No bag of stuff this time

Everyone who knows my mom knows her generosity. Whenever I pop in to see my parents I usually leave with a little “something.” During recent visits my hauls included six lemons, a tub of pitted dates, a jar of pimentos and a jar of calamansi jelly. In the past I have departed with meat, jewelry and plants

That’s why I started this blog, I wanted to document these hauls. However on my last visit I left with instructions.

Mom and I were chatting at the kitchen table. I had just made smoothies for her, my daughter and myself.

Mom: You know your father wants to be buried. I want to be cremated.

Me: Well just make sure you outlive him then you can handle his burial any way you want. He’s made no funeral arrangements. If you outlive him, you’ll be in charge.

Mom: Good, that sounds like a plan. Are you still planning on putting my ashes in an urn on the fireplace mantle.

Me: Yup unless you make different arrangements. I promise, I’ll dress you on special occasions, just like Ninang Rose dressed that concrete goose of hers. On your birthday I’ll drape your favorite jewelry all over the urn.

Mom: OK. When I’m gone I want you to turn me into a diamond.

Me: Sure. Am I making you into diamonds for everyone? Your sons, the grandchildren?

Mom: No just you, make it a big diamond, at least a carat.

Me. What about Christine? She’s your only granddaughter, she doesn’t get a diamond?

Mom: She’ll get yours when you’re gone.

Me: Good, that sounds like a plan.

She's serious about the diamond. I'm serious about dressing her urn.

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