I'm part of an ever-evolving group of artists and arts lovers who gather around the breakfast table at a northeast neighborhood eatery every weekend to recap events in metro Grand Rapids.
Last weekend as we dove through various topics, we all were captivated by a new face around the table who entertained us with stories about his St. Clair Shores funeral home business.
The questions ranged from what is the strangest request from the deceased (A: a full-length stand up corpse with buttons to play pre-recorded messages) to having your remains turned into a diamond. (Yes, but it takes a year.)
“Is there a trendy item emerging in the industry,” I inquired. “What is the one thing that is really hot with the deceased?”
“Thumbies,” our friend George replied.
George was talking about the trend of fingerprinting the deceased like a police department booking, only the thumbprint image is turned into a piece of jewelry.
While I was initially a bit put off by the practice, I came around to the view that "finger casting" is actually a way for those in mourning to remember the deceased, to memorialize their touch if you will.
As I reflected over this act, I began to think of how we may be leaving our own fingerprints all over our town. Sure, there are those who leave their names on signature buildings throughout our metropolitan area, but a city is much more than buildings.
We are the people of this city, and as the inhabitants we all make contributions every day through our actions (or inactions).
Hopefully our fingerprints are being beautifully preserved the legacy of worthwhile institutions and organizations that enhance the quality of life here.
Since I am most familiar with the arts scene, I tend to think of examples such as the Grand Rapids Public Museum ,Grand Rapids Art Museum ,the Urban Institute for Contemporary Arts, The DAAC and the Community Media Center’s Wealthy Theatre. But there are similar organizations in virtually every aspect of life here.
What is crucial to remember is the future has room for all of us but to get there we will need each one to explore the now.
American cartoonist Bil Keane once said: “Yesterday's the past, tomorrow's the future, but today is a gift. That's why it's called the present.” We been given today, get in touch with your community.
Choose local…and often.
Tommy Allen, Lifestyle Editor
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Click here to continue to this week’s G-Sync events collected by Tommy Allen.Photo of Tommy and Ralston Bowles provided by Tommy Allen of TanglefootStudio.com
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