IT WAS THE WORST OF TIMES IT WAS THE BEST OF TIMES

I have been overwhelmed by the emails and comments I've received for yesterday. Time is against me; I wish I could personally thank you all. Yesterday was one of the worst days of my life yet was the best day I could have hoped for; I admit that my head pounded and my legs were like jelly; I was sure that they would give way as I followed Mick down the aisle. He was carried by Chris, Steve M, Steve J, Rob and Ron...the sixth bearer being one of the funeral directors. I was so proud of them all and it gave my legs strength. The weather was glorious and almost all of the congregation had heeded my plea that bright colours (like flowers in a garden) should be worn. I myself wore a red dress that Mick so loved me in. I was married in red and it seemed right that I wore red yesterday too. I placed a single Camellia from our garden on Mick's casket and placed a final kiss there too.

Jo greeted us all and Phil and Mel were so brave (being "first up") as they lit the candle of Remembrance. Kirsty read her poem; in fact she and Nicole had decided to read it together; each one reading a verse at a time. I was so proud as I know their Grandad was; they are only 12 and 13...so brave, so courageous. Lynn, Leanne, Manda and Chris all read their poems and words.....each one filled with emotion and tears....but none of them allowed Jo to "step in" and take over. Each of them made it through.......I'm so proud and I know their Dad was.

The tribute that Jo had written was perfect; I was so proud; I know Mick was too. The worst moment was as the curtains closed as the strains of Old and Wise faded. I know Mick will always be with me in my heart and his memory will live on in the hearts of so many....but the closing of the curtains seemed so "final".

Following this, Jo thanked all who had attended and gave special thanks to all my blogfriends who though unable to attend had given me so much support and strength...(you were all with me, more than you will ever realise) she then read some words that she had found, I felt she had picked them especially, they seemed so right for Mick (she says she will send me a copy). As she said the final words she looked straight at me and I mouthed a silent thank you to her.

The last music to be played was "The only way is up"....and yes, when it came to the time time in the song..........we who knew sang out loud and clear "BATSUMA"......(we had to explain afterwards to other members of the family afterwards what it was all about).

There was not a single hitch during the whole service...even the music played perfectly....as I relistened to the words of them all I knew that I had chosen them well.

Almost all of the family and friends came back to the house; the sun was still shining and the "party" spilled over to the green area at the front of the house!!!

The collage, photo album, sympathy cards, emails/comments from blogfirends and the booklet that Denise had made were looked at by all. The buffet was tucked into and there was a lot of (sensible) drinking done. Lots of laughter!!!!!

Time to eat

Fred amusing Sue and Fran with tales of yore!

The party spills out to the green

Ahhhhhhhh

Me caught posing!

Mirry, Fran and Manda catching up on old times( this one taken on Tuesday)