Preface

The unique traditions of every society are shaped by diverse environmental and historical factors. But all traditions are born from the same universal human needs. Thus with every tradition there is a common bond that unites all peoples - especially in the process of grieving for the loss of a loved one. This is an account of a personal loss and a journey from the United States to Kenya to attend the funeral of my father-in-law, Dr. William Odero Ayaro. Although my time in Kenya was short (three weeks), I had twelve years of preparation. Monica, my wife, is Kenyan by birth. It was her first return journey. Although she is now an American citizen, her cultural center was the urban Nairobi of the nineteen seventies. Her eye for design had brought many Kenyan cultural elements to our home. We knew Kenyans all over the United States; had attended parties, weddings, meetings, and got drunk with Kenyans. So I began this journey thinking I knew what to expect. Only after actually being in Kenya could I understand that my knowledge was largely superficial. There were deeper and more vital matters that I came to know. A juxtaposition of cultures took place as I met my extended family and prepared for my father-in-law's funeral. Separate lives on distant continents momentarily came together.