Bernice's Funeral

Al's wife of 69 years has finally passed. The final 2 were spent in partial dementia.Everybody loved her.How could they not?She was a a trash talkin straight shooter who always made people feel special somehow. Her sons were there, rough and tumble ex-drunks, waxing poetic.The grandsons, another bunch of ex-con drug addicts,keeping the faith.
Me, I was there to support the family.Or so I thought. My thoughts were constantly on my own mother's final years of dementia and the betrayal of her years of faithful service to Christian Science.She left no legacy of grieving children behind. No funeral for Mom, no loving memories,no touching anecdotes. Of course I have some. It's just not okay to share them.The blame game is strong in my family.I keep her ashes in my CD collection.A place of honor.My dad's flag sits atop the TV on the other side of the room,she'd just die if she knew they were in the same room.
Will my children have a funeral for me? Will they tell amusing stories of the times when I did the most amazing things?I think they probably will. I am a nut, with some incredible life experiences, and they know without a doubt that I love them fiercely. I just hope they play some decent music at my wake.
I hope Al's going to be alright. I really love that man.