Every so often we get reminded of how precious and short life is. That is what happened last Saturday when I heard that Gina Party and Sheila E’s father had passed away.
Yeah, I know they have different last names on the SOB, but that’s just for comedic effect. They are sisters. And two people whom I consider very good friends. Put it this way – If God ever granted me a Last Supper, they would get an invite.
That is the reason I made the 7-hour road trip home with them. They always talk about their family and growing up on a farm. But seeing it in person gave me a greater appreciation of who they are.
We did manage a few laughs over the past few days though, which is where I’ll try to lighten the mood.
As I collected my change at a truck stop on the way up, the cashier said, “Come again.”
“That’s what she said,” I joked.
Everyone in the place fell silent. I just grabbed my bag of cheese popcorn and walked out.
We had flowers delivered to the funeral home, but the card read “From your friend at The Summer of Benny.” We just added an “s” when no one was looking.
Family and friends gathered at their parent’s house after the wake. Their mom noticed the hardwood floor in the kitchen had collected a few crumbs.
“If this was my place, I would just cover that with a rug,” I told her.
She looked at me like I was crazy, and grabbed the vacuum.
That is the moment I learned why the two sisters’ homes are always so clean. And why mine looks like a fraternity house.
Dream up, dream up. Let me fill your cup.