Dr George Nicholas Geotsalitis was laid to rest on October 22, 2014. I must confess that the parting ceremonies and traditions observed for this man was just as beautiful, grand, flashy, yet simultaneously humble just like George himself. There is no way that I would be able to encapsulate all that happened in a few short words. With that understanding I move forward with some of the highlights. Tuesday evening both before and after the pray and blessing by the Greek Orthodox priest loved ones shared thoughts, gratitude, awe, heartache, and funny facts with George being the common thread. It became clear that no matter how well any of us know George, that NONE of us KNOW George. There are so many sides to him that he can best be described as a disco ball. The thing that stood out to me the most is that not one person didnt remark on his compassion, generosity, and truly humble heart. Dr George may have put forth as a public persona The Mighty Greek- all knowing, all powerful, awesome beyond measure, but in reality it was a facade. The revealed truth is he is responsible for success both spiritually and financially of so many different things that he never took credit for or bragged about. If you thought his passing would leave a crater sized hole in his family, work, community, friends, or Ren Faire lives youd be mistaken. The hole he leaves is much much larger, more like The Black Hole in space. The funeral home was as comfortable as possible, there was gorgeous arrays of flowers everywhere one looked, and a very touching display of picture collages, and a photo slide show that was looped throughout the evening. Sincere gratitude to Judy for making sure the photos got to the home for this to happen. It seemed that the pictures had a bittersweet yet cathartic effect on everyone. The next morning folks gathered at the church to bear witness to the Greek Orthodox rituals that sent George on to his next adventure and marked the beginning of the mourning/healing dance for those us who are left behind. The church was more gilded and magnificent than I could have imagined. The prayers and tributes were spoken in both English and Greek. The priests were very reassuring and clear in their devotion. It seemed that there were over 100 people present. When the service concluded the majority of folks followed the family to the cemetery to escort Georges physical body to his final resting place. By all accounts the weather couldnt have been perfect for Chicago in late October. Sunny with a slight breeze yet not hot in the sun. The drive from the church to the cemetery was long and at times arduous and frightening because of other drivers on the road failing to yield the right of way to the funeral precession. It is a surprising beautiful drive from Libertyville to the area just past Ohare airport this time of year. The exact place escapes me at this point but I do know that we passed 4 other cemeteries along the way, many very grand homes, parks, wildlife and green belt areas where we were able to take in some sunning landscapes and watch some of the changing of the leaves. At some point along the way, those in the car I was a passenger in, pondered if this was all a part of Georges plan? Taking those of us present on a journey through Chicago, his home town and the city he loved, in ordered to watch him be laid to rest in the sacred ground next to his father that he cherished so dearly. When Georges father passed a joint plot was purchased so that someday his mother would be laid to rest there. The plan to have George place in a plot nearby was derailed when it was discovered that this section of the cemetery was full. Georges mother Amanda instructed that George be out in her plot so that father and son would be together. A beautiful and touching decision. Once George was laid to rest we all said our goodbyes and place a flower of tribute and gratitude into the grave. It is staggering that something so heart wrenching and tragic can also possess such beauty and poetry. I believe it was Georges dear friend Marita Beth that said it reminded her of a ballet. The family then invited everyone to join them for food and fellowship at a nearby restaurant. Later I asked Georges beloved cousin Steve if this was a tradition in Greek culture? He explained that it is very common for Greek families to express their appreciation to attendees in this way after a burial. You may be questioning why I would be so bold to ask such a question. But if you were there, youd know why! It was held in a private room at the Rosewood Restaurant in Rosemont, IL. It was a formal sit down lunch with four courses and an open bar. The room was simply elegant with white linens and ornate chandeliers. Most of the weddings I have attended were not this lovely. Of course it was traditional Greek food that was served and it was delicious. It may sound strange but it really did feel as if we went from a mourning ritual to a celebration of a exquisite life over a period of a few hours. But that is how George would have wanted it. He understood grief and loss but George never gave them priority over joy and the art of embracing life. He lived his life to the fullest. George would ask that if we genuinely wish to honor him that we do the same. Carpe Diem! ... How many of you knew George spoke Latin too?
Posted on: Thu, 23 Oct 2014 18:33:20 +0000
Trending Topics
Recently Viewed Topics
© 2015