Gathering to pay tribute
. Everything in life has a meaning, once this is accepted, a semblance of reasoning can prevail, the embroidered family members beginning to arrive, an altogether acknowledgement of the architect of the Willson’s, Gary’s dad. The presence of Grandchildren and Great Grandchildren giving a buoyancy to the milestone, inaugurating a celebrated festive aura, to what otherwise may have been a solemn occasion. The assemblage of youthful Grandchildren having been inaugurated only once before, the passing years giving a contrasting presence, most no longer ascribed with adolescence, a number having found adulthood inherent with family countenance.
. The late May weather providing a warmth, the sojourning family accumulation accepting the attraction of Pine Mountain Lake. Katherine and Don DaValle, Gary’s sister and brother-in-law, extending an invitation for those desiring to journey Priest Grade to Groveland, and experience the realm of their Pine Mountain Lake addition. The lake front house giving access to a sandy beach, the water playing host to those with children, their water-borne activity a gladdening entertainment, the apperception of youth a joy to behold, except for the axiomatic reason for the assemblage
. The day of desideratum was approaching, the funeral home acknowledging a viewing schedule, Gary querying his mother and sisters in accompanying him to bestow his last respects. His sisters Katherine and Nancy adamant in their refusal, the antediluvian aphorism, they want to remember him as he was, not as he is this day. Gary applying persuasion, his mother finally agreeing to attend, Scott and Katherine’s step-son Eddy also in agreement to his request. The Chevrolet Blazer journeying north, Scott and Eddy following in Scotts car on the winding two lane highway 49, the 45 miles not an ardent passage, Gary questioning his inner-self, his response to seeing his Dad for the last time. Entering the funeral home viewing room, approaching a flag draped open casket, Gary accepted his Father laying at rest, an expression of peace reflecting his countenance.
. A chapel observance, family members and a scattering of friends in attendance, the sound of Bob Willson’s favorite song, Danny Boy, interwoven amidst the recorded music discoursed before the brief service, and a brief abeyance in the solemn atmosphere, something bringing a comforting smile to those in attendance, knowing great grandfather is also smiling. little great granddaughter Katy dancing to the music around his coffin. The coffin remaining closed, a request of Gary’s mother and sister‘s, the elder son not in agreement, but his supposition invalidated. The entourage leaving the chapel, proceeding up the Jackson grade, a déjà vu moment, a picture of a young boy named Mike, sitting beside his father, a 1940 Chevy pickup climbing the grade, befalling the notwithstanding Argonaut and Kennedy mines to the east. The fleeting 4 mile journey to the Sunset View Cemetery, a newly established necropolis dedicated in 1989, the gates of the pavilion an entrance to a diminutive but well-manicured eternal resting place.
. Among the green field of markers, a lone flag draped casket, a cardinal of consciousness, the military honor guard from American Legion Post 108 administering a final salute to a comrade in arms, the bugler’s sounding of taps, a fitting farewell to a fellow veteran and soldier of life. Words were articulated, but needlessly for those who knew Robert Willson, his character spoke for itself, humble but luminous, arbitrary but reverent, solitary in appearance but with compassion and benevolence dwelling within. The honor guard performing the traditional folding and presentation of the flag to the widow concluding a final tribute to the heritage foundation that enabled the Willson’s.
. The gathering at the Columbia home of Nancy was memorable, the solemn of a reflective experience lifted, succumbing, a concealed relief with its conclusion, the abiding throng of family and visitors conversing with alternative regards, the cloud of despondency evaporating. Gary having the opportunity to acquaint himself with a person whom he hadn’t seen in 38 years, his first cousin Lorraine, the daughter of his Aunt Grace, the only known Willson relative from his generation. The bustle of the afternoons activity coming to a close, the gradual departing of friends expressing condolences, the families segregating to spirit their travel, the evenings arrival, a solitude , Gary, his family remaining with Nancy and his mother. The day coming to an end, The cloud scored golden sun, its colorful hue descending in the west, a Cimmerian shade of darkness starting to prevail, a depiction of closure.
Inquisitive Quest 
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