Tossing Daisies in the Surf

I am not a fan of funerals.

I find that's just not the last memory I want to have

of someone who was a part of my life.

When my sister passed away, I knew how I wanted to honor her memory.

 We invited friends and family to join us on the beach

where Jen and I hung out as kids.

The universe was cooperating that day with a perfect, sparkling morning.

 There's no way to be depressed with your toes in the sand.

 The idea of this ceremony is to take turns sharing happy

memories and toss a flower into the ocean.

I bought three bouquets of white daisies.

There was a good bit of laughter as we recalled hijinx 

and shenanigans from back in the 80's, 

and pleasant recent adventures and Facebook postings.

As blossoms washed back up, I saw a little boy of 4 or 5 gather

some of the stems and present his mother with them.

Further down the beach, someone was sticking them in the shore line like a garden.

You know I was smiling.

I don't generally indulge anymore, but I felt I'd be forgiven.

And I did go have a beer.