Funeral

J, R and I went to the 'funeral' of my friend E today. It was terribly sad. It was so good to sit and cry with the family especially with E's daughters who just wanted to hug and talk. Her son (11) asked to come back to our house: he didn't like being at home with memories of his mum everywhere. I really hope he'll be well looked after and able to talk.

The men were in one house and the women next door. The room was packed: a sea of black, all needing to hear good news and hope. This mullah came and preached to us.

There's things we, as Westerners, can learn from Eastern funerals. You visit the grieving family for 3 days and just sit and cry with them. There's no 'service' as such and a eulogy etc but there is time to mourn together.