Grandma Jet

Today was my mother in law’s funeral.

Family and friends travelled from Exmoor, Northamptonshire, Lancashire, Fife, Helensburgh, Bishopbriggs, London, Leicester, Marple Bridge, Sheffield to join us and former neighbours in Edinburgh to celebrate her 91 years.

Laughter mixed with sadness. The Rev Dr Scott McKenna conducted a lovely service. Muriel’s elder son recounted stories from her life which raised smiles and recognition. And two colleagues in the music industry discovered there were family ties linking them: they had a work meeting planned for late afternoon!

The close family went for an enjoyable relaxed lunch then everyone began their journeys back home.

One of the stories was about “Grandma Jet”. When Muriel’s grandchildren were young she had a black miniature poodle named Jet. There were other “grandmas” in the family so to distinguish her she was associated with the dog. Long after the grandchildren grew up and some now married with their own children, she retained the nickname. Something she admitted in quieter moments she enjoyed.