Jim O'Dell
Member
- Messages
- 2,783
- Location
- Between Aledo and Fort Worth, TX
The mother of a friend of ours died this past Wed. The funeral was today. LOML and I went. Was at the chapel at the cemetery, walked in and sat down to music from an electric piano. Nothing out of the normal here, except the pianist played a couple songs that didn't seem to quite fit. One was "Blueberry Hill", can't remember the other one. Ok, a little weird, but most people probably new they recognized the tune, but didn't place what song it was. Then the Preacher got up, said a couple words and that the family wanted to play a couple songs that the departed liked. Here's where it gets a little strange. Sound system comes on, and, while not too loud, a live version of Neil Diamonds "Cracklin' Rosie" starts playing. My wife and I looked at each other. Ok, maybe she liked Neil Diamond, but, the live version??? Preacher got up and talked some more, then they played another song. Yep, "Sweet Caroline" again from the live album. And this live album must have been in the last few years, because the voice just wasn't there, you know what I mean??
But I will say this, it was a celebration of her life, and that's all that matters. It made sure that there wasn't a real heavy feeling amongst those attending. And if this was the departed's request, then more power to her. One grand daughter had written and so read a tribute to her Grandma to the group, along with recalling what Grandma sang to them when she put them to sleep when visiting. She sang a verse to us...Wait for it.....You'll never guess....No, Not Neil Diamond again......The Hokey Pokey. You could tell this tribute was from her heart. She did an excellent job, and was very composed for what looked to be a 15 or so year old.
Any way, it was the most interesting funeral I've been to. Makes me rethink what I might like my going away party to be like. Jim.
But I will say this, it was a celebration of her life, and that's all that matters. It made sure that there wasn't a real heavy feeling amongst those attending. And if this was the departed's request, then more power to her. One grand daughter had written and so read a tribute to her Grandma to the group, along with recalling what Grandma sang to them when she put them to sleep when visiting. She sang a verse to us...Wait for it.....You'll never guess....No, Not Neil Diamond again......The Hokey Pokey. You could tell this tribute was from her heart. She did an excellent job, and was very composed for what looked to be a 15 or so year old.
Any way, it was the most interesting funeral I've been to. Makes me rethink what I might like my going away party to be like. Jim.