Some of you may already be aware of my maternal grandmother's passing last month. She had been ill for quite a while, and was laid to rest on Mother's Day weekend. On Wednesday of this week, I received a phone call that my maternal grandfather had suddenly passed away. It was quite a shock for the family, as he had seemed to be doing well and keeping busy since my grandmother's death. So, for the second time in a month, the family gathered in Arkansas to mourn the passing of another beloved family member.
Since most of the youngest family members are scattered throughout the midwestern and southern portions of the U.S., the kids were a little shy around each other during my grandmother's funeral. However, they all seemed a little more at ease around each other during my grandfather's funeral. By the time dinner was coming to a close on Friday, my daughter and my nephew had started a game of "cheese touch" tag in the restaurant. For those of you not familiar with the "cheese touch," I believe it is referenced in the book _Diary of a Wimpy Kid_. My daughter and nephew were discussing their favorite parts of the book prior to starting "cheese touch tag." The game of tag made its way through two tables of our family, and even included a couple of confused wait staff at the restaurant. Once everyone at our tables started crossing fingers to show immunity to the "cheese touch," we decided to call it a night.
The next morning, at the funeral, the casket was opened at the end of the service to allow one more public viewing prior to the burial.
My cousin's son, being one of the youngest children in attendance that weekend, gave our grandfather the "cheese touch" before the casket was closed.
My grandparents enjoyed their family, and loved it when we were all able to come in for a visit. They were also both active people, and I belive they would have enjoyed seeing their family playing this friendly game of tag. My cousin's son understood this, I think, and passed on the "cheese touch" so we could all play together in Heaven.
I seem to have aquired matching peace lilies as a result of the funerals. They have been given a places of honor on our front porch. I have decided to name them Granny and Boo. When I water them, or repot them, or mist the leaves, I will also tag them (from time to time) and say "cheese touch" so we can keep the game going.
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2 comments:
Hello Laura! This is Jaylynn, Rob's daughter in Arkanas. We've met a few times, and your mother sent me this link to your blog and told me about cheese tag. That is SO cute! I have a friend who is a waiter at that restaurant; and I believe that he got tagged, too! :-) My dad and I enjoyed seeing you and your family and we hope you get to come out and visit soon...for a leisurely visit though!
P.S. I love your son's jokes...they brought a smile to my face!
Hello, Jaylynn! Thank you for reading. Your friend at the restaurant was a great sport.
We were all glad to see you and your dad at the visitations. My mom is lucky to have supportive friends like you and your dad! I agree with you...we need to come for a longer visit.
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