Sunday was not November 2nd, but most of us siblings were in Chicago. So, when asked what I would like to do, I said, "Let's have a picnic and Mom and Dad's".
Sharing memories, sharing food, sharing laughs. Our own version of the "Day of the Dead". Mums, not marigolds. A cup of coffee on one; a snifter of Grand Marnier on the other. Grandkids and a dog and a bottle of wine. A toast to the founders of the feast (to quote Dickens).
Sushi, anyone?
You would have to know my family to understand this. It is not irreverent. It is not yucky. It is loving and joyful and tearful and full of meaning.
Nine children. Two fabulous parents, gone within 9 months of each other. We miss them with an ache too huge to put our arms around. But we try, oh, yes, we try. We try to honor their love, their silliness, their joy of family.
And this is how we do it.
Hop on Pop. See you later, Mom and Dad. We'll let you have some peace now - until the next picnic.
Feeling weepy now sister dear ...but in a good way! Thanks for sharing!
Posted by: whimsykalina | October 22, 2010 at 03:03 PM
I love this, really love this. I want to be adopted into your family. When are the auditions held????
Posted by: ginnycartersmallenburg | October 22, 2010 at 05:03 PM
I love this idea...truly wonderful and heartfelt...
Posted by: kelly | October 23, 2010 at 12:18 AM
A beautiful way to honour your parents. How sad that you lost them so close together, sad that you lost them at all. Love the photos. x
I can't wait to meet you, because your family sound just like mine! I'm the youngest of 7, but my brother died when he was only 36, so when we go to his grave the kids run all over it and we sit on him and tell him stuff. People may think we are being irreverent, but we wouldn't have treated him with reverence when he was alive, so we won't just because he's dead! Oh and at christmas we always take a drop of whisky to pour on his grave.
Posted by: Joanne Archer | October 23, 2010 at 12:23 AM
wonderful!
my daughters friend passed a few years ago. she and her friends drive to san diego to visit her they stop and pick up her mom and have picnics and mini party's! streamers and all! I love this and I love that they include her mom in this craziness! oh the power of love...
one day I will get up the courage to visit with mom who i lost when i was young... guess I'm just protecting so many feelings...
Posted by: connie freedman | October 23, 2010 at 10:12 AM
I don't think it's weird at all. I think it's great. Just lost my beloved Dad Oct 3, at his insistence there was no funeral..instead we had a catered luncheon, over 100 people were there, and we all sat around telling stories about my Dad. He would have loved it. We all honor our loved ones differently. I think your parents are looking down and smiling at all of you.
Posted by: jane | October 26, 2010 at 08:02 AM
This is so refreshing! Hop on Pop - I love it! And I'm sure your Dad would be laughing too. I bet your parents would have wanted you all to stick together and be there for each other and enjoy each others company even after they have gone. And what a nice way to visit their grave.
Posted by: Rachel Greig | October 26, 2010 at 02:08 PM
I love that you went to the cemetery and had a picnic!
Just got led to your blog thru Dispatch from LA!
Fantastic-what a fun family you have,this is precious, so glad I found you!!!
Posted by: Stacey Mattraw | November 08, 2010 at 11:55 PM