Just got back from my friend's father's wake.

[NightTrain]

It was a relatively painless experience, particularly since several members of the old gang turned up, many of whom I hadn't seen in a year or more.

The only real difficulty I had occurred while the priest conducted the interminable prayer over Charlie's coffin. At one point, he instructed us to follow each line he recited with, "Lord have mercy." It was all I could do not to jump and yell it out like James Brown, perhaps followed by a rousing, "Maceo!" But I held back.

Now it's a matter of seeing how well Dave (my old pal) and Annette (his mom) hold up in the weeks to come....

[nothingshocksmeanymore]

1. I'm sure the family appreciated both your presence

and restraint :D

I went to a Catholic funeral last October where they did the rosary and ended every set with some prayer about being saved from hell fires...I had nightmares that night.

[Bunny]

5. Not to be flip at a somber time,

but NEVER go to a Catholic viewing/wake when they'll be reciting the rosary, praying, etc. It's usually held toward the end of the public viewing period. Goes on forever, etc. Always go earlier and pay your respects.

And this from a lapsed Catholic...

[nothingshocksmeanymore]

6. Now you tell me!

[roguevalley]

2. the last line sums it up. how are they doing when no one comes around?

also, talk about his father. Nothing is worse than the
deceased not ever being mentioned again because people
don't know what to do.

[Padraig18]

3. I have a memorial service to go to Saturday.

A couple I knew down in Charleston were killed in a car accident, and I dread going...:(

[Blue-Jay]

4. I worked with a guy named Maceo about eight years ago.

As soon as we were introduced, I said "Your mom must be a big fan of James Brown." He replied "In my 27 years of being alive, you're the first white guy who's ever said that. I like you already." He & I are still friends.