8.09.2007
TRAMBLINGS
So, I went back and forth on this (which is why I am late with this post) and I couldn't decide if I wanted to blog the subject or not. I try to avoid really personal subjects unless it somehow relates to writing or books or something that can be used in the pursuit of writing. Once in awhile things slip in (random conversations with the Crown Prince) but I mostly play them for humor. Anyway, there was a death in the family last week and the reason I decided to write about it here is because it really turned into a celebration. The funeral last Thursday ended up being one of the most wonderful days I've ever spent with my family.
My Great Grandmother, whom I wrote about last year, passed away in her sleep at the age of 100. Now, really, who wouldn't sign up for that? She was born in 1906 and almost made it to 101. She was still sharp as a whip with her wicked, wicked sense of humor firmly in tact. She was frail toward the end but there was no denying the twinkle in her eye. Thursday was filled with sadness but there was also so much laughter and a million hugs. The hardest part for me was watching my Grandmother say goodbye to her mother but, at the same time, I thought how beautiful it must have been to have your mother for over 80 years. The love was flowing amongst the Tramble clan and I got to see relatives I hadn't seen in a very, very long time. At the end of the night it was hard to get back on the plane to Los Angeles, it was hard to leave my mother and sisters, but I also felt an incredible sense of peace.
As you all know, I have a new writing gig, and a couple people asked if I felt uncomfortble asking for a day off so soon after joining the staff. Honestly, that hadn't occured to me and the showrunners were just amazing. I only missed one day of work but I knew in my heart that they weren't the kind of people who'd hold something like that against anyone on their staff. I had to say a thank you for landing on a show with such a good group of people because I know that's not the case everywhere. Actually, the past week has been filled with a million silent thanks.
What I'd like to take from the spirit of the funeral service is the promise to remember, appreciate and honor the things in my life that work. A couple years ago I started saying out loud, "At this moment I am very happy. Who knows what happens next but right now, at this moment, I recognize my fortune and happiness." It's a little New Agey but those words helped me to stop complaining and agonizing over things that I couldn't change. If I could change them than I really had no right to complain. In light of that, I've tried really hard to keep it positive and keep it moving. Sometimes I fail but that's okay too.
The preacher who oversaw the ceremony was a little too choreographed for my taste and I've never been a fan of the fire and brimstone school of preaching but he did hit hard on family and that I can appreciate. Those nine hours up in the Bay Area made me realize how special they all are to me. Blessed is an overused word but I have been blessed with a wonderful blood family and the family of friends I've created out here on my own.
My girlfriends, whom I talk about at every turn, are family to me. I love those women fiercely and my feelings for them have only grown more intense as we get older. The Finish Party, which is the name of my writing group, is dynamic and I love them like I've known 'em for years. Interesting enough, one of the women knew the Crown Prince before she knew me. I'd heard about her for years and she even lived close by but I'd never met her. Now I just love her to pieces and I'm convinced that the end of another friendship made room for her. Sometimes when she and I are hanging out I am struck by the similarities between her and my old friend. I still mourn that friendship but I also understand that there might not have been room for all these wonderful new people if that friendship still existed in it's original incarnation. The Crown Prince, the Queen Mother and Kobe all know how much I love them and if they don't, well, here you go.
So, thanks for putting up with me today. I know this post is a little sappy but I've been accused of worse things. I'll miss my Great Grandmother but I love the idea of her teasing my father and him teasing her right back. Teasing always got a smile out of him and that meant the dimples would make an appearance. Now that's happines.
Lastly, I hope you're all well. I hope your families are safe. Thanks for stopping by.
Until next time...
So, I went back and forth on this (which is why I am late with this post) and I couldn't decide if I wanted to blog the subject or not. I try to avoid really personal subjects unless it somehow relates to writing or books or something that can be used in the pursuit of writing. Once in awhile things slip in (random conversations with the Crown Prince) but I mostly play them for humor. Anyway, there was a death in the family last week and the reason I decided to write about it here is because it really turned into a celebration. The funeral last Thursday ended up being one of the most wonderful days I've ever spent with my family.
My Great Grandmother, whom I wrote about last year, passed away in her sleep at the age of 100. Now, really, who wouldn't sign up for that? She was born in 1906 and almost made it to 101. She was still sharp as a whip with her wicked, wicked sense of humor firmly in tact. She was frail toward the end but there was no denying the twinkle in her eye. Thursday was filled with sadness but there was also so much laughter and a million hugs. The hardest part for me was watching my Grandmother say goodbye to her mother but, at the same time, I thought how beautiful it must have been to have your mother for over 80 years. The love was flowing amongst the Tramble clan and I got to see relatives I hadn't seen in a very, very long time. At the end of the night it was hard to get back on the plane to Los Angeles, it was hard to leave my mother and sisters, but I also felt an incredible sense of peace.
As you all know, I have a new writing gig, and a couple people asked if I felt uncomfortble asking for a day off so soon after joining the staff. Honestly, that hadn't occured to me and the showrunners were just amazing. I only missed one day of work but I knew in my heart that they weren't the kind of people who'd hold something like that against anyone on their staff. I had to say a thank you for landing on a show with such a good group of people because I know that's not the case everywhere. Actually, the past week has been filled with a million silent thanks.
What I'd like to take from the spirit of the funeral service is the promise to remember, appreciate and honor the things in my life that work. A couple years ago I started saying out loud, "At this moment I am very happy. Who knows what happens next but right now, at this moment, I recognize my fortune and happiness." It's a little New Agey but those words helped me to stop complaining and agonizing over things that I couldn't change. If I could change them than I really had no right to complain. In light of that, I've tried really hard to keep it positive and keep it moving. Sometimes I fail but that's okay too.
The preacher who oversaw the ceremony was a little too choreographed for my taste and I've never been a fan of the fire and brimstone school of preaching but he did hit hard on family and that I can appreciate. Those nine hours up in the Bay Area made me realize how special they all are to me. Blessed is an overused word but I have been blessed with a wonderful blood family and the family of friends I've created out here on my own.
My girlfriends, whom I talk about at every turn, are family to me. I love those women fiercely and my feelings for them have only grown more intense as we get older. The Finish Party, which is the name of my writing group, is dynamic and I love them like I've known 'em for years. Interesting enough, one of the women knew the Crown Prince before she knew me. I'd heard about her for years and she even lived close by but I'd never met her. Now I just love her to pieces and I'm convinced that the end of another friendship made room for her. Sometimes when she and I are hanging out I am struck by the similarities between her and my old friend. I still mourn that friendship but I also understand that there might not have been room for all these wonderful new people if that friendship still existed in it's original incarnation. The Crown Prince, the Queen Mother and Kobe all know how much I love them and if they don't, well, here you go.
So, thanks for putting up with me today. I know this post is a little sappy but I've been accused of worse things. I'll miss my Great Grandmother but I love the idea of her teasing my father and him teasing her right back. Teasing always got a smile out of him and that meant the dimples would make an appearance. Now that's happines.
Lastly, I hope you're all well. I hope your families are safe. Thanks for stopping by.
Until next time...
