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Ahora es el dia de los muertos.
Lorraine, Bob, Sylvain, Betty, Auntie Wee, Ruby - i'm remembering you tonight. Welcome. I miss you. I celebrate your lives - and all you gave to the world. Have a snack & a drink on me, tonight. 8)
My father-in-law, Bob Bornschlegel. Who lovingly woodworked all the cabinetry in his home, faithfully read technical books for "Reading for the Blind", raised a magnificent family who i dearly love, and whose art projects from Art Center now proudly hang in my living room. I have vodka, cheese & crackers out for you tonight, Bob.
My grandmother-in-spirit, Lorraine Raison. Who was everything a girl could hope for in a next-door grandmother. In 7th grade, i wrote an essay for an AAUW competition on heroines about you, in all seriousness. You outranked your (very traditional husband), were gentler than anyone i knew, and wise. You are one of the women who shaped who i am today, strongly. There's chocolate & white wine for you tonight on my mantle.
My great aunt Marie - or Auntie Wee, as i knew her. The fiestiest, tiniest Italian woman with a passion for nickle slots, mystery novels, and independance. You taught me to swear in Italian, to pray to ALL the gods, and to always, always, be my own woman. Your holiday gifts were most treasured for many years. I will always remember you showing me your jade buddha, who's belly you gave the diamond from your wedding ring after you dropped the git. Tonight feast on my cookies and chocolate and coffee, Auntie Wee.
My friend, Sylvain. You died too young, unfairly. You were two years older than me, and you died when you were two years younger than i am now. I will never forget sitting vigil for you, remembering your smile. You were a great engineer, a great partner to anne, and a friend i was getting to know better and better. I will always remember a few key stories about you, me, and wine. I have wine, JD, and mushrooms out for you this evening, my friend.
My friend, Betty. Again, too young. Lover of bats, of dead things, of Hugs & Robert. Artist spectacular. A dry & sarcastic wit that could always make me smile, no matter what. I remember the day Russell took me to meet you and Robert - you were the first good friends of his he introduced me to. He and Robert descended into a private geekdom immediately, with no room for another. You took me under wing, showed me Young Frankenstein, and made me immediately comfortable. I have chocolate, cookies, and RICE-ling (Bonny Doon's) here to welcome you tonight.
Grandma Ruby, i only knew you late in life - you were clearly an amazing matriarch. You played 42 with grace and skill until the end. You sat with my Grandma and Aunt Sis through our wedding, and smiled. Oh, your smile - i see it in your children, i do. I made some iced tea with lemon for you tonight - and there are cookies and an apple, and all manner of other treats for you to share this evening.
My Grandpa Freddie - you're up here too. I wish i had had a chance to meet you, and you me. I think you'd be proud of my mom.
Posted by meriko at November 02, 2003 07:39 PM