Bob and I are so grateful for all your kind messages, on and off blog. The day went so well. When I looked out to see if the cortege had arrived, there were 8 women outside. They were Gill's Wilko colleagues, some in their lunch break , who had come to pay their respects when the coffin arrived. They had brought flowers especially for Auntie Peggy. So incredibly kind...💐
Then the undertakers drove up. They helped Peggy into the car and put her wheelchair into the boot. I travelled with her and Julian (Bob went via the railway station to collect Liz and Steph) All was fine till we got to the Crem. Three undertakers struggled to open the boot of the Bentley. They wrestled and prised to no avail. Family members stood around (and Peggy asked when she could get out) Another staff guy ran to fetch the Crem Emergency Wheelchair. We all felt that Gill would have laughed like crazy at these desperate antics. Finally the bootlid popped open, the chair retrieved, and we all went inside the crematorium chapel.⛪
I stood between Liz and Steph...rather weepy. My daughters were so brilliant.🌟
Then back to the church for the main Thanksgiving. Lots there (masked) and the service went very well. I managed to give my tribute without breaking down in tears (just) And we appreciated the amazing tea afterwards (thank you Cranbrook Baptist catering team) Many happy memories shared, and friends, family and work colleagues alike spoke of how much we will miss this bubbly, caring woman. 🙂
Back to Peggy's to load the car, eat scrambled eggs on toast...and then the long drive home. Overwhelmed by all the kindnesses shown. Really proud of Bob for conducting a great service which did far more than just fulfil Gill's request. ♥️
And as she would want, we will get up and get on with life....👍
I'm so pleased it went so well: a "good send-off" is such comfort especially when it allows so many people who knew Gill to do their bit.
ReplyDelete(Still praying for you all though.)
I'm glad it went so well, Angela. (((HUGS)))
ReplyDeleteThank you Bless. Fascinated by your comment yesterday about music - it is a really important part of Christian funerals, I'm interested to read you do not have music at Buddhist ones.
DeleteMe too!
DeleteI'm so glad it went so well, bar wheel chair shenanigans. Sending much love to you all. Well done to you and Bob for leading the service so well.xxx
ReplyDeleteThe Bentley Boot Business would have made Gill giggle. The sight of these men in tail coats wrestling desperately to release the catch was genuinely funny. It helped break the tension!
DeleteI'm so pleased that Gill's funeral went off well, and the Bentley boot episode would have made Gill giggle, so it happened for a reason!
ReplyDeleteWe had Bridge Over Troubled Water played at my Dad's funeral in 1988 (he was just 61), and I've never been able to listen to it without weeping since. We also chose to have Crystal Chandeliers played for Dad, as he loved it, and sang it all the time around the house but never once got the words right!
When my Uncle John, my Mum's younger brother died at the age of 62, How Great Thou Art was sung at his funeral. He lived in North Wales, and had been incredibly popular in his town, the Chapel was packed out, and loudspeakers set up outside for those who couldn't fit inside.
Of course, the Chapel was full of Welsh men, who sang as a Welsh Male Voice Choir, and when they sang How Great Thou Art, the roof almost lifted off. It was, quite simply, the most beautiful and moving thing I've ever heard. I wish it had been at a happier occasion, but it still reminds me of John (definitely my favourite uncle, when we were together we laughed non stop) and how very loved he was.
Hoping that you're all doing well, and staying strong as Gill would have wished. X
Thanks Col - I love Male Voice Choirs, that must have been a fabulous rendition of a wonderful hymn. We were singing behind our masks, so didn't quite raisde the roof!
DeleteSo glad the funeral went well...locked trunk aside. But as you say, Gill would have appreciated the humour.
ReplyDeleteI think your cousin would have been very,very proud of you all. I hope when my time comes, such an effort will be put into my seeing off.x
ReplyDeleteWhat a beautiful experience. I am so glad it went well. A touch of humor with the boot, you with your girls beside you and Bob doing a spendid service.
ReplyDeleteSending hugs Ang, I love the photo on the cover of the remembrance booklet, Gill has a beautiful smile. Her sense of humour shone though too, I hope that your memories of her will be a real comfort to you and her family xx
ReplyDeleteThank you everyone - yes, Gill had such an infectious sense of fun, and even through our sadness it was important to acknowledge that
ReplyDeleteSo glad it all went well. Maybe Gill arranged for the boot to be stuck just as a distraction! A funeral is such a mixed blessing, full of love and sadness, memories and thankfulness for a life well lived. You will both need a bit of a rest now after the long drive and the emotional experience. Hugs.
ReplyDelete