Kesar Lal and our Obon ceremony

Bookie

Bookie

Joined
Mar 25, 2014
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Used ol' Kesar Lal this morning in a way I never thought about. We lost a very close friend/brother and one of my ex-helicopter crew chiefs to illness. He was of Japanese-Korean decent and we had served together in Vietnam. For years we talked about going to Kona's Obon Festival so we could sample all the goodies to eat, but alas we never did. We also spoke of what we wanted the other to do when one of us cashed in. I fulfilled that promise. Obon is a Japanese celebration to honor and remember your dead. It's also a time when they can come and visit their living relatives. When guests come, they're hungry and these departed souls are no exception, so much good food is prepared. Starting the day, a small fire is built outside the home. This alerts the departed and also shows them the way home. This is where Kesar Lal came in. He prepared the Trumpet Vine kindling for the fire. A small alter had been prepared, candles & incense lit, and prayers were offered to the deceased. Of course the table was laid out in high fashion and grand style. Missouri ham, bar-be-qued pulled pork & chicken, bacon, Salmon, Walleye, Squid, deviled egg salad,sausages, crackers & chips, cheeses, fresh strawberries, peanut butter candies, various nuts, various breads, Pigs In Blankets, Swedish meat balls, sauces, cookies, cake, fresh rhubarb, lemon meringue, and chocolate meringue pies, cold beer, teas, and of course, a glorious Spam. When night falls, it's time for the departed to leave and a small candle lantern (in my case) is made from a paper sack mounted on a board. The candle is lit and the lantern is allowed to drift with the tide or down river (in my case) to show the spirits the way back. Beautiful pictures abound on the internet of these lanterns floating away and they're worth looking at. You probably deduced that his favorite vegetable is PIG and that he's not going back hungry. In both cases you'd be right. I suspect by now he's gained 20 pounds, is laying on the couch, feet propped up, and cutting Zs....and I certainly hope so.
And for what it's worth, the two little dogs are avoiding the couch......
 
Great way to fulfill a promise. Cheers Bookie, and our condolences on your loss of a good friend/comrade.
 
Exactly what he said^^^^

I've never known you to do anything half way and it appears this was no exception.
 
Actually I'd be right proud if you'd be in charge of my send off Bookie.

Kind of hoping we could maybe eat ahead of time though ya know. I read that list of grub a few extry times and frankly the Happy Meal I'm pondering just ain't making it.

Seriously, my hats off to ya. You'll do to ride the river with anytime. Well done.
 
Condolences brother! Spam, butterfinger, and Guinness be with you always! Theres a proper way to cross the river and thats about as good as it gets! Keshar Lal would be proud!
 
For many of us who served and been around enough places to never have roots and know will be lucky if paid mourners show up, that is a heck of a 21 gun salute....
 
There is a bond between men who have served together that seems eternal. I think most of us who haven't served, admire it and understand that we can't get there from here. Frequently, that deep bond appears to come at a very high price. I'm sure you and your friend earned it. No doubt he's smiling down on your loyalty as I write.
 
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