(no subject)
Well, yesterday was actually about as good a day as you can have when it includes a funeral (and being in Ottawa). We went to the viewing and service for my Auntie Vi, and in a strange way, I felt kind of good about it. We hadn't spoken in a few years, and of course I had the guilt about that, but I felt strangely like all was forgiven when I saw her. It was as if she knew that I had forgiven her for some hurtful comments she made to me many years ago and like she was saying it was OK that I'd not come to talk to her since. It was very, very strange, but also kind of serene and positive. I can't believe I'm talking about a funeral like this.
Another thing that was nice was that I had the chance to see my cousins and my Aunt and Uncle again. I basically grew up with them, spending summers together at Lake Clear and visiting with them all the time, since they were all pretty close to my age and we all lived in the same city. I was concerned that it would be awkward since it has been such a long time, but it really wasn't, it was just like family.
My cousin Shannon gave the eulogy for her grandmother, and it was really moving. She was visibly upset but still managed to capture the spirit of Auntie Vi in the re-telling of some of her stories. I was tearing up when she talked about the special relationship she had with my grandmother, who was the baby of the family and was basically raised by Vi, who was the eldest girl of 8 kids (Irish Catholic, what can I say). Shannon also painted a vivid picture of their home on Basswood, a place I have only happy memories from childhood. I am glad that I came. I am sorry for the loss of my Great-Aunt, especially for my cousins, and feel regret that I didn't get the chance to talk to her before she died, but I feel like I have re-connected to that side of the family, who were a big part of my life when I was young.
Another thing that was nice was that I had the chance to see my cousins and my Aunt and Uncle again. I basically grew up with them, spending summers together at Lake Clear and visiting with them all the time, since they were all pretty close to my age and we all lived in the same city. I was concerned that it would be awkward since it has been such a long time, but it really wasn't, it was just like family.
My cousin Shannon gave the eulogy for her grandmother, and it was really moving. She was visibly upset but still managed to capture the spirit of Auntie Vi in the re-telling of some of her stories. I was tearing up when she talked about the special relationship she had with my grandmother, who was the baby of the family and was basically raised by Vi, who was the eldest girl of 8 kids (Irish Catholic, what can I say). Shannon also painted a vivid picture of their home on Basswood, a place I have only happy memories from childhood. I am glad that I came. I am sorry for the loss of my Great-Aunt, especially for my cousins, and feel regret that I didn't get the chance to talk to her before she died, but I feel like I have re-connected to that side of the family, who were a big part of my life when I was young.