Nov 11 2007
Funeral turned reunion
The funeral for Shari’s father was this afternoon. There was a huge turnout and the chapel was packed, with latecomers even lining the back wall. I helped collect and record the condolence gifts, handwriting ~140 names and addresses into book #2 — and that was only half of the attendees, since Shari’s cousin recorded the other half in book #1. Shari’s dad was loved in the community and the large attendance certainly reflected that.
Shari’s brother is my classmate, with Shari trailing a year behind us. Because of this, many of our classmates attended the funeral to pay their respects. Friends of ours (not classmates) came as well and since the dining hall was full, we all ended up standing outside shooting the breeze and enjoying the tasty funeral fare from Ige’s. (I have to admit that I actually really like Japanese-style “funeral food:” sushi, nishime, namasu, macaroni salad, fried noodles, mochiko chicken, teriyaki beef, shoyu pork, and andagi.)
Despite the sad circumstances, funerals often serve as times of reunion for friends and family that you don’t routinely see. Funerals also remind us that life is short and we should make time to see those friends and family more often.
A 30-something Christian girl, blissfully wedded to her perfect match (the yang to her yin) of 14 years. A new mom to her miracle baby, born on October 4, 2008. Living life in Hawaii, less than 5 miles from her hometown, a slave to her mortgage payment, but seeking balance in her pursuit of family, faith, recreation, and rest.
It’s good to see such a great turnout for Shari’s Dad; as you pointed out, he must have been loved by everyone. My condolences to her and her family. Sadly, in my family (both Mom’s and Dad’s side) funerals are about the only time when the clan meets in a big gathering. Gone are the big Christmas or New Year’s parties at Uncle’s.