Against the backdrop of a sad day there were some wonderful moments.
It was Harry's funeral and the service was beautiful and incorporated into it was a reading by his youngest grandson, a poem read by his eldest granddaughter, a solo saxophone performance of Elgar's Chanson de Matin by another granddaughter, and a duet by his youngest granddaughter, played with her mother. Quite a talented family, and Peter was very good and quiet throughout, and listened attentively to the music, or so it seemed.
My thoughts and feelings went out to my sister, Maggie May, and her two children and grandchildren.
The day was a gathering of friends and relations, and the icing on the cake was the meeting of my two grandchildren, Peter and Rosa, with their parents.
Dear little Rosa seemed quite pleased to meet her big cousin Peter . . . .
. . . . . and Peter seemed very attentive towards his new little cousin.
It was so nice to see them together . . . .
After the memorable service drinks, cakes and nibbles were served in the church hall and after we had circulated for a while it was time for us to to say our goodbyes and head back south through Bristol to my home where I treated us all to fish and chips.
I am so pleased Selina, Matt and Rosa could come to join Jon, Lisa and Peter . . . and myself.
After our meal we all took it in turns to have a cuddle with Rosa and, hallelujah, she actually smiled at me . . . or was it the wind? . . lol.
Children seem a comfort at funerals. Oh, and the smile..it HAS to be genuine for grandpa!
ReplyDeleteJane x
Thank you Jane . . . . Maggie wanted Harry's funeral to be a celebration of his life and did not want anything too sombre because his life was bright and happy ~ so the service and reception went along those lines. It was a celebration of the family getting together, old and new. As for the smile, I will ask her . . . lol. Eddie x
DeleteI often think seeing young ones at a funeral is a lovely reminder of the life cycle.
ReplyDeletePerfect photos of the wee cousins and such a musical family you have.
You seem fixated on Rosa's wind. Hope she doesn't read your blog later - hee hee.
Hugs to Grandpa. xo
Yes you are right . . . and it was nice for them , and us, to get together, in an atmosphere which I paint in my reply to Jane. Perhaps Rosa thought, "Well the others are all playing wind instruments, why not me?" . . lol. I've just heard, she had a sneaky look at my blog and . . . .smiled . . . lol
DeleteHugs . . .:) x
HI Eddie - so sorry to read about Harry, yet their life continues through the grandchildren - bittersweet memories - yet a lovely post letting us know ... all the very best - Hilary
ReplyDeleteYes . . .you are right . . . it is bittersweet yet the youngsters somehow always come to the rescue.
DeleteThank you . . . :)
A death, a life... Bittersweet. But that little face!?! So! So! Sweet
ReplyDeleteThanks V . . . does it make you feel broody, dear? . . . lol . . . :) x
DeleteGlad the service was nice and you all got to attend together!
ReplyDeleteRosa is looking great! I'm sure it was a genuine smile she gave. And Peters curls just keep getting better and better!
Yes it was good we all could attend ~ Maggie was delighted and it was the first time she met little Rosa.
DeleteYes, Rosa is improving and I do think it was a genuine smile . . . she loves it when I talk to her . . .:)
Yes Peter will need a hair cut soon although his mum can't bring herself to do it yet . . :)
It was a brilliant service celebrating Harry's life and I was overwhelmed by all the people who came and all the kindness and love I received. He was a popular chap! Hope he was watching it all! He would have been a proud man!
ReplyDeleteSad to think we only have occasions like that at funerals!
Thrilled to see your side of the family.
Much love Maggie x
Yes it was a beautiful service, Maggie and it was great we all could attend. . . . and so lovely to meet friends and relations not seen for a while . . Yes, Harry was a popular chap . . :)
DeleteI am sure he was watching it with Maria . . . and both would have been proud . .
See you soon . . . . love Eddie x
Hello Eddy, your photos bring me much joy! I am so happy for you. Funerals are very difficult to go through, and both children and animals can offer such joy and comfort during anytime, including times like this. I did see the Rowan Atkinson sketch you sent me the link to...what a scream! LOL! It is one of the few times we hear him actually speak, as he doesn't at all, or at least, hardly ever, in Mr. Bean. :)
ReplyDeleteThank you Linda . . . :)
DeleteSo sad. Oh so sad... Funerals scare me, Eddie.
ReplyDeleteIt was not unexpected, Blue, Harry was ill with cancer for 15 years so it was a merciful release for him.
DeleteShould not be scary, Blue, he is in a much better place now . . . :)
I hope you're right, Eddie. You know I do.
DeleteYour grands are gorgeous. I love that sweet smile.. at you, of course, and Peter's beautiful curls. So cute.
ReplyDeleteIt sounds like they sent Maggie's Harry out in style. May we all be that loved to have such a beautiful goodbye.
Thanks Hilary . . . :)
DeleteYes, Harry was well loved . . . and he still is . . . :)
Lovely to see you in BlogLand . . :) x
Eddie,
ReplyDeleteI am so sorry to hear of Harry's passing. My heart and prayers are with your Maggie and your families.
What a beautiful service and send off he had though! I'm guessing Harry was beaming in heaven at his talented and beautiful family.
And your grandchildren-- They are absolutely delicious and more beautiful with every posting. Please keep the photos coming!
Stay strong and know prayers are coming your way.
xo jj
Thanks Joanna ~ much appreciated ~ Maggie is doing well under the circumstances . . .
DeleteYes Harry will be beaming. He was a caretaker at the church and had a large bunch of keys and the minister was quoting, "In my Father's houses there are many mansions . .. " and he said a thought came to him that Harry would be there with a large bunch of keys . . . :) . . . It was a beautiful full of hope type of service.
Yes I am so blessed with those grand children . . . :) x
My prayers, of course, Eddie. Peter certainly has a stunning head of blond curls. Do you think they'll stay that shade? In MY WIFE's family, they almost all (MY WIFE the exception) were born blond, but darkened as the time pased.
ReplyDeleteThanks Jim.
DeleteWho knows if the curls will remain and the blonde colouring. I expect his hair will darken later as did mine and his dad . . . :)
Funerals can be a wonderful way to get families together.... such a sad time, but definitely putting the "fun" in funeral, as they say. I'm sure Harry appreciated the readings and the music from his family. Those two grandies of yours will grow up knowing each other and playing with each other, they are both so sweet. You are a lucky gramps.
ReplyDeleteYes . . . they do tend to unite families . . . funerals and young children , , ,
DeleteThanks Sham . . . . :)
Funerals can be a wonderful way to get families together.... such a sad time, but definitely putting the "fun" in funeral, as they say. I'm sure Harry appreciated the readings and the music from his family. Those two grandies of yours will grow up knowing each other and playing with each other, they are both so sweet. You are a lucky gramps.
ReplyDeleteThanks again, Sham . . . :)
DeleteHi Eddie....
ReplyDeleteKind of a difficult day....but also bittersweet....I am sure Rosa and Peter will be great buddies♥️
Cheers!
Linda :o)
Eddie is still snoring, Linda, so I'm taking over his show ;) Hi!
DeleteThanks Linda and I am sorry the weather was bad for you at the cottage . .
DeleteYes I expect they will be great buddies a little later . . . cheers . . .Eddie :)
Blue . . . how did you guess . . . lol
Delete