Last week I spent a few days in California with my parents and extended family.
The trip was too short, filled with exhaustion (5 hours cross country and a two hour road trip, twice in one week with a newly-minted-4 year old in tow is tough business), and sadness.
But, there were good points that made me happy I was able to be there for the unfortunate event.
I’d not been near many of those family members in years.
Few of them had ever even laid eyes upon #3 and I had yet to interact with most of my younger cousins as well.
It was wonderful to be able to spend even a short time with them.
At one point in the evening, after all of the family friends had mostly departed, my uncle hauled out these huge boxes filled with old photos, and year books, report cards, and letters.
It was amazing to see some of the images that I’d never seen before (check out Mimi in her red shorty shorts on the far left! Smokin’!).
Even a few of me as an adorable, pudgy-cheeked baby looking all smart and stuff…
and some with my mommy that I was super happy to lay eyes upon…
The memories poured out and the laughter was plentiful.
Naturally a good chunk of the week’s laughter came courtesy of Dude #3 who inquired, mid funeral, as to why they had my grandmother in a suitcase.
And also, if he could see her. Because otherwise, he wasn’t necessarily convinced that she was really even in that suitcase.
People around us chuckled in spite of themselves (yep, laughing at a funeral, it’s sorta our thing) as I tried to take him out with my handbag.
After the whole thing was over, I kinda-sorta-almost-mostly appreciated his ability to lighten the mood with his innocent questions, and I think other people did too. Or, um, I freakin’ hope so.
Otherwise, I’m duly horrified.
Sorta like how I feel about the fact that he called one of my uncles, Uncle Buck. To his face. In front of my aunt and my cousin. Who laughed. Loudly. And, pretty much nonstop until the tears started.
That kid has a way with words, maybe he gets it from his mom?!
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The bittersweet gatherings are tough…but I’m glad there were memories shared and laughs to be had.
I’m sorry for your loss. What a blessing to have that special family time though. I love to look at old pics and share laughter like that. What a way to honor your grandma.
No one really knows how to act at a funeral except the minister.
Beautiful family.
I’m sorry for your loss. :(
But- those photographs just scream happiness and joy!!! I really enjoyed looking at them..
Ahhhh, out of the mouths of babes.
For the record, I totally love the age 4. Way better than 3 in our house.
And you’re made from cute people!
Beautiful words and photos.
{I’m so sorry for the sad reason, but am so, so glad for the laughter ala #3.}
I’m sorry about your grandmother, mine just passed after Christmas and I went up with only the baby, who also was a bit of comic relief during the wake and funeral…like when she wiggled out of my arms, walked up in front of the priest and started babbling over the sound of his voice…
and those shorts? smokin’!
Oh these photos make me sad happy. So glad you go to see them, but the hate the reason you had to go.
That is a beautiful photo of Mimi. Are those her sisters?
Sorry about your grandmother but it’s great to see your family together smiling!
I’m so sorry for your loss. So wonderful you were able to make the long trip even though I’m sure it was a loooong trip for sure with the dudes. Those old photos are so precious. Great pics of the weekend. You captured moments that will be remembered for ever with these.
I’m glad #3 was able to be #3 and that his fourness helped at an otherwise sad time. I’m also glad you were able to see those photos, reminisce and laugh; there’s nothing like reconnecting wtih family and everything flowing like you saw each other yesterday. And laughing at the funeral: my friends and family are guilty of this as well (once wondering aloud: is nothing sacred?). Anything to lighten a somber moment and usually yeah, it’s one of the kids just being a kid.
Mimi was rocking them short shorts, wasn’t she?!
So sorry for your loss but glad #3 was there to lighten the mood for you. Kids are awesome that way. Especially wild little ones :)
My condolences on the passing of your grandmother. Sometimes it takes a sad event to bring family together and it like old times. Now they can add these pictures to the family albums
I am so sorry for your loss, but I am glad that you could find love and laughter through it all. I loved all your photos and your story. (((HUGS)))
Kids do belong at funerals. I brought mine to my grandfather’s and grandmother’s funerals and people actually thanked me. They definitely helped lighten the mood and bring smiles to people’s faces. What a beautiful recap of your time spent with your beautiful family.
I miss my family, my extended family who lives in another country whom I never get to see. I have to be grateful I have only but good memories of them. That first picture is priceless!
Funerals are so tricky aren’t they? Sadness is expected, but when you get around Aunts and Uncles and cousins and people you haven’t seen in a spell, some antics are bound to ensue (at least that’s how my family is whenever someone dies)! Glad #3 was there to lighten the mood and help you get through it. Those old photos are priceless ;)
Love all of the old family pictures!!
I always feel that funerals are a blessing in a way. It’s a chance to celebrate a life well-lived and a way to reconnect with family you may not have seen in what feels like forever. I’ve been to a lot of funerals the last two years (hadn’t even realized that until now), and I’ve developed far better relationships with some relatives I hadn’t seen in so many years now.
Sorry for the sadness, but I’m glad you found something to laugh about. Love the old family photos! It’s so great to reminisce.
That is really the best line I’ve heard at a funeral in a long time! Leave it to a 4yr old! Hope you’re holding up alright.
Trust kids to be brutally honest!
I love this completely and fully. #ThatIsAll
Those who can’t laugh at death often didn’t laugh during life. We are funeral laughers too!
Again my condolences but I’m glad you got to relive some memories.
I’m so sorry for your loss! So glad you have some sweet memories to dwell on right now.
So sorry for your loss. Nothing better than being with those you love at such times. Hopefully you can sneak in a nap or two to catch up on some shut-eye. ;)
That pic of you and your mom is precious! It is nice to have a little laughter in a lot of great memories!
I’m so sorry for your loss but at the same time it was lovely that you could be with your family to share happier memories with one another.
I’m so sorry for your loss. It’s great that you were able to have some great family time during your trip. Memories are the best gift.
Laughter is what my mom would have wanted. Unfortunately, it is not what there was, not with my vulture sisters around. But I know someday I will be able to find someone who doesn’t care about her stuff and her money and will laugh with me. I am sorry for your loss but glad you got to make some memories with your family
Love these photos. I am sorry for your familys loss.
Aw, I’m so glad you got to spend time with your family even if it was not for a great reason.
And yes, I can totally see Dude #3 being the guy to keep it lightened. ;)
xo
Wow – So sorry for your loss, but Dude #3 was moved by divine inspiration & I know none of you that heard the innocence of his line of questioning will be able to imagine the funeral being the same without that happening. Kids are a blessing indeed. Glad you had the chance to spend time with your family.
I’m so glad there was a lot of laughter during a time that was really sad. Lovely photos, too!