Dearly Departed

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My uncle died Friday, I found out today.  Well, technically, he’s the husband of my first cousin once removed, but what do you call such a relation that is more than twice your age?  In the South, we call him “Uncle.”

My 80+ year old “aunt” and I share the love of genealogy.  I visited with her a few years ago to share our notes.  I pass my uncle’s office regularly and think about them all the time.  I wish I had called again before he died.

I finagled my tight schedule today and hustled to the viewing.  I even knelt and prayed for the respite of his dear soul.  He was a good man, a devoted husband, a respected attorney.

My aunt excused herself from talking to my cousin and me, “I need to say hello to my cousin from Houston.  Well, he’s your cousin, too…,” her voice trailed.  My cousin and I followed her to new relatives: we were introduced to Louis and Millie (also 80+).  I was delighted to finally meet the distant relative that had started me on my path in genealogy.

We gushed.  We talked about our love of cemeteries, libraries, archives, successions.  We talked about the NOLA books we are reading, have read, must read.  Then Millie stole my heart.  Louis said, “Millie woke up this morning and asked, ‘Can we have oyster po’ boys for breakfast?’”

So then we talked about restaurants.  And sweet Millie!  Louis explained that Millie compares every oyster po’ boy to Mandina’s.  Fair enough, eh?  But Millie!  “They ruined that place!” she exclaimed.  And I knew just what she meant.  Katrina dumped some 6+ feet of water in Mandina’s and they rebuilt.  But the rebuild is so, well, clean and shiny.  It’s distracting, all that shiny glare.  “And Mother’s!” Millie continued, “Have you seen their bathrooms?” She sneered, “They’re spotless!”  “How dare they!” I responded, all of us laughing respectfully.  These were icons.  You don’t chip away the grime from icons.

I said my goodbyes, made Louis and Millie vow to look me up next time they are in town so I can take them to another neighborhood joint, and returned to my office in time for my next appointment.

I also dug up some gravestone pictures I’d taken way back when.  I’ll be sending them to my new family soon.

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