Just returned from a beautiful Memorial Service for a friend and artist who worked wonders with flowers. It was solemn, irreverent, campy, and most of all, loving.He and I shared a love of "Bird of Paradise" which was his signature flower and he always added a few extra to any arrangement I ordered. His arrangements were magical. The best.
He passed away suddenly in mid-summer sending shock waves throughout this tiny community. Program is at right - click to embiggen. Celebrated with music, poetry, prayer and individual memories, we shared moments of his life as they touched ours.
And it felt good.
While I was one of those to know him only recently (about 18 years) and only an occasional recipient of his wise words and mad adventures, I treasure the stories told by those who knew him best and far longer. The straight Italian mother, the gay best friend, the lesbian couple, the straight owner of a fine restaurant in town (and also a friend of mine), and other recipients of his generosity told great tales.
I seldom venture out on my precious one day off every two weeks, but this was important. The main reason I braved the nasty storm that continues to pound us and flood roadways, was to support his best friend, whom I have also known all those years, someone I now work with at job #2 and who has taken this death very hard. They were close friends for 30+ years, even working together at times. Like any friendship there were bumps in the road, but their love and respect remained firmly intact; even grew stronger. That made this passing all the more painful.
It was a necessary cleansing of our collective soul and following the service we shared a bit of white wine and finger food while telling more stories that would not have been appropriate from the podium, one on one. His birthday is October 28th, and we were asked to raise a glass in his honor on that day, and that shall be done. I hope to hear his laugh one more time, at least in my own mind.
Enough said. I have slipped out of the wet clothes and into a dry martini. Cheers!
And so it goes.
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It is good that you made this journey on behalf of your friends. May your celebration help to ease the grief of his death and sustain the joy of his life.
ReplyDeleteI completely agree to Lemuel that it is good that you made this journey on behalf of your friends. May your celebration help to ease the grief of his death and sustain the joy of his life.
ReplyDeleteMemorial services such as these are very important for the survivors of the departed one's friends, family and loved ones. Memorial services put closure on a life well lived. This is one aspect of Western culture that I treasure. I am glad you had the day off and were able to pay your last respects to your friend.
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