We were hoping that 2010 would be full of good news and happiness, but it looks like there will be sadness mixed in with it. Last Wednesday, Scott’s 23 year-old cousin, Meagen, passed away. (She struggled with an auto immune disorder for over 3 years which attacked her liver.) She leaves behind a beautiful 22 month-old boy, Taylor.
This last weekend was filled with moments of sadness, joy, and humor as we attended her funeral.
There were many aboriginal traditions that were new experiences for us. We arrived just as they were moving her casket from her parents home (where the viewings were) to the community hall (where the funeral would be the next day). As soon as I saw Meagen’s mom, I burst into tears. Aunt Kathy was so sad! A fire had been lit two nights prior and would remain lit and near Meagen until she was buried. Singers sang an aboriginal song and drummed their drums. Lily asked me, “What’s that?” and I suggested she not ask questions right then. She agreed and then immediately asked, “What’s that?” I really didn’t want to answer that question, so I ignored it.
Scott & I found the tradition of what to do with pregnant women rather humorous. I was instructed to wrap myself in a blanket to protect my womb from spirits. Any blanket would do, but Scott’s aunt wanted to make sure I had a pretty blanket, so she leant me a bright blue blanket with beautiful, large sunflowers on it. (I felt like I was a walking neon sign!) A women I had never met before immediately walked up to me and rubbed my belly. She told me that it would be good for me not to sit too close to the body. I tried my best to follow her instructions. I have to admit that it was hard to take care of and chase a 2 year old with a blanket wrapped around me. I don’t know how pioneer women tended their children in their long dresses, because I was tripping over the blanket and getting it caught under the chair legs continually.
There weren’t enough seats the next day for everyone that came for the funeral, so over 100 people stood for the entire 3-1/2 hour service.
Meagen will be missed by so many. We were blessed to know her in this life.
3 comments:
How sad. But it was neat to hear of the aboriginal customs for a funeral.
I am glad that you were able to go. I am so sad for the family. What a beautiful girl she was. I hope her son will do well. It would be good for you to write theses customs down for Lily to understand when she is older and can appreciate her heritage
so sad. :(
so funny picturing you chasing Lily. And picturing you trying not to react to someone rubbing your belly, because I know you love that so much. ;)
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