San Bernardino’s Montecito cemetery sits at the southern end of Waterman Avenue, perched in the low hills just above Loma Linda. My dad made my mom traipse all over the cemetery in search of the perfect gravesite. He wanted the plot that had the best view of the family farm down at the bottom of the hill.
Unfortunately, the trees that were mere saplings when he chose the gravesite have now grown much taller and much fuller and they now block the view of the dairy even if you stand on your tiptoes and crane your neck. (And trust me on this, my mom and dad are in no condition to be doing either.)
We poured a “highball” over each side of their headstone. I’m pretty sure I heard him say, “Enough of this sentimental shit, kid. Get off your ass and get back to work.”
Sweet…..in your own way.