A Funeral Guest - Here's One for the Blog

've talked a little about some of the odd, yet well-intended, comments people made when Kitty died.  It's an uncomfortable situation when offering sympathy to others - especially when a child dies.  Expressions can be awkward, strange, rambling, amusing or ... yes ... even stupid.  But they are easily forgiven and lovingly accepted, knowing the message is heartfelt. 

There is something else I have not mentioned that disturbed me more than anything that was said.  It's an observation I made at the funeral that has gnawed at me when I remember it and think about it.

One thing I've discovered since starting this blog is that it feels really good to 'let it out'.   So, I'm going to put this one out there now and maybe I'll be able to reckon with it and find the humor.

You know the person in your circle of family and friends who behaves as if he/she is the center of everyone's universe?  Most of us have one.  If you have more than one, oh my ... I feel for you.  In my family, it's my younger sister.  Without a doubt, I know that my sister truly cares for and loves me and my family.  I am also very aware that she loves to be the center of attention. 

At Kitty's funeral, this beloved sibling of mine arrived with her husband, teenage daughter and a friend ... not a friend of my niece, but a friend of my sister.  None of us knew this person.  We had never met her.  I'm quite sure the woman was sympathetic, but more than that, I'm guessing she was curious to see son-in-law, a man responsible for his own child's death. 

If bringing a stranger wasn't already weird enough, my dear sister led her entourage to the front of the church and sat in the front pew across from Mandy, son-in-law and our family.  I hadn't noticed they were there when the service began, but it didn't take long for me - and everyone else - to see my sister's heaving shoulders and hear her sobbing.   I remember glancing over once - one time was enough.  She was watching to see if I noticed her!  Wow!  

I don't know how the friend felt about being put on stage, but my poor brother-in-law and niece were beyond embarrassed.  At the time, I just had to block her out and set the spectacle aside.  Kitty's funeral was beautiful and I focused on the prayer and love that surrounded us. 

Thinking back, my sister's behavior bothered me.  Dwelling on it puts me on the verge of disdain. 

There.  Now, I've said it.  Hopefully that will put it to rest and I can keep moving forward.  In retelling, it may even become comical - another one of my little sister's bizarre behaviors. 

It's definitely one for the books --- or at least for the blog.