Like happiness, grief spreads.
I was one of six pall bearers at Mrs R's funeral. Her son, her son-in-law, two nephews (one on each side of the family), a nephew-in-law, and me.
I was honoured.
The casket was far heavier than I imagined. Much heavier.
That wasn't the only honour - I was seated right behind her husband and their 4 (adult children). The front 3 rows were immediate family.
The first row was the Col. and the 4 children, the second and third a combination of the spouses, grandchildren...and me.
Today, my friend (and former roommate) told me on the way to the airport that her cousin's 16 year-old daughter asked her this morning (before I got to the house),
"Remind me again how we're related to the guy from Scotland?"
Because Mrs R took it upon herself to make me part of the family all those years ago.
The grandchildren, ranging in age from 16 to 5, were so very upset at the loss of their grandma. One in particular, was sobbing so very heavily all the way through the ceremony and had to be supported.
It was hard not to feel their grief.
But of course I shed my own tears over my own fond memories.
I once introduced her to HRH Prince Charles, the Prince of Wales, in Covent Garden.
3 comments:
It is so easy not to go to a funeral. Distance, full diary, unable to get away from work etc. are excuses that I have used on occasion. But I have always felt diminished by these feeble excuses. So well done for going. I am sure you feel better for having gone and hopefully those whom you met will not only have appreciated your effort, but will also retain strong links with you in the future, even though the original person who forged that link has gone.
I hope the journey back is a good one and security is less intrusive.
Serving as a pall bearer is truly a noble thing- I think it's truly an honor!
I'm surprised you actually had to lift the casket. At both of my parents funerals, it was on a little hydraulic conveyor thing that it rolled upon. We really were just walking along side!
I'm sorry for the loss of your friend. It was, indeed, and honour to serve as a pall bearer.
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