St Ninians

I slept fairly well last night and headed downstairs to breakfast. I was shown to my table and said good morning to the couple at an adjacent table, then realised I knew them. Former members of our congregation in Edinburgh they moved house and church, within Edinburgh, a couple of months ago. They were here for a short break, when I explained why I was there, we realised that they too had known the person whose funeral I was attending. What a small world.
I arrived at the church about 30 minutes before the start, concerned in case it was very busy. I found a seat at the end of a row and sat quietly waiting. Lots of people I knew arrived, although not many from Edinburgh. I suddenly realised that the couple next to me were the former Bishop of St Andrews Dunblane & Dunkeld and his wife. He recognised me from my own church, where he is to be celebrating this Sunday. Again, a small world.
I don't think I've seen so many purple shirts in one place for a long time though.
The service was lovely, a very fitting tribute to the woman she was before dementia took hold. The music was very singable, it celebrated her love of Cursillo and her Welsh heritage, it was also sung well.
I was delighted too, that we were treated to the Kontakion sung by four members of the choir of the Cathedral of the Isles featuring blipper Blethers and Himself. We must have known each other for almost 30 years, but not met face to face for a few years. She realised, that the last time too was at a funeral, that of our dear friend Ruth.
My blip today is of the main window in St Ninian's , beautiful colour and creating beautiful reflected light on the timbers of the Sanctuary.
The reception after the funeral took place in the church hall where there was more colour. Extra. In this case a tapestry/collage, inspired apparently by the Great Tapestry of Scotland and made by local people including children. You can read about it here,
https://www.churchtimes.co.uk/articles/2018/6-july/news/uk/1600-leaf-tapestry-puts-christian-imagery-at-heart-of-church-hall-in-scotland
I had a good drive home with little traffic and was glad to relax in the lovely warm sunshine once I got here. Funerals always make me reflect not just on the person who has died but also on myself. The realisation too, that ten years ago, when she was the age I am now, her dementia was not apparent.