On a day when we said goodbye to one of our own and confronted our own mortality, we looked around at the large gathering and silently gave thanks for those still with us.
The hugs were prolonged and sweeter than wine, the hands offered for greetings were held in two hands.
Perhaps by holding onto each other a little longer, we think we can hold off the inevitable and delay another such gathering.
And then we danced the polka, because that it what he would have wanted for us.
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| I copied this photo from a written article about Polka Dan. No photo credit given. |
***
People say nice things about you
when you're dead.
Thus it was Sunday afternoon at a
large gathering. Friend after friend spoke in glowing comments about the
deceased—what a nice person he was, what integrity, what humor, never met a
stranger, what a big heart.....
And then it was time for his dearest
friend to speak, a friend who had played music with the departed, who had been
partners with him in a construction business, skied with him, drank with him,
laughed with him.
He took the microphone and walked to
the center of the dance floor:
“I’m not sure we’re talking about
the same person....”
And that’s why they were friends for
six decades.
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| Some of Dan's closest friends, among the hundreds that were there. |
***
I had to laugh-out-loud at your line (was it Herman) who spoke and said, "I'm not sure we're talking about the same person ...." Early on the gathering was small and I hoped against hope that the normal Alaskan arrives late. It would have been sad with a small turnout. Such proved to be the case and from all sides it was overall a large and a happy and joyous affair. You'd think I was there and, in one sense, I certainly was there from far afar. I'll sign for Patti who most certainly was there and myself. IT IS A JOY to have come here and found a new post. Cap and Patti
ReplyDeleteYes, Sunday was a very tender gathering, touching and deeply moving to be able to see, touch and visit with people that have meant so much to me over the years. There was lots of lively and happy music, many flowers, a wonderful revolving slide show, constant conversation. It was a crowded room, filled to capacity .. yet there were isolated moments that brought heartfelt tears. Well done by the planners and helpers! I am ery happy this occasion brought you back to do a post Gullible .. we have missed you! Hugs, Patti (in Alaska), and Cap (far afar)
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