An Extraordinary Farewell

A couple months ago my friend C passed away; we'd been friends for forty years  Today we celebrated her life with a potluck gathering at the family's home. It was the quintessential C event: dozens of people milling around the place, musicians, kids and dogs and tons of food, old folks and grandkids and everyone in between. Long tables set up all around the yard. Flowers. Her paintings hung here and there around the garden. The place looked fabulous. Kids I haven't seen since they were teenagers now have adolescent children of their own. Toddlers have become young men and women. C's ready smile is sprinkled over the grandchildren's faces.  Her friend D talked about their escapades as teenagers. Everyone had stories about her gentle spirit, kindness, warmth and love of adventure. "Rest in peace?" said her daughter. "No. I hope she is dancing and laughing, running and jumping for joy." It was a good sendoff.