Hanna’s casket was carried from the Hearst by her father and Uncle, the rest of the pallbearers were volunteering members of the church. The thought was apparently to help show support from community in the family’s time of need. Others found it depressing that she didn’t have enough family members to carry her to the freshly dug grave.
Hugo watched the procession and felt like he should be nervous to give a eulogy, but he was just sad. Listening to the other’s monologues helped a little. Hanna’s uncle talking about a time she had formed a mission to ‘liberate’ the cookie jar as a toddler almost managed to make Hugo smile.
He had taken the blame for one or two pranks they had concocted together in their schooldays. Hugo was terrified both times, but now he recalled the memories with fondness. It may have helped that she baked him treats for at least a week after each incident.
People are not all good or all bad. Alicia talked about how caring for her little sister after the loss of their mother had given her meaning, even the changing of the grossest diapers she’s seen over her 25 years of life. She talked about Hanna’s first words and first steps. The way her heart almost stopped the first time Hanna had considered dating.
Hanna’s father recounted the initial awkwardness of buying his girls feminine products and underwear. Then his eventual pride bringing them to buy dresses for school dances. He was especially proud of how intelligent and smart they are. Hanna had learned to twist him around her finger before she even knew how to talk.
Amy focused on Hanna’s dreams and ambitions as an adult. Hanna and her had been drifting back and forth after high school. They worked for a few years, got an associates degree together, and then went back to the same types of transient work. Hanna and Amy were watching online streams when the topic of modeling came up. Hanna was immediately certain, ‘This is what we should do!’ Amy was planning to continue modeling as a hobby to commemorate Hanna’s last dream.
Hugo wasn’t sure how he managed to speak his own tribute to Hanna, he felt like he was disconnected from himself on his way up to the podium by her gravesite. However, the words still came out even if they were a little stiff. “I think I could have been a better friend to Hanna. I could talk for a long time about the ways I could have been there for her in a time of need, I was somehow not even aware of until... she was gone. But, today is not about me. Today is about remembering Hanna, a bright and beautiful girl who turned into an even brighter and more beautiful woman.
“I primarily knew Hanna the girl. She was mischievous and full of energy, not shy at all. Hanna also had a way of seeing a person for who they are. There were many times when I felt she knew me better than I did myself. She made my life cheerful and full of laughter. I later had the honor to meet Hanna the woman. Her sharp edges had not softened, but she had somehow managed to instead wield them with grace and charm.
“Hanna’s presence in my formative years, and even just this week, blessed me with a friend I’ll never forget. She was all at once my greatest bully, supporter, and inspiration. Let’s always remember her bright smile.”
There weren’t many people who still needed to go up and talk. The pastor said a few words and Hanna’s casket was lowered into the ground. Hugo felt a tug on his sleeve as he watched. Alicia was sobbing right next to him. He awkwardly tried to pat her shoulder, but she burrowed into his arms and wouldn’t let go.
