163 Aunt Norma goodbye

no one really slept that night . They all kept close vigil on each other especially on Audis. Astila got airport duty since Sam and Marshal got college pick up. Luckily most of the flights were close together and several were going to rent cars when they arrived. So he picked up Auntie Jin with two of the college kids from Texas . Luckily they knew Auntie Jin so he didn't pick up the wrong kids since these two were girls. They waited for the flight from California since it was only an hour behind them. Going to get lunch while they waited Astila answered the kids questions. 

"So your Aisling's husband and were you with Grams when she passed?" The youngest one asked. 

"Yes I'm Aisling's husband,your grandfather was alone in the room with her at the time she passed. She spoke to your parents only minutes before passing. I hope that I don't upset you guys but I am a little overwhelmed at the moment and am not sure I will remember your names. " the girls laugh at him. 

"it's ok no worries we are a big family most people new to us can't remember who we are. Heck I probably won't recognize half the people at the funeral. Since we live so far away we don't get to know each other as well. So it will be ok." The older girl spoke up for the two of them. The flight from California is being announced as they make their way to the gate. The girls rush to meet their parents. There is no way Astila would not have known these two men . They look like their father, their wives both are petite and the girls resemble their mothers. Astila shakes their hands and introduces himself. The oldest son asks him about their three other siblings. 

"your oldest sister and her family left New York right after you spoke to your mom. She arrived at the house around 3am. They were asleep at your parents house when I left. Your dad is still at my place he hasn't wanted to leave the living room where your mom passed. At least not when I left. Your two younger siblings families will be arriving anytime at Dulles. They are renting a couple of cars and said they would meet us at home. We have you guys divided up between several houses. Sam and Marshal have gone to pick up two of the kids from the colleges in West Virginia that needed to be driven. I'm not sure whose kids they are . " the oldest son grins and lets him know it's ok he knows it can be stressful when dealing with such a big family .  They pick up the other car and head back to the house . Astila calls Aisling and Crystal is the one who answered. 

"Aisling can't talk right now she is getting breakfast for everyone. I will let her know you are on your way. " he hears a lot of commotion in the back ground so he doesn't press her for details. Auntie Jin pats his hand in encouragement. And decides to start a conversation with Audis jr. 

"I know she doesn't and I understand why. I just feel that our Jewish customs have a tendency to be forgotten in the shuffle.  I hope that Aisling is prepared for my sister to want to demand some of the traditions." Astila straitened his back and took a deep breath. He doesn't care about traditions he cares about his wife so he speaks up his voice and the look he gives to the man in the back are like ice. 

"My wife will do what is expected of her by your mother and father. I don't know anything about Jewish customs but my wife is pregnant and very distraught over your mom's passing. I will not have anyone upset her. As Norma's children you have every right to take over once we get home. Though Norma gave very specific instructions to John and Aisling. If they fight you over her instructions do not blame them. This is not about you this is about granting your mothers last wish. I understand that none of you lived close by to your parents but my wife spent time with her everyday. Either through speaking to her on the phone or by visiting with her. They were very close and I will not have anyone hurt my wife. You may not know me but know this I do not lose in a fight of any kind. Especially where she is concerned. I have great respect for your parents it was your mom who made sure I was welcomed into the family . It was her who arranged a hand fasting in less than two hours so that Aisling and I would not need to be separated. So I'm giving you only one warning if anyone is rude or tries to do anything against Norma's wishes there will be hell to pay. " he looks in the mirror at Aisling's cousin and sees him smile. 

"Well said mom said you would protect her. Aisling always has been bullied and abused by the family and I wanted to see if she was right. You did not disappoint. Though I do think that a few Jewish customs need to followed . " Astila nods at him and answers quickly in defense of this. 

"Aisling went last night and washed the body and prepared it in the Jewish custom. The funeral is this afternoon before sunset so that it will be buried in the time frame of Jewish customs. She asked John to preform the service and said you kids could decide the pallbearers. That she did not want to ask anyone to do it that didn't not want to. She did specify that she was not to be dressed as an old lady . She wants to be dressed in party clothes. Though John told Aisling no leather or biker clothes. She says that she does not want to subject you all to shiva that is unfair and cruel. That you all live so far away it would be to hard for you. She wants a lavish party with lots of booze dance and laughter." Audis's wife gasps at the thought of what her mother in-law wants and huffs. 

"only she would turn something solemn into a laughing stock. I hope Aisling has more sense." The disdain in her voice is apparent to all. This woman did not like her mother in-law. 

Jin speaks up and gives her stance.

"I personally would find it to sad if we pretended that Norma was a person who reveled in sadness and was someone with no life. I think that the best way to celebrate her life would be to give her a goodbye party fit for the queen of parties. To remember her love of life and family. She always missed her children being close but refused to go live with any of you because she was afraid that people would think she had a favorite. So she stayed in the home she raised her kids in always leaving the door open and welcoming for them. She longed for more visits with you but knew that you needed to walk your own path. She knew that your jobs or your spouses jobs and family had you guys be so far away. Though her love for you never changed. She once told me that her only accomplishment was raising you children to know unconditional love." Jin gives Audis jr wife a glare. How dare she try to act as if Norma was anything but a kind loving mother. So what if she had a harsh tongue sometimes or liked to get drunk once in awhile. She never put anything before her children. The rest of the trip was in silence but at least hopefully miss prissy in the got her nastiness out of the way. Lord it's going to be a hard day . 

They get back to the house and Audis Jr gets out and to greethis older sister. She is not happy about something and he isn't sure he wants to know. She storms over to him and instead of giving him a hug she starts screaming at him. 

"Wait until you see what they have mom dressed in. Instead of one of her black church dresses they have her dressed in a gold pant suit. What will people think when they see her dressed in pants. Not only that dad is refusing to let me change her. This is going to be a disaster of a funeral. How will I show my face after this?" She notices that they have come outside and Aisling looks like she could drop with exhaustion. Astila slams the door and glares at this woman. She jumps at the noise. 

he glares at her and begins to speak.

"I don't care who you think you are. This is Aisling's house and she does not allow yelling or screaming. So you need to take your attitude and shut up. She only did what your mother asked of her. So if you don't like it you can go back to where ever you came from. I already told your brother no one is to say a word about anything. This is per your mothers wishes. Maybe if you had gotten your nose out of your own butt once and a while. To  get  to know what she wanted you would have been able to get things your way. Everyone here has not slept since your mom passed and Aisling is pregnant so if you upset her I will personally make you leave our home. Your mother would be ashamed of how you are behaving." With that he storms into the house slamming the door loud enough to make the window rattle. Everyone around whistled they have never seen his this angry before. Though they had not been around him long enough . Salali looks after her brother and smiles then rushes to hug Jin . Looking at the lady who caused the commotion she sneered at her. 

"Wow you might look like Auntie Norma but you definitely are not like her. She was sweet as pie and could get her way just by a word not by throwing a tantrum. We all know you are her child and that you are hurting with the loss. Just remember this isn't about you and what you want. It's about fulfilling her last wishes. She picked the clothes herself a few days ago. So why would Aisling put anything else on her. Your mama knew several days ago her heart was failing and didn't say a word until last night when she was ready to go. When she passed she passed with your father cradling her like a baby in his his arms giving her a goodbye kiss. You should think of her and how she lived not how you wanted her to live." The two ladies hugged and walked back to the house. Leaving the siblings to talk.