Sixes symbolize the union of opposites, finding equilibrium, harmony in the face of constant change and being open to the energy flow of give and take in our lives.  Sixes can also represent a feeling of success after overcoming obstacles or difficulties  Cups are associated with the element of water, with emotions, love, pleasure in life, matters pertaining to the unconscious, intuition and inner planes.   This card is often seen as representing viewing things through rose-colored glasses or with a sense of nostalgia.  It can represent being in harmony with friends or family and enjoying everyday pleasures.  Or it may refer to pleasant memories or learning from past experiences.  It can also suggest being connected with your inner self and being able to balance past disillusionment.  

"Your psychic and intuitive processes are more predictable now.  You can count on certain emotional tools to work for you in familiar and recognizable ways.  You may be experiencing a consistent pattern in your dreams, visions or fantasies.  You could also be experiencing a reliable but secret relationship." - Gail Fairfield

Today was the day of Uncle Jack's funeral mass and internment.  It was moving, sweet, funny and sad - like Uncle Jack.  

When we arrived at the funeral parlor I made sure to speak briefly with Aunt Beanie.  I wanted her to know we were there but I didn't want to monopolize her time.  The place soon filled with relatives and friends paying their last respects to this irascible, beloved man.  The church was very full when the family arrived.  Friends from the community where my aunt and uncle lived for 50 years paid their respects to this memorable man.  The priest mentioned how Uncle Jack had even known the names of all the employees at the local ShopRite.  We had been told that they made an announcement at the store when they learned about his death, saying "Our friend Jack has passed away."  

My cousin George did a reading and added some personal comments that had us laughing and crying at the same time.  His son Danny read a poem he had written to Uncle Jack that continued the family tradition for laughter in the face of tears.  When my cousin Jackie got up and did Uncle Jack's eulogy we all applauded when he was done.  Jackie really capture the essence of Uncle Jack.  As Jackie explained - Uncle Jack wasn't his friend.  He was judgmental, critical, cranky and the best father 7 sons could ever have.  He was always there for them - never missing a ball game or an opportunity to bust chops.  It was obvious that he will be missed by his family, his friends and his community.

After the mass we went to the site where he would be interred.  When the military guard played taps and folded the flag, Aunt Beanie's heartbroken sobs echoed throughout the place.  You could hear the sobs and sniffles throughout the place.  a moment of levity was added when a baby started cooing and giggling.  It broke some of the tension and sadness.  Afterwards we went to the Legion Hall for food and reminiscing.  I had a chance to chat with my cousin Kevin who shared some fun and interesting family stories.  I also got to catch up with some other family members.  It was a happy and sad time all at once and one that Uncle Jack would have loved.

Looking at these two cards reminds me that our memories are reflections of our lives and what we've experienced.  The important thing to remember is not to get lost in those memories.  They are a wonderful gift that we can treasure and revisit whenever we want but if we get lost in those memories we risk not creating new experiences to treasure in the future.  And that would be a disservice to Uncle Jack's memory.