No One to Yell at the Kids

Seth noticed that our neighbor's gate was open as he went to get milk this morning. A coffin lid was stood up against the wall of the house. Funeral flowers stood around.

Our elderly neighbor had died. He was a war veteran. When Brother Poe was here, I hoped that they could better relate to each other so we went over to visit. The neighbor was polite and friendly but let it be known that he liked his life with his drinking parties now and then. Today he's gone.

His only son stood, with controlled grief, just like he was supposed to, close to the casket. His daughter sobbed.

The Orthodox priest led the song chant begging God's mercy. Then to quiet and comfort the family his group sang of eternal quietness.

After we were invited to the funeral meal. We went for the sake of the living, even though the traditions of "blessing/praying for the spirit of the dead" continued there. No, we didn't pray for our neighbor; just grieved with the family.

It was the daughter-in-law who lived with this "grandpa" who commented. "Now, there won't be anyone to yell at the kids anymore when they get into things. It'll be so quiet without him."