Stocks and Bonds

"Corey..." My Father and I both turn around, unsure of which one is being called. Mr. Sampson greets us both with a firm handshake and a hug. He has been my Grandfather's best friend since back when they were police officers in Brooklyn fresh out of the Air Force. Mr.Sampson now owns a funeral home down in Stockbridge. He was gracious enough to host the service for his best friend and the only Grandfather I knew. My Mother's Father passed when she was very young. Mr. Sampson asks how my Dad is doing. He's still in physical therapy. Although he can stand he still has trouble walking long distances. My Father is a Pisces which is another thing we have in common. His will is very strong, I know he'll be walking somewhat like normal soon enough. I'm happy to be here for support right now. My Dad's brother Thaddeus arrives with his wife. I'm anxious to see him because I have no memories of meeting him only baby pictures of me at his college graduation. For a very long time, most of my life actually, my Uncle would not talk to the rest of the family. After getting rich off of a few smart stock options and marrying his wife he decided to move to California and cut everyone off. I approach him as he walks into the funeral home. His smile is heartwarming and familiar. We look very much alike. He embraces me with a hug and I notice he's wearing a tiger's eye bracelet similar to the one I have on. His wife is with him and her reputation precedes her. She's unfriendly. We greet each other and she pulls out matching black masks for the family and says "for the optics." I thank her and kindly pass them out. In the front row, my Father and I sat on the right side of the pew. In the middle was my Uncle Thaddeus and my Grandmother and on the opposite end my Aunt Hera. We each had a part in the service. I was asked to read two verses from Jehovah's bible, a mortifying experience. The service was appropriately short and the immediate family decided to go to Chops for dinner afterward. I figure why not I haven't seen my Uncle since I was a small child. Chops is also near my apartment, I can leave at any time. I sit across from my Father and beside my Grandmother. To her right is my Aunt and across from them sat my Uncle and his wife. I'm happy we can all sit together and eat dinner together. It's not often or ever that I've had an opportunity to bond with my Father's side of the family. Before dinner could arrive my Uncle's wife insisted on turning my Grandfather's homegoing dinner into an intervention for my Father. I hold back tears as I listen as everyone shares their grievances about my Father's shortcomings. First his sister, then his mother, lastly my Uncle's wife. Uncle Thaddeus said nothing. My Father speaks, and he's apologetic. It pains me to see him hurting like this. My Father is a Pisces too, and I understand him more than I'd like to admit. After pushing my Father around in a wheelchair for some months, we've somewhat bonded. I speak in his defense because I know he has a vision for his future and I support him in that.