The so-called rain has been a tease. Bits of water fall from the sky, but the sky remains unwashed. It hasn’t cooled things off either. In other words, we have had the same weather.
The ‘Old School Friday’ song was “Donna” by Ritchie Valens. ‘Easy Monday’ is a blues that should be familiar:
“__ __ __ __ __, I’ve been down since I began to crawl. If it wasn’t for bad luck, I wouldn’t have no luck at all. Bad luck and trouble’s my only friend, I’ve been down ever since I was ten. __ __ __ __ __, I’ve been down since I began to crawl….” Clue: Easy for all you astrology buffs (555). Hey, what’s your sign?
The weekend was a bit draining. We came to that realization Sunday evening. Physically and emotionally, we felt spent. The service on Saturday evening was a larger crowd, more conversations and more of everything. It turns out that the list I was put on as one who took gifts to the monks, was for the duration of the funeral. It wasn’t difficult, it’s just that ‘feeling’ that one gets when you know that they know that you’re not from around here (5). A bit of a curiosity for many. I managed to fulfill my duties without falling down or making a big mistake, so that was cool. At the close of the service, four women did a traditional Thai dance in the evening light.
On Sunday we went to the temple in the morning. Cat came with us and mentioned that it was the first time she had been to a funeral in the city. There were more monks than before and lots more extended family and business friends. After the service, while we were waiting for lunch, a big flatbed truck drove into the compound and parked. We knew from past experience, that this truck would take the casket to the crematorium. Lunch was mostly food I can’t eat, and it was good that we brought a dish from home. After lunch, a group of men lifted the casket onto the truck and then it was decorated with the flowers from the service area. After the procession through part of town, there was more chanting, some speeches, and a chance for everyone to leave a little palm tribute. Sutheera asked Lisa to read the English translation of her mother’s obituary, and add something in her own words. It was the most moving part of the verbal tributes because it was from the heart. The whole affair was about 3 1/2 hours.
In the course of traveling around town and sitting at the services, we had many conversations with Cat. Some of it centered around what the monks were saying, various traditions, and her experiences when her mother died. After the service it was coffee and desserts at The Wanderer, we all felt a little overwhelmed.
Sunday evening we met Cat and Lucy, a young woman from The Freedom Story, at the Night Bazaar for dinner. Lucy will be flying to the States with Cat in two weeks. It’s nice to know that Cat will not be alone for the first part of her adventure.
Today we were filled with the other side of the spectrum. Lots of joy and smiles from Daku, Chopper and especially Neechanon. As if they were given instructions, they all played a part in making this a happy day. Chopper is slowly learning not to bite Daku so much, Daku is being less of a ‘dog mat’ when it comes to being bitten, and Neechanon was playing the role of ambassador of cute. This afternoon, when I took Daku out, she was in the yard with Gong. She decided she wanted to hang out with me, so we followed Daku and she just chattered away. We talked about the dogs, and at one point she was walking along counting to ten in English. Natcha wants us to speak to her in English and she and Gong will speak to her inThai. The journey continues.
Today’s photos are of the ‘young ones’. Neechanon in a rather serious face, but check out her new shark shoes.
Chopper crashed in one of his new favorite places in the afternoon. The tile is cool and there’s plenty of shade.
Have a Great Week.
Peace,
Danny
“If there is a book that you
want to read, but it hasn’t
been written yet, you must be
the one to write it.”
~Toni Morrison
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