Although Jordyn and Mike are grown now, these photos capture the essence of their souls. They are a constant source of joy and inspiration for me, always ready for the next big laugh. Nothing is off-limits when it comes to a good hearty gut-wrenching laugh. Nothing. In the blink of an eye, a serious conversation can turn on a dime and become an all or nothing laugh-till-you-cry comedy session.
One day a few years ago I solemly stated to them that I want to be cremated because funerals are too sad and only cause un-necessary grief and hardship on loved ones. They listened semi-casually a few minutes without input. That sent me into a second explanation, thinking they did not approve of the idea. Midway through my first sentence or two, Jordyn interrupted me with, "Okay Ma, okay. We got it. We got it, we will..."
Mike interrupted her, "Yea Ma, we heard you. We're going to burn you to a crisp, like charcoal on a bar-b-que pit. Then when you're all done, we'll..."
Jordyn: "Yea, then we'll put your ashes in a jar and I'll put them up on my mantel and ..."
We are all about to burst wide open with laughter. The two of them are their own best audience, all I can do is take off my glasses, wipe my eyes and beg them to stop it.
Mike: "No, no, no. You can't have all the ashes, I want some on my fireplace too."
Jordyn: "Oh, all right, all right. We'll divide them up. You can put yours in a jelly jar and I'll put mine in a mayonaise jar. We'll put a bow on top and there you go - some of mama for both of us."
They're on a roll, back and forth they go, tit-for-tat but, I have to leave the room to get some relief. My jaws burn and my stomach and sides ache from the laughter. When I return to the room, they are on another subject but for my clarification Jordyn announces with a wide grin, "Okay Ma, you're all cooked, done and burned to ashes. Half for me half for Mike and you'll spend eternity with us, on top of our mantels."
And so it goes with the loves of my life.
© 2008 by Leona G. Shankle - Dellgirl Publishing