My Grandmother’s sister past away several years ago and as far as services went it was your standard fare.

The casket was closed, there was a little basket near the door for condolence cards next to the remembrance book on a shiny cherry wood desk  and and nice array of cut and potted plants and flowers tastefully staged around her casket ( which had a light oak finish ).

So I should probably add her because it bears on this story that my Grandmother’s family wasn’t exactly what you would called overly religious.

They showed up in church for christenings and weddings and sometimes Easter so I’m guessing their Funeral Director engaged a minister to officiate the service.

He was a nice man. He took his time to speak to the family as they arrived and then he got up and began the service  by asking us to remember, ‘ Gary ‘.

The minister told us about cherishing the fond memories we had of Gary, to remember the love Gary had for us etc etc etc.

The thing is, my Great Aunt’s name was ” Geri ” which was short for Geraldine.

I thought it was hilarious.

Gary got a nice heartfelt  send off on that sunny afternoon and I think my Aunt Geri would agree with me.

Photo A.M. Moscoso
Evergreen Washelli Seattle WA