It went well...

[sildil]

For those of you who have followed my recent posts regarding my father in law's sudden death, the funeral was yesterday and it was a really nice event. He would have been very pleased.

Obviously it was incredibly sad and none of us were 'looking forward' to it as you can imagine. I think it was because of the usual British thing of not wishing to be seen to be upset, or rather, to be seen to be the ONLY person upset. Isn't that weird? Why do we worry about it? Well, actually, I don't, but that's me. In fact it was fine and there were tears shed but they were good ones.

My other half was extremely anxious as he was going to give a tribute about his Dad, and worried that he wouldn't be able to hack it at the last minute, but in fact he was incredible and I am so very proud of him and what he said. He spoke about his what his Dad had given him and made us all cry and laugh equally.

My sister in law read a poem by John Donne that was one of James' favourites;

'No Man is an Island'

No man is an island,
Entire of itself.
Each is a piece of the continent,
A part of the main.
If a clod be washed away by the sea,
Europe is the less.
As well as if a promontory were.
As well as if a manner of thine own
Or of thine friend's were.
Each man's death diminishes me,
For I am involved in mankind.
Therefore, send not to know
For whom the bell tolls,
It tolls for thee.

Afterwards we all returned to my mother in law's house and had tea and cakes, made by all the grand-daughters and had a very sociable and happy time talking about James and his life and stories. Mum in law is really doing very well, and extremely eager to talk about James all the time, which I am very glad about.

I wanted to use a Rupert Bear icon, as he had been so involved with the character while at 'The Express' newspaper as syndication editor, and many, many thanks to deathangelgw for making this lovely one at short notice...about 15 minutes I think, maximum!

Comments

[deathangelgw.livejournal.com]

*grins* was it 15 mins? hehe not sure. You're welcome and I'm glad the 'transition' was an easy one. Sometimes it just isn't. *hugs*

[sildil]

Actually, 15 minutes was a very rough estimate! It was probably a LOT less! Thank you! (((hugs)))

[loll-3000.livejournal.com]

It is beautiful that a sad moment can also become a moment of memories and closeness.

I hope you are feeling better.

A hug.

LoLL

[sildil]

Yes it was as good as funerals get I think, and I do feel better, thanks.

[talullahred.livejournal.com]

I'm glad it went as well as it could.

*hugs*

T

[sildil]

Yes, as I said to LoLL, it did go very well and I think everyone feels satisfied that we did James proud. It was particularly nice seeing all the grandchildren supporting each other, he would have liked that.

[jaiden-s.livejournal.com]

I have to admit I know nothing about Rupert Bear, but he does look cute.

((hugs))

I'm happy everything went well.

[sildil]

Rupert Bear is cute, though I was never a fan as a child, I have to say. Thanks, yes everything went fine :)

[eldraug.livejournal.com]

I've been thinking about your family and Simon's at this time. I'm glad that the memorial was a fitting tribute to what sounds like an extraordinary person. *hugs*

[sildil]

Thank you for your thoughts, they are much appreciated and I will pass them on to Simon.