After the funeral

The funeral was beautiful. My aunts had conjured up seemingly in no time at all flowers to decorate the church, flowers on the casket, flowers billowing down to the floor. My grandmother, who was a garden writer and a garden designer, would have loved it. Around 400 people arrived. Most of them had known her well. People had flown in from America, Tunisia, London. She was a very loyal friend.

We did a very simple ceremony. A string quarted played some Beethoven, excerpts from Mozart's Mass in C were sung. I was relieved no Wagner was on the program. She had loved the Ring. My mother said a few words, as did the priest and some of Gramama's friends.

I read Saint Francis's prayer.

She had read it to us many times aloud when we were children. I'm glad I read that.

We praise You, Lord, for all Your creatures,
especially for Brother Sun,
who is the day through whom You give us light.
And he is beautiful and radiant with great splendor,
of You Most High, he bears your likeness.

We praise You, Lord, for Sister Moon and the stars,
in the heavens you have made them bright, precious and fair.

We praise You, Lord, for Brothers Wind and Air,
fair and stormy, all weather's moods,
by which You cherish all that You have made.

We praise You, Lord, for Sister Water,
so useful, humble, precious and pure.

We praise You, Lord, for Brother Fire,
through whom You light the night.
He is beautiful, playful, robust, and strong.

We praise You, Lord, for Sister Earth,
who sustains us
with her fruits, colored flowers, and herbs.

We praise You, Lord, for those who pardon,
for love of You bear sickness and trial.
Blessed are those who endure in peace,
by You Most High, they will be crowned.

We praise You, Lord, for Sister Death,
from whom no-one living can escape.
Woe to those who die in their sins!
Blessed are those that She finds doing Your Will.
No second death can do them harm.

We praise and bless You, Lord, and give You thanks,
and serve You in all humility.

And then we all gathered in terrible heat to talk about her and mourn.

My grief will come soon, when I have time. For now I am stunned. And tired. Thank God for my sister.