This past Sunday was Elemore Morgan Jr.'s wake. A "Cajun wake."
What makes a Cajun wake different than a regular wake? Well, it is not mournful but it is respectful. It is a celebration of the person. Food, music and drink are the order of the day. Stories are told. People leave feeling better that when they arrived.
Elemore's wake was held at his home. He lived in the low land prairie, amongst the rice fields, which he loved, and painted. It was hot -even by Louisiana standards. But hundreds of people showed up. We remembered Elemore. We eat. We laughed. We cried. We remembered. I believe Elemore would have been flattered (and maybe a bit embarrassed,) but grateful.
In this week's The Independent, there is the most wonderful article about Elemore. It was written by the people who knew him and felt compelled to tell the world about him.
Click here to read it
“Elemore, there is something I have been meaning to ask you for a good while.”
“What’s that, Phil?”
“Elemore, what is the meaning of life?”
Without skipping a beat, he uttered, “I am not sure, but I know it’s 80 percent maintenance.”
28 May 2008
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Elemore was a dignified and respected human being. As well as his art, teaching and influence on so many. His wake was... serene. Everyone was positive and just glad to honor him. It was hot; but Elemore lived by the weather, so we didn't care, cause it was about him.
I know what the denial part of grieving is now. Myself and several people were expecting at any minute that they'd see him at the wake. Every white haired man that passed...
Rest in peace, Elemore. You are missed by all and can never be replaced our hearts. Your memory, immortal.
Elemore went straight to heaven in his straw hat, khakis and boots!
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