Weep With Those Who Weep

I attended my first funeral ever this weekend, but that isn't the only reason it was memorable.

Angelo on the left, in Crete. via

We spend the weekend in San Francisco mourning the loss of Jamie's grandfather, Angelo Markoulis. He was Greek and American through and through, fiercely proud of both of his countries. He passed on a rich love of their heritage to his family (have you seen "My Big Fat Greek Wedding"? It's not far from the Markoulis family, and I mean that in the best way, because I do love Greek food and traditions). ;) Angelo was a business and real estate tycoon (he established the American Industrial Center in 1975, which is still run by the family) and he was much admired for his hard working spirit and his many accomplishments.

His wake and funeral services were held in a beautiful Greek Orthodox church (the inside was lit by sunlight and covered with glass tile mosaics; it was breathtaking) and involved a lot of incense and chants in Greek. I was treated very much like one of the family, and was honored to be a part of the services as one of them. Angelo was 86 and is survived by his wife of 64 years, six children, thirteen grandchildren, seven great-grandchildren, and a brother.

As per Greek tradition, Jamie is choosing not to shave (he has a head start on that) and to wear a black armband to indicate that he is in mourning. We are hoping to visit his yai yai (Greek for "grandma," pronounced yah-yah) in October while we are in the Bay Area, and to send her letters and phone calls. I can only imagine what it must be like to lose a spouse of 64 years.

I have been to more weddings than I can remember but this was my first funeral... Parents, take your children to funerals. It's good to be reminded that we're mortal, that we can't afford not to enjoy one moment at a time. With a steady diet of weddings you forget that all things end. It's good practice for the inevitable, for the full scope of the human experience on this earth.

Rejoice with those who rejoice, and weep with those who weep. --Romans 12:15