Family and Funerals

It's always interesting to see what happens when family comes together. I am lucky enough to have both my parents come from big families. Unfortunately, my mom's side has had a lot of deaths, so for over thirty years, I have been attending funerals.
Until I was a teenager, I thought "funeral" was another name for a family reunion. There were people I only saw at wakes, I'd get my face pinched by women I never saw again, and I played with a multitude of "cousins" (first, second, third, once removed, and play).
It wasn't until the death of Grandaddy (my mother's father), when I was twelve, that I truly understood the REAL purpose of these gatherings. Funerals are designed to say goodbye to a loved one, to remember and mourn the passing of a special person in your life.
But the wonderful thing about family, even sad occasions can bring joy. Because, whatever the reason, it IS good to see people you rarely get a chance to be with. They are gathering for the same reason as you - to say goodbye to a loved one. Sharing grief, even with people you only see in times of sadness, can ease your pain. And catching up with cousins you haven't seen since the last sad occasion, can often help remember happier times.
I've included a photo show link for any who's interested in seeing the family of Isaac Lee, Sr. celebrate and remember him.