Part two: On death and dying
My family owned a funeral parlor in New
Jersey. Funerals were family reunions, just like weddings. I remember
from a very young age the food and connecting with the relatives. Being Irish,
we would eat, drink and be merry!
Don and I arrived early and signed the guest
book and proceeded to the viewing room. I didn't know what to expect.
A few people had already arrived.
Mary was sitting in a big chair and called us
over immediately. Hugs, soft words and then introductions to the brother and a
few others. She was very happy to see us and introduce us as Ted's Sensei.
Country music and Snoop dog played and the
upbeat, calming tunes, gave me a feeling that Ted was with us. A video showed
photo images of a life lived.
I had just seen Ted a month or so ago and I
couldn't bring myself to approached him laid out in a coffin holding a
microphone, even though to me he looked healthy and as if he were just asleep.
Don however approached the coffin and stood
reflectively, then he walked back to where I was, standing by the brother.
Don said:
"He looks so peaceful, but why the
microphone?"
The brother replied:
"Ted was an avid Ham radio operator, his
whole life he enjoyed it as a hobby".
We chatted for awhile and found out that Ted had
died of a heart attack.
He went fast.
Ted's son, Scott the little guy was now a
big guy 22 years old.
Scott flew in from Idaho for the week. He grew
up tall and thin
and he was wearing a bright red sweater with the
sleeves pushed
up to his elbows. He reminded me of me when my
father died, eyes
welling up with a red nose and unable to
hold back the tears.
I gave Scott a hug and so did Don.
Mary said, Scott take them into the other room
and show them Ted's
memorabilia and then me and Don followed Scott
into the other room.
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