So I'm currently out on the East Coast of America. Pennsylvania to be exact. I flew out here last week, the Friday after thanksgiving. You see, my mom's dad, my grandfather, had passed on the week prior and everyone was getting together for a funeral. It was a little rushed and I have a tiny issue with that, but all in all its been a great trip. You see, my mother is one of 6, the third child with 2 older brothers, and 2 younger sisters and 1 younger brother. Then we had my grandmother, who is the oldest of 4 and the 1st to immigrate to America from Holland with my grandfather. Then we also had my mom's cousins. So... Me, plus 6, plus 4, plus... oh man.. uh... 6 more? 16 family members from what I can guesstamate.
The funeral was held on Saturday at about 3pm. It was an awesome. Well, as awesome as a funeral could be. I've lost loved ones before, but this was different. This was really the only grandfather I knew. I won't get into specifics, but just know that my dad's dad is still alive and I don't know him really (seen him once in 2 or 3 years now?). Robert Marcel Ziegler was an awesome grandfather, and father from what I can tell. Apparently, I'm almost identical to him in looks and personality. He was such a quirky little genius. And no coward either. He fought on the Dutch Resistance durring WWII and did all kinds of various sabatouer stuff as well. Escaped from the Nazis twice! TWICE! He was one of the most amazing piano players ever. I could listen to him for hours playing the piano or the pipe organ. Just an amazing awesome man. I wish I had more chances to know him.
I actually grieved for once in my life. My normal bouts with mourning start about 3 to 6 months later and incorporate me not dealing with it at all. This was the first time I actually had to deal with it. It was different. It was difficult. I felt alone for part of it and kinda wanted to be alone too. I'm really thankful for my grandmother, mom, and aunts and uncles. I couldn't imagine how difficult this must have been. But after many tears and hugs, everyone was in better spirits.
It's really quite amazing what this family is capable of when they pull together. That night after the funeral, there was about 15 people or so, standing around in a circle in the kitchen playing one of the most ridiculous games ever to be made up by my uncles. Make a sound and keep a beat with it. Then the next person adds a their own "creative musical sound" and eventually you get everyone making a different sound. Not quite music, but extremely funny. If that wasn't enough to make you pee your pants from laughter, try playing any number of other games with them and witness the hilarity and goofball-ness that insues. If you can handle my humor and goofiness, and you know my immietate family (sisters and parents) then you can handle the rest of them. Soooooo much fun. I swear I don't think I ever laughed so hard in my life.
After all the crap that has rained down on my family and myself recently, this was a much needed trip. I'm still bummed that I missed my High School Reunion, would have been nice to see everyone, but at the same time, I'm sure I made the right choice here. It was very theraputic and really helped to bring me back to my own personal 100%. Happy attitudes and laughter... I think I've had a smile stuck on my face for days now. That's gotta be a good sign, right? hahaha. Keep an eye out on my "space-book" for new pictures from the trip. There should be some good ones.
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