First, there was a toast to the matriarch, unprepared but easy as a hug … then some wine and small talk, many great pictures … and word that this family is about to get bigger, though not officially announced. Good times. This all might not happen again, but what does? We’re here for now.
Later, after some cake and then football in the parking lot, we’re all back in Grandma’s overheated apartment -- a running joke. Grandpa’s been wheeled to his room above -- we’ll go up and say goodnight later, after some weird variation of Chinese checkers. But for now, Grandma sits on her couch, surrounded by affection, opening her birthday cards and passing them around the room. That’s not something people do anymore, and there’s some winks and smiles. But we read them diligently and pass them around the room … sweet sentiments, including a few from some who probably haven’t done such a thing in years.
But then one card makes the rounds and it gets held a little longer by everyone, even the cool cats, I imagine. It’s from Grandpa, upstairs now. Probably chosen with help from Aunt Sue or my Mom, something about finding an angel and marrying her. But it’s signed at the end by Grandpa, the man of few words, getting fewer these days … two words: “Remember me.”
After the living room ceremony, Grandma puts all the cards in a basket and displays them on the organ-piano that Grandpa rarely plays anymore … but when he does, no mistakes, still.
We wrap up the evening with more laughter and small talk … some say goodbye that night, some the next day … eventually everyone checks out, leaving Riddle Village, back to our daily lives.
I’m back in L.A. now, hoping we all remember Thanksgiving 2010 … remember family, even when it’s not present … remember that true love is forever and a lifetime … remember that even when it’s whispered in a scrawl, it shouts. Nothing else matters.
This was just beautiful. When I was getting everything packed for our drive to PA I shed tears that brother Steve would not be there. I hoped I would not cry at the party. But then, as I sat in the (hot) apartment or at the crowded restaurant table, I felt such happiness as I looked around the room at all the young families growing and changing, yet still connecting with each other. It did a mother's (daughter's/sister's/grandmother's/aunt's) heart good. Thank you for summing it up so beautifully. Aunt Sue
ReplyDeleteI love this post. Steve was there, in spirit. I heard you say about yourself last night something like "I guess I write everything sad in general." But that is part of why some of your posts are great! And it is true, when Great Grandpa does speak, it is always powerful, and meaningful. Especially when he writes it, and is not there to see everyone read it. He is upstairs. It was the best card. The winner.
ReplyDeleteThis brought me right back to our special day with Grandma and the whole family. I think you recalled it eloquently.
ReplyDeleteThank you love Steph
Thank you for sharing that, Aaron. I read it quite a few times and even shared with my co-workers. Definitely reminded me to never lose sight of the "little moments" in life. So glad I am about to become part of such a wonderful, close-knit family. And I could never get enough of Grandma and Papa!! :)
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