In this era, funeral rites still retain many traditional customs. They are not only a final farewell to the deceased but also a manifestation of family unity. As an elder in the family, Han Yulan's instructions carry great authority, and her decisions reflect respect for the deceased and the maintenance of family traditions.
Upon receiving Han Yulan's instructions, Gu Yanxiao immediately took action. He contacted relatives he hadn't been in touch with for many years through various means, including phone calls, text messages, and social media. Whether they were once close or somewhat distant, as long as they were of Gu family blood, they were all invited to attend the old man's funeral.
As relatives arrived one after another, the family compound became even more lively, but this liveliness was not celebratory; rather, it was filled with a solemn and mournful atmosphere. There might have been some awkwardness when relatives met, but at this special moment, everyone put aside past grudges and jointly expressed their sorrow for the old man.
At the funeral ceremony, a traditional band played mournful music. Among the mourners, some wept silently, while others whispered, reminiscing about the time spent with the old man. The younger members of the Gu family, including Gu Yanxiao, all wore black mourning clothes. They helped arrange the various matters of the ceremony, ensuring that everything proceeded smoothly according to traditional customs.
Gu Yunxi and He Siyan also played important roles in this process. As the deceased's granddaughter, Gu Yunxi not only had to face her own grief but also shoulder the responsibility of receiving relatives and arranging affairs. He Siyan, on the other hand, served as her strong support, helping her handle various emergencies and providing her with emotional support.
Although the funeral ceremony was grand and elaborate, it was primarily a remembrance of the deceased and a respect for life. During this process, the Gu family relatives also reunited to face the family's difficulties together. This was not only a farewell to the old man but also a demonstration of family cohesion.
Despite their profound grief at the passing of their patriarch, the Gu family displayed remarkable strength. Family members supported one another, sharing the responsibility of organizing the funeral and ensuring the patriarch could pass away with dignity.
Under Han Yulan's organization, Gu's relatives all participated in the funeral preparations. They divided the work among themselves: some were responsible for receiving relatives and friends who came to pay their respects, some were responsible for arranging the details of the funeral ceremony, and others were responsible for preparing the necessary items for the funeral. Everyone did their part to ensure that the funeral could proceed smoothly.
As a member of the younger generation in the family, Gu Yanxiao not only took on the responsibility of contacting relatives but also played an important role in the funeral arrangements. Together with Gu Yunxi, he assisted the elders in handling various matters, ensuring that every step conformed to traditional customs and reflected respect and remembrance for the old man.
Throughout the funeral, despite their grief, the Gu family maintained their politeness and respect, treating every guest who came to pay their respects with courtesy. They knew this was the best way to bid farewell to their patriarch and to uphold the family's honor.
At the end of the funeral, the Gu family gathered together to bid farewell to the old man. Their hearts were filled with reluctance, but even more so with gratitude and remembrance for him. They believed that his spirit in heaven would feel the unity and strength of his family members and would be proud of their efforts and perseverance.
Grandpa Gu's funeral was not only a traditional farewell ceremony, but also a testament to the Gu family's unity and shared experience in facing difficulties. Through this funeral, the relationships among the Gu family members were strengthened, and the family's cohesion was enhanced. With resilience and respect, they brought a perfect end to Grandpa Gu's life.
Faced with the child's innocent question, Gu Yunxi felt a pang of sadness, but at the same time realized that this was an important moment to teach the child about life and death. She took a deep breath and explained this heavy topic to He Ruizhe in the gentlest and simplest language possible.
Gu Yunxi held her son's hand and said softly, "Ruize, Great-Grandpa is lying in that black box now because he has passed away. Passing away means that a person's life has ended. He can no longer eat, talk, or walk like us, and he can no longer be with us."
He Ruizhe's eyes showed confusion and bewilderment. He continued to ask, "Then where will Great-Grandpa go?"
Gu Yunxi thought for a moment, then answered in a way that the child could understand: "Although Great-Grandpa's body has left us, his spirit and love will always be with us. He may have become a star in the sky, or be quietly watching over us in another place we can't see."
He Ruizhe was silent for a while, then said softly, "I'm a little sad because I miss my great-grandfather."
Gu Yunxi hugged her son tightly and comforted him: "It's normal to be sad, because we all love our great-grandfather and we all miss him. But we can remember him by remembering how good he was to us and the wonderful times we spent together. And we can talk to him in our hearts, as if he were listening."
Through this conversation, He Ruizhe began to understand the finiteness and preciousness of life, and learned how to face the grief of losing a loved one in a mature way. Gu Yunxi's patience and gentleness helped her son build a basic understanding of life and death, and also allowed him to find a source of strength to move forward in his grief.
He Ruizhe listened to his mother's words, and although he was still somewhat confused, he could feel her sadness and love. He looked up at Gu Yunxi intently, his eyes sparkling with curiosity about the unknown and dependence on his mother.
"Mom, will we be able to see Great-Grandpa again in the future?" he asked, his voice filled with anticipation.
Gu Yunxi smiled and gently stroked her son's hair, replying, "Although we can't see Great-Grandpa like before, he will always live in our memories. Whenever we think of him, he will appear in our lives in another way."
He Ruizhe nodded, seemingly trying to understand the concept. Gu Yunxi continued, "We can do something special to commemorate Great-Grandpa, like planting a tree or donating his favorite storybooks to the library. That way, whenever we see that tree, or when others read those books, they will remember him."
"Really?" He Ruizhe's eyes lit up. "I want to plant a tree. Great-Grandpa likes trees, right?"
Gu Yunxi nodded, feeling a sense of relief: "Yes, my great-grandfather loved trees very much. He always said that trees are part of nature, and they can bring people shade and fresh air."
He Ruizhe smiled and said, "Then let's go plant a tree today, Mom!"
Looking at her son's excitement and anticipation, Gu Yunxi felt a surge of warmth in her heart: "Okay, Ruize, let's plant a tree today as a tribute to our great-grandfather."
They walked together into the yard. Gu Yunxi took out a shovel and gloves from her toolbox, while He Ruizhe excitedly selected a sapling. They chose a sunny spot and began digging a hole, planting the tree, and watering it. He Ruizhe carefully placed the sapling into the hole, while Gu Yunxi helped fill in the soil to ensure the sapling was stable.
"Great-Grandpa, this is the tree we planted for you," He Ruizhe said softly to the sapling. "We hope you like it."
Gu Yunxi stood to the side, watching her son's actions, her heart filled with emotion. She knew that this tree was not only a memorial to Grandpa Gu, but also an important symbol in He Ruizhe's growth. It symbolized the continuation of life and hope, and reminded them that although life has an end, love and memory are eternal.
As time passed, the Gu family gradually recovered from their grief. They commemorated their grandfather in various ways while continuing their lives. He Ruizhe and Gu Yunxi's actions also inspired other members of the family, making them understand that although life is finite, love and memories can transcend time and live on forever.
Continue read on readnovelmtl.com