24 Comments
User's avatar
book inc's avatar

"I’m irritated or disappointed in someone, I’m going to write their obit in my head." Love this sentiment. So sorry for your loss!

Karen Hunt's avatar

I’m learning to trust the universe. This way there are less worries about the future and why, why, why this or that is happening.

All is unfolding exactly as it is meant to be.

Natalie Serber's avatar

You are so evolved! I'm learning! xN

Dr. Heidi's avatar

I so enjoyed reading this, and the images of gorgeous vegetables and handwriting both! My uncle, whom I was the sole caregiver for, passed a few weeks ago, and I find myself randomly remembering that he is gone. There's a sweet sadness that comes with this remembering and grief. Like many of your reflections from the memorial, this is clearer: live richly in the life we have available. Sometimes that is spending $90 on real colourful vegetables and taking time to create delicious meals and gather in person.

Natalie Serber's avatar

I am sorry for your loss. I too had a beloved uncle. And, I too miss him. He used to visit me in my dreams. I miss that. Yes to the $$ and the produce! I’m going back tomorrow. Happy weekend to you! xN

Sacha Cohen's avatar

I’m so sorry for the loss of your friend, Natalie. Sending hugs!

Kaarin Marx Smith's avatar

For $90, you got a gorgeous spread of vegetables, a delicious meal, memories of an evening with friends, a group photo to add to "your last reel." Sounds like a pretty good deal to me.

A.L. Michelle's avatar

An obit for the veggies.

Natalie Serber's avatar

Agreed! I love the way you see things! xN

Jennifer Louden's avatar

thanks for making memories with me and we got one picture to put on the final reel! more next time.

Natalie Serber's avatar

Yes, my lovely friend! xN

Gillian Longworth McGuire's avatar

Your handwriting!!

I love your suggestion to write the obit in your head when you are annoyed. SUCH a good practice.

Natalie Serber's avatar

My kids always tease that my handwriting is illegible! And yes, the obit in our head is a good (hard) practice! xN

Jennifer Louden's avatar

I was just thinking I loved youyr handwriting!

Michelle Ericksen's avatar

Sounds like the perfect way to celebrate your friend, and then cast life’s net large with more food + love, friends and community.

Natalie Serber's avatar

A wide net, yes. xN

Rona Maynard's avatar

The ache of losing a friend cuts deep. I will carry your loss with me today. Your observations on funerals ring true and make me want to attend one for somebody I didn’t know. A good funeral conjures the soft inner places and hard edges of the one who is missing. Through the words of mourners and images on a screen, that person ambles in one more time. Magic.

Natalie Serber's avatar

When I was a teenager my friend and I went on a wedding crashing spree, now you’ve planted a seed to funeral crash! I feel there is a book in there somewhere. Thank you for your kind words. xN

Rona Maynard's avatar

Whichever one of us gets there first.

Natalie Serber's avatar

Maybe we edit an essay collection together? Other People’s Funerals.

Rona Maynard's avatar

Good one! I’m sure some funerals are boring, but the ones I recall were loving, occasionally caustic works of art.

Dana Wiley's avatar

Love your reflections about your new friend’s celebration of life service - so sorry to hear of his loss too soon… holding all in my heart

Natalie Serber's avatar

Thank you, Dana.