Family ties.

I went to a funeral on my wife's side of the family Wednesday. The deceased family member was very respected and loved in the community and by the family. A great deal of care went into sending him out in style. After the graveside service, the family ate at the church and then everyone eventually ended up at my wife's grandma's place (she's the sister of the deceased). Within 4-5 hours of the covering of the casket the following things were witnessed:

1. A BIG argument (and near fistfight) between one of the deceased's sisters, 2 nieces, and the wife of one of the deceased's brothers. The argument was triggered by long-simmering animosity toward the sister-in-law, and by tacky comments she was overheard making at the funeral.

2. The dissolution of the marriage of said brother and sister-in-law. You can almost pinpoint the exact moment of fracture.

3. A near argument involving the who was taking home which particular flowers left over from the funeral. Did I mention all the flowers in question were identical, except for one pot held a slightly larger flower?

4. An announcement by one of the teen members of the family that she is pregnant. Seven months pregnant to be exact.

I guess this trumps the almost-fistfight between my mom's oldest brother (67) and one of her sisters (56) at a dinner for my Grandma last September. At least I could blame that one on excessive alcohol consumption.