Much of the family was there, including dad and Grandma O., who we hadn't seen (and who hadn't seen Katie) for weeks. Katie was overflowing with "big hugs" for her great-grandmother, but for some reason her intentionally hair-impaired grandpa had to win her trust with big smiles and greasy food before she'd climb into his lap. Maybe it was the improvised headband. Notable in their absence that night was Aunty Jane and Uncle Gordon, dad's older brother, who have never missed Obon for as long as I can remember. Jane was very ill and had only recently come home after an extended hospital stay, but as much as she was on our minds, no one broached the subject.