It is too bad that a wedding or a funeral are the few events that can gather a family. This time it was a funeral. Tonight all the grandchildren of Samuel Ortlieb, but 2, were gathered together under one roof- and although it was a funeral- it was a celebration. I watched as my grandfather (Opa) celebrated and reminisced with his family. He was so happy, so moved and a little 'drunk' but he was having a party with his family! Isn't this what life is about?
Minus the drinking, I can only imagine that heaven will be the same way. That there tonight there is a great party, as Kurt is with his wife, parents, and others who have died before him.
I will post pictures later, but I am overcome by the activities of tonight. We talked of family physical resemblances- and oh there are many from the ORTLIEB nose, to the eyes, to the bum. We were but a small crowd of maybe 30 but every room was filled with cousins, uncles, aunts, second cousins laughing, talking, sharing food- it didn't matter but tonight- all were welcome, all were loved and everyone was interested in the other. It was wonderful!
I think Opa enjoyed it the most. This was his family, his nieces and nephews, brother, sister-in-law that he rarely sees. For him to hear of their successes, their joy, and their lives as he stated "was one of the best nights of his life". What uncle wouldn't be proud of this amazing group? More than once, he told me he was proud of me, that he wanted me to be successful and happy. More than ever, his family orientated life, as witnessed tonight, is an ORTLIEB way of living. I do not know if it is just him- but I have a hunch that it is as true for him as for his siblings.
I discovered tonight that the nieces and nephews call my grandma, Aunt Vi....and in the Dowdle family Grandma Pepper is known as Aunt Pen....I need a cool nickname.
I am so proud to be an ORTLIEB! To live life with so much hope and optimism. What a great life it shall be!!!
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