CJ’s Funeral

At the first of the year I always do the same thing: I get my affairs in order.

Is that dark? I don’t see it that way. One of my daughters saw the file name that is the title of this post and was upset it even existed. She thought it was bad luck.

When you can give the people you love most in the world a roadmap during an inarguably tough time, why wouldn’t you? I have the program ready to go: readings selected, songs cued up, even the color of robes for the full gospel choir (White, obviously). My family won’t have to wonder “how many doves did CJ picture being released?” or “was she serious about the horse-drawn carriage?” as her $40,000 Zazagabour casket is lowered into place beneath the end zone at Soldier Field.

If you’ve experienced a serious loss, you know how much you’d give to have answers to even the smallest questions. Like whether Mom wanted carnations or found them tacky. Whether she’d have preferred “Amazing Grace” or “My Way.”

Or whether she was kidding about the doves.

(I’m not.)

Happy New Year.