So as many of you know from my Twitter, I was at a wake today for my grandma (on my mom’s side). The wake/funeral has been in the works for quite a while as I understand because a lot of the family anticipated the death of my grandma especially after she suffered a stroke on Christmas day. In Chinese culture, if a person dies after they have reached the age of 70, their wake is supposed to be joyous and happy, an act of celebration for the long life of the deceased. My grandma would have turned 81 in February and today’s wake was no doubt a big celebration of her long life.
Family members from all over — some of whom I haven’t seen in years (and others who I didn’t even know existed) — congregated in this very small room on Mulberry Street to pay final respects to my grandma. If the outside of the building didn’t say “FUNERAL HOME” in big letters, I’m sure one would have confused the building with something else because the laughter and smiles coming from inside just could not be contained. People who came in to pay respects left the building smiling as they chatted with family members and realized that this wasn’t a sad occasion at all but rather a sign of the abundant blessings in the life of my grandma; the numerous grandchildren, her own children and their spouses, and the long list of people who knew her, associated with her, and called her a friend.
My grandma could pull a mean face if she wanted to but deep down inside she was a cheerful person who had one of the greatest happy faces I can recall. I’ll always remember the way she smiled so wide, especially when she was in the same room as her grandchildren, that her eyes would almost disappear into her wrinkles, and I absolutely love that the picture she chose for her own wake was one that showed this same expression. It was a very fitting portrait of the life of my grandma.
Today was a day of joking, laughing, bonding, and recollection. And I’m sure that somehow my grandma was there in spirit joining in on the festivities and laughing her head off with the rest of us. No worries though! Because I’ll see her again someday. :)
Bye for now, grandma! Hope your fridge in heaven is stocked with candy and good food!!! :D
