A new experience.

I have been to a few funerals since I came to Costa Rica. During my first month, staying in Atenas, I went to the funeral of the sister of the owner of the Inn where I was staying. All the guests went to support Anna, the innkeeper. I had not met her sister. I went to Ziomara’s father’s funeral and we drove to the cemetery for the burial. In the states the priest comes to the cemetery and says prayers at the grave. Not here. The final prayers are said at the door to the church. I went to the wake at their home for Ligia’s father but I was having eye tests in San Pedro the day of the funeral and couldn’t attend. Today I attended the funeral for Ligia’s mother. Funerals happen very soon after death. She died yesterday afternoon. First I got a message asking for prayers and then a message that she had died.

Jeannette let me know the funeral was at 3:00pm today and that she was going to the house at 1:30pm. I said I would go to the church. A group of people walk behind the hearse from the house to the church. The church was full and some people were standing. When we were leaving the church I saw Jeannette and several of the workers and seniors from the senior center. I saw Ligia by the back door and after a hug she took my hand and didn’t let go.  I felt very included. It had been raining all morning but did stop for a few hours so we could walk to the cemetery in dry weather. It is raining again now. There is a small old cemetery by the church but we were going to the new one. A few blocks up the street and turn right and climb a few blocks up the hill. Part of the way the coffin was in the hearse and part of the way it was carried by several men. There is a small chapel area and the coffin was carried there. The top half door was opened to a glass panel underneath and anyone who wanted could take one last look at her.

When everyone was finished, the coffin was closed and carried to the crypt. After it was slid inside, the concrete panel was sealed in place. She was now next to her husband and the top of the crypt was covered with the flowers from the church.

I was prepared to get a taxi home but Ligia insisted her son would drive me home. He and Ligia and his girlfriend and her mother and I piled into the car and headed for Rio Macho.

I know a lot of people come here to retire but don’t get very involved with Ticos.  My involvement with them has added so much to my life and taught me so much over the last four years. I wouldn’t have it any other way.