Yesterday was your funeral. The night before you were brought home, I couldn't believe that it was you inside that coffin. We laid you out in the piano room, lit the holy candle and put a beautiful photo of you at my wedding amongst the lilies on top of your coffin. We were all there, Father Paul, auntie Kim and Rosie came over. Paul had his frock on (you'd have laughed!), we all gathered around your body had prayers read and you were blessed, It was very special and so beautiful.later on we raised a toast in your honour and sang some of your favourite songs, it really was a beautiful night and you would have enjoyed it.
The morning of your funeral dawned, what a glorious day, crisp clear skies and a beaming winter sun. We all gathered around you and sang calon lan I know you were there with us daddy. We followed you to St Johns (you even got a salute from a policeman)where this first service took place, there was a huge turn out for you! The church was packed and there was a big crowd gathered outside. Father Dewi Roberts conducted the service and although it was a monumentally sad occasion for us, the service was joyful and full of hope. Father Paul read the gospel and a personal eulogy to you, the star of the service was undoubtedly your best friend Gwyn. He had written a eulogy to reflect your kindness and generosity he read it perfectly in church, you would have loved it and definately have had a tear in your eye x.
We then made the journey to Bridell for the second service of the day it was a long journey following behind you dad, but on such a glorious day we were comforted by natures beauty (and a hipflask of brandy). On our arrival at St David's church Bridell we were greeted by your family. Jonathan, John, Richard, Alan, Neil and Robert carried you to church, there was another huge crowd gathered outside, daddy you were so popular. We sang your favourite hymn 'abide with me' you loved that song and always used to blast out Shirley Bassey singing it! Uncle Tom wrote a eulogy for you and the canon read it out, it was wonderful to hear of your life as a boy, again you would have had atear in your eye. I read a poem for you too Daddy, you must have been with me because I don't know how I got up and spoke otherwise, I hope I made you proud I always wanted to x. You were buried at Bridell on a beautiful crisp, sunny winters day, your son and nephews lowered you and they were all honoured to do so. I watched you go deeper into the earth and I felt like my heart would break, but I know that's not really you, only your body.
We all then went back to the Gwbert hotel, it was such a beautiful day and I know you loved Cardigan bay, the view was breathtaking.
So many people were there to see you off and they all had wonderful things to say about you, two of your old colleagues were there, John Ashford and Peter Hawkes, it really does say a lot about you that they made the journey and came to both services.
As always where you are concerned there is a bit of a story to the homeward journey which I will tell you all about at some point!
Goodnight dear Daddy, love you always,
Helen xxx
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