A christening, a wedding ... and now a funeral

[wellinghall]

After going to a friend's baby's christening and a cousin's wedding a few weeks ago, today it was time for a funeral. She and her partner had been a very good friend of my parents for several years. I wasn't sure until today whether I would be able to go, but I'm glad I did, even though it was at the cost of an early trip into work today, probably the same tomorrow, and another on Saturday.

I got to the church a few minutes before the service was due to start, to take one of the last available seats - later-comers weren't so lucky. Looking round, I saw my mother in the congregation, and several other familiar faces; my father was one of the pall-bearers.

The service was extremely moving - I cried a little on a couple of occasions, which I don't normally do at funerals. Several people were involved - her partner read a eulogy; the priest read some words of the deceased's mother, as well as her own address; there was guitar music and readings from friends, as well as a recording from her brother in Australia. At the end, the bells were rung with muffled clappers. And their springer spaniel came into the church for the service.

Then over to the churchyard (actually a little way away, past the allotments and across a road) for the interment. I don't envy the Sexton, as the graveyard is sited on the local ironstone; not the toughtest rock in the world, but there are easier things to dig through! And then to the village hall for tea, and many sandwiches and cakes. Another friend then gave me a lift into town to get the train back; I've been too drained to do much, and certainly to go into work, so have occupied my time with LJ etc.

Comments

[tree_and_leaf]

Well, funerals are always sad, but I suppose if it was moving, it shows it was a good service... personally, I always find burials easier to cope with than cremations, though not necessarily less sad.

[estiel.livejournal.com]

Funerals are important. I had forgotten that a bit. You've made up my mind for me. The receptionist in the vet's office was killed in an accident Wednesday night. The viewing is tonight, 25 miles from here, and the funeral, tomorrow at 11. Kahla was a lovely person. I shall go.

[wellinghall.livejournal.com]

They are. I didn't make up my mind until yesterday morning that I was going, but I'm glad I did.

[romancinger.livejournal.com]

Yes, funerals are important. I nearly didn't go to one of a relative in the summer, but I was so glad I amde the effort - the memorial service was wonderful, and his family were so pleased I'd gone. It's the best way, after someone's died, to support the family and show you cared.