For Ali

"Count your age by friends, not years
Count your life by smiles, not tears"

Sadly, I had another funeral to attend today, this one of a fellow former Head of English who I had the pleasure of working with regularly when I was working as a consultant for the Local Authority.

She spent all her teaching career in school where many of the students came from disadvantaged backgrounds and always fought to ensure they got the good education they deserved. She had a dry wit and a great sense of fun and was loved and respected by students and staff alike.

When our daughter Kate joined her department 4 years ago, Ali took her under her wing and they became firm friends. Kate & I stood side by side today to remember her.

Being a proud Liverpudlian and Liverpool Fc fan, the service included a moving rendition of You'll Never Walk Alone, the above quote (probably wrongly) attributed to John Lennon and this. Beatles song:


https://youtu.be/z5CjaqZb5nM

Another friend and colleague finished his eulogy with these words from Cymbeline by Shakespeare:

"Fear no more the heat o’ the sun,
Nor the furious winter’s rages;
Thou thy worldly task hast done,
Home art gone, and ta’en thy wages:
Golden lads and girls all must,
As chimney-sweepers, come to dust"