Goodbye, Waipo.
Wednesday, June 20th, 2007
As the only ordained couple on my wife’s side of the family, we’re often called upon to fulfill certain things. We say grace at Thanksgiving. Read the Christmas story on the 25th of December. Give advice when people come to us in confidence. Basically, all the usual expectations that one has to fulfill as the family minister. I don’t mind because generally, the occasions are all happy.
This weekend however, we fulfilled the ministerial obligation that I hate most in the world … a funeral. The Pussycat’s grandmother died this week. I can’t say it was unexpected and that she was in pain. It wasn’t and she wasn’t. She had a long life, filled with adventure and joy.
When it was time to go, she went in her sleep, peacefully. Still, funerals are bad enough, but when it’s one of your own …
She was a talented woman in every way. She did traditional Chinese opera. She was a multi-sport champion athlete. She spoke more than 4 languages and had an advanced economics degree. Her husband was war-hero General under Chaing-Kai Shek.
She raised 4 terrific girls who in turn grew into wonderful ladies whose lives reach across the spectrum of humanity. Two became business women, another a Buddhist monk and one became literally a rocket scientist.
As I conducted the funeral, I couldn’t help but think about the connections people make during their lives and how little parts of their life may affect and mold the lives of others. Looking out on the crowd from the pulpit I could easily see the influence she had on her family and friends during her lifetime. Each person bore the fingerprints of her personality, habits and opinions and all wore them proudly.
At the end, we all stood by the graveside to say goodbye and her daughters and granddaughters all rose to place flowers on her casket. As they went by, the Pussycat dropped her rose on the casket with one hand while holding the Kitten in the other. I realized with sadness that the Kitten would never have an opportunity to know her great-grandmother. I must confess, I felt a twang of pity for her. However, as I watched the rest of the family file past I knew that though she would miss the first hand experience, she would indeed still bear the influence of her unique great-grandmother.
I think Waipo will be proud of what the Kitten becomes when she grows up. Even though she’s gone, she’ll still be a part of what the Kitten becomes. Even if it were just that, it’s still an amazing legacy to leave behind.
The wake was a little too wild for the Kitten.