All Funari family gatherings have four things in common that I refer to as GAAPs. (The only irony in this abbreviation is that there is absolutely NO "gap" in their meaning):
1) Good Times - everyone has a good time, all the time
2) Awesome goodbyes - goodbyes are prolonged every time for as long as possible
3) Attendance - everyone attends (let's face it - that's not entirely normal in every family)
4) Pictures - family pictures are taken every time, by everyone with cameras
Having married into the family, I don't know when these traditions came about, but I can tell you these are real traditions and what my kids refer to as patterns--meaning they can count on them happening every time so that even my 5 year old knows that GAAP will inevitably happen at these gatherings. My gut says that Uncle Chip may have some thing to do with fostering GAAP.
After being declared cancer free, late last week, we lost Uncle Chip due to other complications despite his ongoing positive attitude, support network, and will to live. Everyone said he had seemed fine just the day before. It makes you question a lot about life and why/how things happen.
Last August when we were all together I never thought that I wouldn't get the chance to see Uncle Chip again. Thank goodness for the Funari GAAP, as we said our prolonged and heartfelt goodbyes and I wished Uncle Chip luck in his fight to manage his health, letting him know that we supported him and loved him. We had an amazing week together, with everyone in attendance and we have tons of pictures to share our experiences and hold our memories.
I know Uncle Chip had no regrets. Just an amazing life and memories to be proud of and lives he touched and changed for the better. As I knew him, he always had a smile on his face, something witty and smart to say and lived everyday to it's fullest, unafraid to take risks.
We all manage through losing someone differently. While I am not religious, I do believe in Heaven and somehow the idea of Heaven enables me to better understand and accept death and losing someone. For me it is a place that our souls go to rest and watch over us--help guide us when we are in need--and wait for us to welcome us once we get there.
While Uncle Chip is immensely missed here, I know he will enjoy Heaven as he did his life. I imagine it only took moments for him to find his mother and greet her warmly. I hope someday he bumps into my dad and grandmothers as I know they would all enjoy and appreciate each other. I hope when he sees Bama he gives her a sweet kiss on the head. Uncle Chip made a lasting impression on me for sure and I will miss him dearly. I extend my deepest sympathies to the entire Funari family. Uncle Chip was a true, true gem.
