Back by Popular Demand

I’m writing this in the “business center” of a hotel in Corsicana, Texas, where my parents, grandfather, and I are have stayed the last two nights. Yesterday we attended a funeral in Kerens, remembering my great-aunt, Dolora (Aunt Dode) Pike. She had been a victim of Alzheimer’s disease for several years and had lost herself years ago, so the family both mourns and rejoices with her transition to greater life.

The last time I was here was for my grandmother’s funeral in September. Granny and Aunt Dode were sisters and grew up in the Kerens area. (Kerens is a small town about a 15-minute drive from here.) As at Granny’s funeral, I shared some written memories I had gathered from family members. Aunt Dode’s children decided to do that at the funeral yesterday too. I never got to spend as much time with Aunt Dode as I would have liked because we lived so far apart, but I was able to come up with a few memories, and then I shortened my memories to just one to read at the funeral because I didn’t want my ramblings to consume half the allotted time. But for you, my loyal readers, I’ll share some more.

I remember going to the annual picnic with Granny and Papa and seeing Aunt Dode there. She was always cheery and made the hot days even more fun for this little boy. I will forever treasure those July afternoon walks around the picnic, drinking Coke with Granny and Aunt Dode and talking with them about the cool toys that were for sale.

I remember staying with Aunt Dode when Granny and Papa took me with them to visit. Aunt Dode pulled some banana pudding out of the refrigerator, and I felt like I was in heaven. She let me watch Batman in her living room. And this was when my family didn’t have a TV, so it was a special treat, and it was the first time I found an interest in the incredible legend of the masked hero. I liked sleeping on her floor. I found her yard entertaining. I was intrigued by her shoe necklace.. And I was totally awed when she told me that her house used to be outside of Dallas but now was part of Dallas. Wow—a house that moves!

I remember one time when Nannie was living with Granny and Papa in Midland and Aunt Dode was visiting. I was staying there a few days, and one afternoon I went into Nannie’s bedroom and found her sitting quietly in her chair. That was nothing new. But when I got a closer look at her, I froze with fear. Her eyes were open! That could mean only one thing. I hurried to the living room and whispered to Aunt Dode, “Come to Nannie’s bedroom.” She asked me why, and I confided, “I think Nannie’s dead.” By now I’m sure she was at least somewhat concerned on the inside, but her outer composure remained calm. She didn’t get scared, and she didn’t act like I was just an immature child either. She said, “Well, let’s go see.” Then we walked to the bedroom, and Aunt Dode wisely showed me that Nannie was still breathing. I learned something from Aunt Dode that day, and we both were quite relieved.

The funeral was a blessing to me and hopefully to other family members as well. Everyone with speaking roles did superbly, and it was a wonderful experience to come together as family, different yet connected in a love that surpasses all.

Well, family members are asking about my blog. Apparently some people are actually interested in reading my musings, so here’s yet another attempt to recommit myself to this electronic journal, the ideal instrument for broadcasting my soul to the world. Enjoy.