The only possible explanation for this is a death in the family. Today we went to my dad’s brother’s funeral. It was sad of course, but my uncle lived a full and happy life. He was almost 81. Being 19 years older than my dad, he was at times like a father to him. He gave my dad his first car, a 55 Ford two door, which Dad promptly wrecked. My uncle was well liked and respected by all. I have never seen a better attended visitation. He owned and restored many antique cars and belonged to a car club. He was also a Freemason. Looking at the crowd, one of my cousins said she was going to have to join a club.
Today the Masons wore white gloves and had their aprons on over their suits. They looked funny. They did a ceremony at the funeral; like all ceremonies it was kind of strange. It involved holding Masonic staffs pointed over each end of the casket, prayers, a little tasteful chanting, and the giving of symbolic gifts (his apron, etc.) to be buried with my uncle.
It is always unfortunate to come together at such sad times, but it was nice to see all my family. They are the sweetest people I know. I had to remind many of them that I don’t see often which daughter I was, the oldest but not the tallest. I looked quite different at the last family reunion. I was actually told I should bring back the pink hair (fuchsia really). I had forgotten about that.
My dad is the youngest of nine children. He now has three living sisters. He was 37 when I was born, so this means I’m much younger than the rest of my generation on my dad’s side. I discovered that my oldest first cousin is 40 years my senior. A few of my cousins are trying to help me get a job. So far I’ve heard about part time work at the carpet mills and hiring at the new jail. This is not ideal, but I just may consider these options.
Mansion Apartment Shack House 