On Friday was J's father's funeral. He was an old time speed shop and gas station owner and long-time gear-head, with a deep love of the old-time muscle cars. As a result, several family members have very serious muscle cars, and three of them led the procession. Two older 70s cars that have been restored after years of work; and his son in a modern Viper with the custom license plate "BAD ASP".
As they left the grave site, they burned out in the middle of the cemetery as a final sign of respect. Well not a full burnout, they made sure to leave no marks but make as much noise and smoke as possible.
We are all against this now, we know it is historical, and probably rude; but in this context it was the perfect statement, and absolutely the right way to say goodbye to the old man.
And everyone had big grins about it. Except for the nutty young granddaughter who is pretty and prissy and utterly selfish and nuts, and believes that her view of the world is the only possible view, and all other views are grimly not tolerated. This lifestyle involves driving a Honda Accord hybrid -- not to save the world, this I'm 100% certain of, but to advance the most judgmental and holier than thou view possible.
On this day, her selfishness included not coming to the services, and only making an appearance at the gravesite. Not in black but in a nice comfortable tank top. Not to sit with the family and place flowers on the coffin, but to stand behind and watch from a little distance.
30 seconds after the burnouts, her hybrid made absolutely zero noise as she drove by; and on a somber day, I laughed and laughed on the inside.