Thursday, July 9, 2009

Humor in funerals

I just reviewed my Facebook friend list to make sure no one involved in these stories is related, but just to be safe the only names mentioned will be Erick, my husband, and Adam, my brother-in-law--for my own protection. These are just too funny to keep to myself. Thank God for the laughs we can have in the midst of sadness.

From a past funeral:
A lady with a red bouf came through the line and shook Erick, my brother-in-law, and my hand and told each of us, "I used to be part of the family." After she walked off I asked them who she was, and they had no idea! How kind of her to bring the chip on her shoulder to give us her condolences.

These are from tonight:
  • An old lady was trying to sort out the line of Grandmother's relatives (no one can seem to keep my husband and his brother straight). She pointed to Adam and said, "I saw you at the hospital," then turned to Erick and said,"but you....you got married." It's all my fault I guess. When she waslked off, Erick's cousin told me that she was also the one who brought a half-eaten, half-iced cake to the house. I'm wondering if we should get this lady some help.
  • Poor Erick, one man told him three times, "Boy you've CHANGED a lot since I saw you last," while clearly staring at his stomach. As he was walking off, he was mumbling to his wife, "I told Erick he had gained some weight since I saw him!" Good for you, buddy. Good for you.
  • Another distant relative came to Grandmother's house to visit. He came in, sat down, looked at Erick's aunt and said, "I have a tumor." Insert awkward pause and some staring. She responded, "I'm sorry." He replied,"Ooooh, it's benign. I'm fine," with a dismissing wave of his hand. Are we competing with the cancer in the next room? Thanks for that.
  • As an illustration of the Erick/Adam confusion, one man passed Erick and I with quizzical looks and got to Adam, "Well I know who you are, Erick!" Adam didn't bother to correct him.
I know there is nothing right to say at a funeral, but there certainly are wrong things to say. I guess one day you just get to old to know the difference (or care). Please share if you have any funny funeral moments. I can't be the only one with a nutty family.

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