Went back to home town for friend's 23rd anniversary of his death. A monk who used to be our elementary school teacher was waiting for us at his temple, where our friend rests. Familiar faces, each somewhat rounded and wrinkled, gray hair, less hair, etc. started showing up. Even 2nd grade teacher was there, too. How she looked short and tiny once we had looked up her face. Put fire on the incense, some were busy babbling, some were putting flowers, everybody lined up in front of his grave as the monk teacher started chanting, incense in each hand. Gave incense to him, bow and pray as we always do. Some more babbling, then we all went to visit his parents. His younger sister had a girl baby about 8 months ago, and the house was partly filled with baby stuff. We all, about 16 of us, gave him another incense, followed by sipping green tea, talking about fishing, local gossips, etc. Nothing exciting but some toned down chats in the room, thinking there was nothing we ...