Things I (Re) Learned this Weekend

Monday, February 6, 2012
When a congregant from a Southern Baptist Church passes away, the organizational structure of the church goes into action to support the family like a well-oiled machine. This just reinforced my opinion that while I will never be able to wrap my head around the belief systems of people of faith, churches themselves are often institutions that have value from a community and support perspective. And I'm very glad that they will be there for my Uncle once the extended family has all gone home.
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I'm really, really grateful that my extended family consists of people who are anxious to support and help one another when we need it most.
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Toward the end of my Auntie's life, I became closer to her through the technology that is social networking. This makes me happy.
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Some people are just broken. When that's the case, the only thing for it is to forgive them the hurt their fundamental character flaw caused me, cut them from my life, and mourn the loss of the relationship.*
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My Auntie was an amazing, wonderful human being, and me and my family are still struggling with the fundamental unfairness of her early death. It's hard to understand why the universe would choose her when there are so many heinous fucksticks around who would be so much more deserving. While my intellect realizes such railing is counterproductive and has no basis in reality, it's hard to manage the emotional reaction.
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While I recognize that Christians believe that my Auntie's faith means that she'll receive an eternal reward, I'm happier reflecting on her remembrance as a wonderful human being due to her acts in this world. My Auntie rocked, and that's good enough for me.
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It makes me happy to have told stories and laughed until my stomach and head hurt following my Auntie's service. I'm quite sure she would have heartily approved.
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My Hot Cousins should not be allowed out without adult supervision. Yes, I am looking at you, Nanny Weezah and Escalator Girl.
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This is my Auntie's youngest grandchild and his fabulous mother. The youngster decided this weekend that "walking" was his new favorite method of locomotion, which reminded me that while I spent a lot of this weekend hating the circle of life, it's also the natural order of things.



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*This revelation had nothing to do with my Auntie's funeral or anyone who attended. It was an epiphany that occurred on the plane coming home.

4 comments:

Juan Federico said...

I re-learn a lot of shit....which gives me plenty of material that I use to laugh at me...

Anne C. said...

I have always been fortunate that the memorial services I've attended (all for my dad's side of the family -- my mum's is too far away) have had a luminous silver lining that we have an excuse/reason to get together and enjoy the company of our extended family. It makes me smile to know that you had the same excuse/reason attached your Aunt's passing. :)

mom in northern said...

I am sorry Deb missed the walking bit. She would have been so proud..

Janiece said...

Me, too, Mom.