Ties That Bind

                The mirror has a solemn appearance this morning. Mason is tying his tie, his father’s actually, it always looked very smart on him. It is light gray with deep purple stripes that run diagonally and goes very nicely with Mason’s dark gray suit and a starched white shirt. It is an appropriate choice for today. Joseph, his grandfather’s namesake, is trying to tie his tie as well. The intricacies of a neat Windsor knot are difficult for his small hands, but dad is pleased to help smiling at the memory when he was the one in need of help and his father got down on one knee and showed just how it was done, then kissed his forehead before he stood up. This is little Joe’s first suit and tie bought just for this occasion. His mother had suggested a clip on but he insisted on the real thing. It took a while, they all seemed to hang to his knees, but finally they found a nice blue one with an embossed floral pattern. His new suit was a dark gray just like dad’s. Joe was very pleased. He doesn’t quite understand the reason for these new clothes. Mason and Jill wished he needn’t learn it so young.

                It is a gloomy day, not quite cold not quite warm, not quite cloudy not quite sunny. The trees are still bare, their dark, arthritic limbs wave slowly in the breeze, a seeming farewell. They ride to the funeral home in silence, even Joe just plays quietly with his toys in the backseat. The parking lot is full, Joseph was a well-known and respected man but Mason is still surprised at the turn out. A tear begins to well in his eye. He tells himself not already and quickly wipes it away. He has been to the home a number of times during the week but he is still overwhelmed by the smell of the flowers as they walk in.  Jill signs the register then the three of them walk down front to take their seats. Mason asks Joe if he would like to see grandpa one last time. It is a confused look the little boy gives his father. He still doesn’t understand even though they have been explaining things to him all week. He decides, yes, he’ll say goodbye but when he gets up to the casket all he says is “he looks funny”. Mason doesn’t know how to respond to this very real observation and the tears begin again as he kisses his son's forehead. Joe walks slowly back to his chair while his mom and dad take a moment to say their goodbyes. Jill cocks her head a bit and asks Mason if that isn’t his tie Joseph has on. My favorite, his voice barely a whisper. With a bold maroon and yellow pattern, it is befitting a bold, colorful man. He had taken it to the undertakers with Joseph’s best blue suit and one of his white monogramed shirts. His mother just wasn’t up to it. When he picked up the clothes he took the tie he is now wearing. He knew his father wouldn’t mind, besides, he has hopes that one day they will trade them back.