Graveside

Bet, my bernlaw's mother, was 97 when she died last week. She was a smart, funny, and active woman up until around her 96th birthday. But her last year was a decline and her death no surprise.

We buried her today and then retired to her grandson's house for a proper send-off. For every person at the graveside, there were five or six at the party. I was among the oldest there and there were a few not yet in school.

Ninety-seven is a good age and Bet used hers well; the party reflected that. Food and toasts and stories and good cheer were all around.