This afternoon was the second ceremony. Before going to the funeral home, several of us family and close friends were initiated as "little monks" to help encourage Bounthong's soul on its way. Nephews Bobby and Capitol had their heads shaved in the morning and were already dressed in orange robes like the monks hen I arrived. The Koukaïs, Kong and Biona, Bay, Annie, and I dressed all in white (to signify purity) as if we were Buddhist "nuns."
Many more people attended today than last night. Cousin Annie has arrived from Seminole, Florida, after two snafus with her airline ticket (costing her more than $1,000). Cousin Scottie arrived from Toronto after driving all night, just to stay the day; he hadn't seen Bounthong in more than 30 years! Sharlyn (the hospice nurse) and Sharon (hospice home health aide) came, Paula and Joe were back, Thuy was accompanied by Abby and Sam, and Anne and Jon stopped by. The rest of the room was filled with Laotians dressed in black.
To end the ceremony, we all approached the casket to sprinkle Bounthong with perfumed holy water and place a candle and a flower on her breast. (Note to self: Find out what those were for.) Next, a convoy accompanied Bounthong to the crematory in North Hampton, where we said our final goodbyes.
Meanwhile, people continued to arrive at the apartment, filling it to overflowing.
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