I met Grandma once several years ago and vaguely remember a bossy old lady who had her family dancing about to do her bidding.
I cleared my schedule for the day out of a sense of obligation for her grandson, Dane who is an old friend of my husband. I grumbled a bit as I laid out appropriate funeral attire. I had read the obituary several times. "Graveside service at 1pm. ". On a weekday. In 95+ degrees. Seriously. He is a very good friend. And a lawyer. This large bear of a man who greeted John with his usual warm hug and the words "thanks for being here, brother. ". Truly this relationship of nearly 4 decades is more than your average friendship.
As a catholic school grad as well as Manhattan attorney Dane is an eloquent speaker. We laughed and we cried with him as he spoke of Grandma. She was a party girl until the very end. Her daughter (Dane's mother), Jean talked about searching her closet for her mothers final outfit. She eventually settled on a "blue silk party dress, trimmed with silver beads. Granddaughter-in-law, Renee found a pair of sparkly silver dancing shoes. Dane added a corsage to prepare her for her biggest dance yet.
There were some tears, but mostly laughter as they shared stories about Grandma. None of her peers were there. 101 and a half years. Most of those in attendance were half that age. Friend of Dane and Renee.
Dane spent much of the afternoon taking videos and pictures. There were many group pictures taken at the graveside and later at a Mexican Restaurant. Anyone observing would assume we were celebrating a birthday, reunion or other happy family event. The men in the photo above? Danes support system. Lawyers, doctors (traditional and holistic) Japanese television actor (second from right) 
and a foundryman.
I carry my knitting wherever I go. I never even pulled it out today. Lots of lively conversation, happy talk and love. It certainly is what I want to see from my friends and family when I am gone.
Happy dancing, Grandma!
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