We were on Long Island to celebrate dear friends. One of these friends died on his birthday a few weeks ago. Jay wanted a celebration of his life, starting in church and ending with lunch.
Jay specified the lunch had to include good food and good beer. He would have enjoyed the loving, fun things people said about him. The lunch certainly came up to his standards. It was as elegant as a wedding reception.
We were with our own blood relatives at Jay’s memorial. Daughter Kate and sister Barbara and Thom were with us. We always savor time spent with them. We appreciated staying at Barbara and Thom’s house where we had other opportunities to visit.
We have church family, too. We had breakfast with Ruth, and this was our special time to visit with her. Attending adult Bible class and singing in the choir were the main things we all did together. We’ve known and loved her since 1967.
No trip to Long Island is complete without time with Karen and Al. We always joke, laugh, discuss serious things, tease each other, share stories, and revel in each other’s company. For us prime time has nothing to do with television and everything to do with time spent together. When I made them pose for the obligatory photo, Karen picked up a box of Christmas dishes. Perhaps that was the official rite that made those dishes ours. They said they were agonizing about getting rid of them, since no family members wanted the set. After much banter, we were the new owners. We’ll have to wait ten months to use the dishes, but they will be in daily use for over a month.
Mehrling Muse 
So sorry to hear about the loss of your friend but it looks like you had a perfect celebration of his life. Lucky you to get a set of Christmas dishes. xo
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We will put those Christmas dishes to work! John unpacks the mugs and plates the day after Thanksgiving, and we use them until January 6 (Epiphany). It will be lovely to have matching dishes for everyone.
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If you celebrate Christmas in July (around when we might be visiting you) — you won’t have to wait so long to use the beautiful dishes 🙂
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Ha! Ha! You are spot on. Leave it to you to think of that.
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Despite the unhappy occasion you spread a path of joy about you, wherever you go.
Humongous Hugs
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There is so much joy in life that we like to spread it around.
xxx Joyous Hugs xxx
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While the reason for getting together might not be what you wanted, I’m glad you had a good time. Life is what we make of it, and no better way to remember that than to spend time with friends and family.
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Sad as it may seem but we usually gather around when we lose someone dear to us. Sometimes here in our country, we only see long-lost relatives when there is a wake going on. Spending time with family and friends is always a joy though.
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My condolences, Anne. But what a lovely visit and how nice to see family and friends! xox
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Each day brought new excitement. Now, if only I could be in NY when you are!!
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I’m sorry for your loss, but what a great sendoff was planned and enjoyed; he would have approved!
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The number of friends and depth of connection you have with so many is touching. Moving to the mountains did not create any distance of heart! Sending sympathy.
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We find it hard to let people go, so we don’t.
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I love that you consider prime time, time spent with friends. That’s a wonderful definition.
I have told my kids that when I die, I want a picnic with good food and beer and I don’t want a formal service. I just want everyone to share one memory of me. Your friend’s service sounds like a true celebration of life.
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I like your wish for a picnic to celebrate your life.
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