19 Comments
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Wendy Varley's avatar

Hoping your insides settle very soon, Jennifer. Scary when they play up like that.

Sounds like a lot of unpheavals in one go, with college drop offs and your parents moving into assisted living. Hugs to you.

My aunt was very specific about her ashes, requesting a biodegradable sand urn, and to be disposed of at Mudeford Quay on the south coast of England. We honoured her wishes en route to dropping our son off at uni.

What I didn’t know till we solemnly dropped it in the water was that the spherical sand urn would bob about on the surface for the best part of an hour, looking suspiciously like a mine, before it finally took on water and gurgled beneath the waves. We were in hysterics, laughter and tears combined. We daren’t leave until it had disappeared, fearing someone might call the bomb squad.

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Jennifer Barnett's avatar

That kind of laughter through tears is the best part of the human experience. You’ll have that story forever. 💜

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SallyJG's avatar

This made me both laugh and cry. I’ve lost 2 siblings already (as well as everyone from the previous generation) and it’s a hard business. The alcohol, potato chip, and incense were definitely a new twist to the spreading of ashes, though! Thank you for this slice of life and I hope your digestive system is back to working order soon! Safe travel home.

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Jennifer Barnett's avatar

❤️❤️❤️

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Jenny R. Mullin's avatar

Might be the best opening line ever.

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Andrea Fisher's avatar

Jennifer, what a beautiful gift you gave to your mom and aunts. I love the visual of Aunt Sue getting topped off with a chip and a swig. Yes, that would have meant so much to her.

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Caroline Morrell's avatar

Thank you for your beautiful story, so many of us share this experience... it is always good to remember...

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Jennifer Barnett's avatar

❤️

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Istiaq Mian's avatar

Did the CT show a belly full of nachos?!

Loved the photo at the end. Could feel the emotion, even though I couldn't see your mom's face.

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Jennifer Barnett's avatar

The nachos were waving into the camera. 😝

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MUTHR, FCKD's avatar

Oh NO. It was last call for you! How terrifying! I'm so glad you'll be OK. Man, oh man. Remember when we could sit and eat a roll of cookie dough? xx PS: When I was pregs my uncles pasta e fagioli drove me to the ER. No lie!

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Jennifer Barnett's avatar

I would like some pasta e fagioli right now.

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Alexis Mera Damen's avatar

Ahhh the NACHOS! I miss them too. I’m glad you’re feeling better. I usually overdose on Mexican food, pizza, and bagels when I go to New York. You wrote a beautiful story about your aunt. ❤️

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Jennifer Barnett's avatar

Those are all my faves, too. It’s been fun but I’m so ready to get back to Amsterdam and I’m looking forward to meeting up.

And thank you 💜

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Stacey Curran's avatar

I was wondering where you’ve been. And now I know it is Trader Joe’s, Wegman’s and the ER. That is the perfect travel itinerary.

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Jennifer Barnett's avatar

living my best life over here my friend

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ThinkPieceOfPie's avatar

oh allergies, something in my eye

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Theresa's avatar

What an absolutely beautiful tribute to Sue. I'm sure she's having a great time haunting the mall. The last deposit was difficult I'm sure. You both performed a loving service. Easy on the nachos lady!

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Oct 1
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Jennifer Barnett's avatar

Thank you!

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