When I was a kid, I was fortunate enough to get to go to the funeral of my Uncle Ben. I had very little interest in and had wasted no affection on him, but did appreciate getting the honor of being a “member of the family” at the funeral. I was knowledgeable now about the ways of the world and looked forward to the ride to the graveside service. At the time, it was the custom for the mourners to follow the hearse holding the guest of honor in a very, very slow procession from the church to the gravesite. As we proceeded, oncoming traffic pulled over as a gesture of respect to the deceased. I tried to put on a tragic face as I proudly looked out the windows at all those unfortunate enough not to be in mourning.
Green carpeting draped the mounds of dirt surrounding the grave. A few chairs were reserved for chief mourners. As we all gathered respectfully around the coffin, Brother Bond read a few bible verses, and spoke glowingly of the deceased. It was clear, he didn’t know Uncle Ben like we did, but nobody corrected him. At the close of the brief service, my six uncles serving as pall-bearers prepared the coffin for its descent into the grave, never suspecting the gravediggers had overestimated the size of the grave needed and draped carpeting over their miscalculation. As they somberly approached the coffin, three of the six pall-bearers stepped on the carpet-draped hole and tumbled into the grave along with the open coffin. Uncle Ben joined them as they rolled around in the red clay at the bottom of the grave, but only the pall-bearers clambered out. I was fascinated to learn that bodies are buried with their suits split up the back. All in all it was great afternoon. I’ve always thought more warmly of Uncle Ben since then.
These things usually make people really nervous, but you managed to get a nice experience!
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Oh, I was not your typical kid.
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Maybe that’s why in Catholic services, they never lower the casket into the ground until all have left ?? What a memory that was for you ! I was almost 18 at my first funeral attendance.
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Guess I got to go because it was in another town and my parents never had babysitters. If they went. If they went. We went.
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I understand that one.
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No babysitters.
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I’m sure that you’re not the only person there that day who remembers this! That is too funny!
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Especially the guys who fell in.
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I rolled around laughing. Oh what a sight that must have been to see, No wonder you thought more highly of your Uncle Ben after that!
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Wouldn’t have minded burying him again.
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Don’t blame you. He gave everyone a damn good time! 🙂
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You are so dang good at telling a story!!!!
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Thanks. I come from a long line of fine liars.
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OMG, definitely an unforgettable memory.
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Yes it was.
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What an entertaining graveside ceremony. Maybe it could start new a tradition? Pallbearers jumping in the hole, then jumping out, in sympathy with the deceased.
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Probably the only public service he ever did.
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I love the innocence in your mean sentences. I think you would make a good author for teenagers or even kids, I loved such stories as a teenager 🙂
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Thanks. I automatically revert back to Thea age I was.
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♫ Precious Memories . . .Lol.
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Never enjoyed a day with him more!
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I can tell! 😀
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Uncle Ben still managed to make his leave taking memorable!
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Yes he did. It was thoroughly enjoyable
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Well, that was a memorable funeral 🙂
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I never enjoyed a day with him more!
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