interesting to me, pictures of my grandfather; he was a man I never knew, since he died when my mom was about 6 months old. Truthfully, I’ve never really even seen pictures of him that much. Do I look like him? He is the first picture. On the second picture, look for the cute little stud in the green Izod shirt. He’s sitting on Nana’s lap. Next is one of Kristie’s dance recitals and this picture was taken at our old house in Easton, Mass. Look how hot my cousin Lauren is!!! There is one of many news articles published about my grandmother over the years. Finally, there is the end. A picture taken on what I believe was her final birthday this past December.

She lived, truly, a rich, full life.