And a good time was had by all

I know that is not the normal thing you hear when someone is telling you about a funeral.  But then my family is not normal. 

When my dad was in the ICU the nurse let the entire family in.  She said, "I know you'll make him laugh and that's what he needs right now."  We didn't let her down.

Other nurses over the years have not been as appreciative of our "Quayle" humor and we've been asked to leave emergency waiting rooms... but we don't take it personally.  It just gives us something else to laugh about.

The road trip out to Grantsville started the whole thing.  Jokes, laughter and general mayhem could be found.  Once in the church we tried to sober it up but it wasn't to be.  We walked passed the viewing room waving to Thomas and the girls - we were on our way to the bathroom and did not realize how it looked until after we'd passed the doorway.

You can just imagine the confused looks and 'where'd they go?'  That started us giggling and by the time we were in the viewing room it was contagious and the kids were laughing and talking about some of the other times when "Quayle" humor had not been appropriate. 

I say it beats a lot of mopey faces.  Don't get me wrong there were tears but there was happiness too and fond memories of good times.

Favorite moments:

My mom's bishop lived across the street from my parents and we all know him very well.  He's a great guy.  He's pretty freaking old and he's been there for all the burials. 
I said, "Guess you'll live to see us all buried." 
He said, "Yes.  Yes I am."
Jake says, "Sounds like a death threat.  Get a restraining order."

Karson, my great nephew, goes up for a final good bye to his Nana and standing before the casket realizes he needs to zip up and proceeds to do so.   Jake says, "Why would you at that moment say: 'Hey who turned on the air conditioner?  Oh! Zip'."

Jess fighting laughter at every turn.  Me handing her tissue to cover it up.  Of course it didn't help when I'm belting out the songs with replacement words.

Oh and Scotty was infamous for his Key Lime Pie. At his funeral we inquired if another Quayle had taken yet another secret to the grave and no one seemed to know or deigned not to respond.  The Relief Society President was talking and of course mentioned Scotty's pie and then she said these words, "I have the recipe but I'm sure I'll never do it justice."  Jess and I sit up, look at each other.  We now KNOW who has the recipe.  In the hallway after I suddenly remember this and say, "We've got to find that lady with the recipe.  Thomas...."  Seems Thomas has it too and is going to bring it and a pie to the family reunion.  Bribery will get you every where Thomas darling.

The Bishop got up to talk and he said something to the effect that even with the sadness of the day it is wonderful to see the laughter and the joy. And it is good to know that we all can rejoice in two people coming together to find Gods love forever in eternity.... blah, blah, blah

Way wrong dude.  Quayle humor. No eternity about it.  It is how Quayle's survive day in and day out.

Except occasionally when we melt down like I did this past weekend.  But now I can laugh at myself 'cause dude, really?  Really? 

May this be the last funeral for a while.  Of course my mom's Bishop is getting old and he's vowed to see us all in the grave.  If the rest of us start dropping off mysteriously call the cops!!!