Rosalind dies in early January, 2013.
Despite Rhiannon and Abigail’s offers to take care of arrangements, Genevieve insists on handling these herself. She alerts the few friends Rosalind had in Seattle, and members of the family who live nearby. Rosalind’s wish was to be cremated and disposed of as Genevieve sees fit. She does not contact MIT because she doesn’t know who to contact or if anyone there would even remember Rosalind.
On the day of the funeral, Genevieve is the first to arrive with Abigail getting there soon afterward. Genevieve makes an unusual request.
“I want to contribute to your DNA study. All I have left of Mom is that part of her that’s in me. Maybe this will help me feel closer to her.”
Since Abigail does field research, she always has testing kits with her, so she goes ahead and takes a sample.
Once they’re done, Abigail accompanies Genevieve into the chapel where the service will be performed.
“I told them to leave out all the god stuff because I know Mom wouldn’t like all that. But I’m going to read that passage from Corinthians about love. It’s always been one of my favorites and it doesn’t even mention god.”
“That will be great.”
Rhiannon arrives and gives Genevieve an update on the relatives she’s heard from who’ll be attending.
“Might have a good crowd,” Abigail says.
Genevieve positions herself near the door to greet anyone who shows up and Abigail and Rhiannon stand nearby for support. The room is set up for forty people and Abigail is happy to see the staff has to bring in extra chairs. She counts fifty-four altogether, mostly relatives, and several people she doesn’t recognize who must have been friends.
Once everyone’s settled, the funeral director welcomes everyone then introduces Genevieve. She thanks everyone for coming and invites them back to Rhiannon’s house for a reception afterward.
“My mother and I aren’t very religious, but there’s one passage we both like a lot.”
Genevieve picks up Rosalind’s urn and holds it in her arms. “If I speak in the tongues of men or of angels but do not have love, I am only a resounding gong or a clanging cymbal.”
Watching her, Abigail sees the little girl she’s always cared for transform into a confident and well-spoken young woman, and can’t recall a time when she was more proud of Genevieve.
After Genevieve finishes, she invites others to share their memories of Rosalind and a few stand and say a little. Finally, Genevieve once again invites everyone to the reception, then concludes the service.
Abigail and Rhiannon both go to Genevieve and hug her simultaneously.
“That was beautiful, Genni,” Rhiannon says. “Rosie would be so proud of you right now.”
Abigail keeps her arm around Genevieve. “How are you holding up?”
“I’m doing okay. I’ll be better when I can get out of this dress.”
Genevieve says a few words to the funeral director, then thanks him for the service. Finished with all the formalities, the three of them head back to Rhiannon’s.
