Wednesday, June 2, 2010

Living On


Our death is not an end if we can live on in our children and the younger generation. For they are us, our bodies are only wilted leaves on the tree of life. ~Albert Einstein

Nephew Manny Chavez introduces his son, Alexander. Manny used to play "ride the cow" on my back. I can't wait to show his son the picture of his dad with the HUGE sombrero when we went to Mexico. Or to tell his son how much love his father put into the music for Mom's Memorial. Everything from "Ave Maria" to "Cielito Lindo" the "ay, ay, ay" song mom sang out whenever her daughters needed to be quiet.
Much of mi familia (L-R) Kenneth Plunk, Vicki Chavez, Anka Sepulveda, Me (in blue), Gina Chavez, Manny Chavez with Alexander and Trevor Plunk.




Gerry turned these mini-urns for family members.

The main wood is a plank of the maple table where family court in my parent's dining room was held. For forty years, the Early American table was witness to every important family gathering. On its thick surface is where we set our elbows and said our prayers; where my dad carved the turkey on Thanksgiving (my husband and Gina's ex always placed side bets on how long before the ever-present cigarette in my dad's mouth would drop its first ash). It is where my then boyfriend asked my dad's permission to become my husband.

The table moved to assisted living; heard every word my mom and I shared in privacy. It was a companion trusted with our secrets.

Top photo of my garden by Gene Sasse.

5 comments:

  1. Great family picture! Except, where is Gerry?

    The wood urns are lovely. Your husband is truly talented!

    Thanks for sharing that.
    Love and hugs.......

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  2. Gerry was with his family. They were SUPER in their support and deserved some attention, too.
    Wish I could have had a photographer that day- it was more like a wedding than "funeral"- more people should consider personalizing the final event of life.

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  3. Hello Lydia, lovely photo of you garden....I loved the turned wood, I"m a huge fan of that art form.

    Ruth

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  4. Welcome aboard Ruth. It is only the last few years that I am beginning to appreciate the beauty of turned wood.

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  5. Lydia,

    Today we are home from our week long cruise. I was eager to see the photos and hear details of your mom's service. Knowing you, my friend, I knew it would be a perfect tribute to her. Other than having it on the day we left the country with our mayor, it did sound perfect.
    Loved seeing the family photo and the others.
    Thanks for sharing and I want to say Great Job! You mother would be proud and honored!

    Hugs to you!
    XO Trisha

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