I arrived at the home of Aunt Alice and Uncle Jack on Tuesday afternoon. At first I thought that the flag was a little too jolly for the occasion, but after a while, I appreciated it. It would be a busy couple of days.
Dad caught by the camera in Alice's kitchen.
Dad and I immediately get to work repairing some bent hinges on the kitchen table. This was the photo of the day for this day.
Aunt Alice lights up one of several photo collections throughout the house. Fancy clothes are draped and ready.
This living room is larger than it was on my last visit in 1994.
Uncle Jack is ready to head over to the viewing.
At the viewing I would hear many people say, "Oh my, then you must be Patrick!" I didn't feel so bad that folks didn't know me.
Dad, Mary, Angie, and Aunt Alice.
After the viewing was concluded, most of the family remained at the funeral home. At this point, I was asked to photograph each of the arrangements. This arrangement is from my sisters and me. The card is readable if you select a larger viewing size.
The casket remained open. I had to be careful capturing these arrangements; I'm sure that folks who didn't know what I was doing did a double-take if they saw me taking some of these shots.
Top of the casket arrangement.
Uncle Jack showing off his long underwear. It is Winter, yes, but earlier in the day, my dad was in shorts. That's why this seemed funny to everyone at the time.
After the viewing, the family gathered at Uncle John's home for a late supper. Mary, Uncle Jack, and Uncle John are embarking on a political debate that will be passionate and draw a crowd, as the following photos show.
Uncle Jack will say many times, "Can I get an Amen?" to the crowd every time he delivers a political point. Despite the theatrics, the discussion is informed and interesting.
That must be Brett's daughter facing away from the camera.
That is Jeff and Anne at left. Johnny is seated. Jeff's son is in the red shirt, and Brett is standing in black.
I don't know the young people in any of these shots. Cousin Paula is at right.
This mac and cheese was so good that it was not brought out the following night, much to my palpable chagrin.
It was rare that I could get Dad and Aunt Alice together and rarer that I got them both in focus. They are still watching the debate but not for much longer...it's bedtime. Big day tomorrow.
Wednesday began with an investigation of Alice's flowerbeds. Sure enough, we humans aren't the only ones wishing for Spring.
The funeral mass began at 10:30 at St. James in Waverly. I'm walking with Patrick and Dad.
Jeff, Johnny, Brett, and Danny are pallbearers.
Patrick helps guide everyone over the ice.
After the mass, we gathered in the lower level for lunch.
Alice asked me, "Are you capturing this?"
Down here in this soft light, I had a choice: Dad in focus, or Alice in focus. So I got one of each!
