THE CHRONICLES OF GOOD FRIDAY

The anticipated celebrations are introduced by a table gathering in discussion for the menu during the weekend. The setup is attended the most fastidious of the bunch: 1. the chief cook 2. The one who normally does the grocery 3. One who speaks for everyone's preference and lastly, me, the one who needs to witness all of this so that someday (which is today) I'll blog about it.

There is an unwritten rule, or more like a biblical law that no meat is allowed for the duration of lent. However, other days can be exempt from this, except the day of Good Friday. So we all settle on fish...There seems to be agreement over the choice of salads suggested and this decision weighs heavy on the spokesperson because she is accountable to everyone who's not in the meeting. This is inclusive of the extended family and relatives who are coming for the long weekend. Desert is handled by the 'youngest because she's the closest to the majority of the family. Everything seems to be going according to plan and everyone involved is quite happy, except for one thing; who must cook...

The vote is unanimous on this one, the cook is the one that cooked last year and the year before that, not because she can cook pap in a 3-foot or make a variety of salads, but the decision is based on the fact that her job is credible, everyone seems to trust that she will nail the cooking job, just like she's been doing for all these years.

It’s the eve of the big day, the night before our Lord is crucified (in your head, picture this setup with dramatic music in the background). Half of the family is here and some members of the relative will join tomorrow. There's a whole lot of work to be done in preparation for tomorrow; from peeling the array of vegetables, to baking cookies. Bear in mind that the ‘gemmer’ is already brewing, thanks to the one who started on it during the week. So the evening is welcomed and appreciated by laughter, nostalgic moments and tons and tons of dishes. Over and above everything that's happening, we never seize to stop and enjoy the moment; the reunion that's brought about by the death of saviour. Now and again, the dramatic relative sobs in remembrance of family members that have passed on. That's always followed by the deceased' impersonations and infamous acts. The winner gets a special place in the family's hall of fame of story-tellers. The night will remain young, as long as the job isn't done. So everyone does theirs respectively, while time wraps itself around the to-do list.

Then comes the moment of reality...Sleeping arrangement. Now the immediate family must note that the hero will forever be the person that gives up their comfortable, warm bed for visitors; a paragon of generosity. This sanctimonious act will not only give you a special place in the hall of fame for the most generous, most selfless family member but it will also win you blessings from the elderly and you'll always be reminded that blessings are priceless and unmatched.

Sleeping arrangements are sorted and some are met by demise that the floor awaits them. But that's not an issue as the great stories are birthed from the bottom (I know this very well). The sound of morning introduces itself pretty quick and everyone must attend to the call. The air is filled with gratitude and love. The remaining members of the family arrive to an already boisterous environment. Everyone who's not doing anything must quickly bath in order to make space for the busy members. Church starts at 12pm, so the morning chores are done bearing that in mind because lateness is synonymous with disrespect. Everyone seems to be ready and the house is suddenly dim, with everyone wearing black in memorial of the special day of the death of the messiah. 11pm: time to leave for church to go receive the '7 words of the cross'. (No one will ever ask why it has to take 3 hours for the preacher to say only 7 words, lest you're deemed a heathen). 3pm comes and we head back home to enjoy what's left of the day. Festivities await and there's an array of scents in the air, it’s like the Lord Himself will make His way into the house and serve Himself. We all know that elder who is pro when it comes to long prayers; we all have to patiently wait for them to summon the Lord to enter hospitals and prisons and out-stretch His hand towards the needy and the delinquent alike. Amen!!

Everyone seems to be enjoying one another and the range of foods on the table. The night once again makes a visitation and its welcomed with a change of beverages, all in honour of Jesus "turning water into wine"...

Good Friday will always be one of the most revered days for the black family and it carries with it interesting events that make up for great story telling.