We were happy, we were sad. We hoped we despaired. Optimistic at times, other times depressed. Thoughts of the past and fear of the future. We watched through the Lattice Work as our ancestors spent time in the Bardo. ‘A state of existence between death and rebirth, varying in length according to a person’s conduct in life and manner of age at death.’

‘You know I have been waving at Billy B Jane and Chet…I called out to them that I have Merlot and to come and join me…but they did not respond other than to look around as if they heard me and yet did not,’ Neva J said, perplexed. I see their little eyes looking at me through the Lattice around my garden, which has seen better days,’ Neva J continued. At times, I visit them and enter into them to see what they are thinking about,’ Neva J explained. ‘They speak of many things, including the state of our government and the hurtful words that many say to each other,’ Neva J noted with a tear in her eye. ‘Earl is no longer with them as I have seen him in the shadows behind the tombstones on a few occassions,’ Neva J said. ‘They visit this place, but it is a peculiar arrangement with flowers and sad looks…I speak to them of Christmas to come while they smile,’ Neva J offered.

‘When I am in the cemetary I feel Neva J is with me,’ Chet said. ‘Once I heard her offer me a glass of Merlot and laugh from her soul,’ Chet continued. ‘I smell the Oscar Mayer Weiners that she often prepared for me when we went swimming at Pounds Hollow,’ Chet laughed. ‘When we peer through the Lattice I see shapes and odd forms…I hear laughing and our names being called,’ Chet proclaimed.

‘Once when I looked through the Lattice…there was Neva J’s eye almost touching mine,’ Jane said with some excitement. ‘Neva J said hi there, Kiddo, which was her name for me,’ Jane continued. ‘She told me she was friends with my dad and mom and that they sent their love,’ Jane said, weeping for joy. ‘Neva J told me that her first husband, Bill, watched over her and protected her from non-benevolent spirits in the Bardo,’ Jane said.