dad's funeral

It was a wonderful funeral, if there can be such a thing. the church was packed, some had to stand at the back. his choir sang. his friend played violin. andy (my brother) read a poem that we had written for his 70th birthday party just 3 years ago - the congregation applauded. jill (my sister) and i shared reading a poem 'He is gone' very appropriate for my Dad, so positive and uplifting.

the collection for charity raised over £1000. at the graveside, the minister (another friend of Dad's) read in broad scots. we each dropped into the grave one flower each from Dad's garden (which is in full bloom now). jill had managed to hold it together until that moment. she broke down and andy held her.

it's strange. i think i've shed more tears at a strangers wedding than i did at my dad's funeral. how odd.

lots of people came back to the hotel. we played elkie brooks in the background (Dad was a big fan).

Mum did amazingly well. wine helped.



He Is Gone

You can shed tears that he is gone
Or you can smile because he has lived

You can close your eyes and pray that he will come back
Or you can open your eyes and see all that he has left

Your heart can be empty because you can't see him
Or you can be full of the love that you shared

You can turn your back on tomorrow and live yesterday
Or you can be happy for tomorrow because of yesterday

You can remember him and only that he is gone
Or you can cherish his memory and let it live on

You can cry and close your mind, be empty and turn your back
Or you can do what he would want: smile, open your eyes, love and go on.