Rita Reviews

living my best possible southern life

Krystal til Midnight

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Paul Lowry / Foter / CC BY

I told you all that I would share some of the things that went on at all of the funerals I had to go to and here is the first story.On Monday night we attended my Grandpa’s wake and rosary (Catholics have a whole thing for funerals that we do) and it was typical, to a point. First this was the the fifth thing that we attended during the course of these funerals. We had a funeral, then a rosary service that night. A funeral service the next day and then a Novena at the house and a gathering at the other house. So as you can see there was a lot going on.

So my cousin leaves early (I think something was said but since I was resigned to the hallway I am not sure) because she says they need to eat. Her step-dad has cancer and was looking a bit rough. We attend the service and then decide with another cousin we were going to go eat. Krystal is a family favorite and he has been in Afghanistan so we headed the 45 minute drive to Krystal. We got there at around 7:30-7:45.

I have to tell you that this was one of the highlights of the entire week! We spend hours sitting in Krystal talking about our lives, telling favorite memories about growing up and laughing until I thought the people in Krystal were going to ask us to leave. My cousin that left early, she went to Red Robin, got her food to go and came in with it! She told us about Thanksgiving where she didn’t get any dinner because her mother had a nut reaction. She was so angry. She said her mom texted her that she was passing out and the first thing she thought was “If you texting you ain’t passing!” Her words not mine!

When we finally got ready to leave it was after midnight! We had to be at the church at 9 am but we didn’t want to leave. We all grew up together, spent summers together, and generally got into trouble together. We hadn’t seen each other in 14 years and it was hard to say good bye. The funny thing is you would think we saw each other everyday from teh way we talk.

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Comments

  1. I also love getting together with the family, cousins have moved further and further, seems the only time we get together are at funerals, but boy do we talk a storm when we are together and our children just sit there and listen to everything that we talk about and just love hearing all the fun we had when we were children, so many found memories.

    • Those are the best moments and something that I really needed right now. People to remind me of me.

    • It’s a Southern Eastern thing. In the north they have White Castle which is similar but not the same. They make these great little steamed burgers that aren’t expensive at all. I think we ordered like 40 of the things for everyone. Usually I eat like 3 or 4, which is like eating 1 regular burger. They mess up your stomach though. My cousin calls them gut rockets.

  3. That sounds like so much fun. My own family is spread out across the country, so evenings like the one you describe are few and far between.

  4. I love family moments like those. I have cousins like that also. My mom was the youngest of 11 kids, so I have lots and lots of cousins. When we get together it’s like no time has passed. Those are some very special memories.

  5. You just lose track of time when you are having a good time. I have never been to Krystals but it sounds like it was a great time. I know that when I am with family, time just flies by ad it is super late. Happens every time I visit my folks and brothers. I am so excited right now; in a few weeks we are moving back to be near family. I am looking forward to some great times sitting around the table and talking until the wee hours of night.
    Despite the funerals; sounds like you got a chance to connect with family…that’s what its all about.
    Diana C

  6. I love this story. My family is like that. When I went to my uncles funeral & rosary a few months ago it was amazing how fast my cousins and I got back into the grove and spent hours talking about things that happened when we were young. Even at funerals you can have some good memories.

  7. I don’t know how I missed this post. It’s incredible how a good meal can bring people together and be more effective in reminiscing about fond memories of loved one’s than the actual funeral, wake, or other services. I’m glad to hear that you and your family were able to honor the memory of your grandpa. Will continue to pray for you and your family, regarding your loss.