It was odd going to a "family" funeral today with only two sisters sat in the pews.... It seemed lob sided somehow...and just a little bit inappropriate. and the feeling kind of wrong footed me as we filed in to the crowded Church.
I mentioned it to the congregation before I gave the eulogy....but I didn't have too much time to ad lib as the vicar wrong footed me too , and asked me to do my reading much earlier than the time shown on the "programme"
It went ok...I didn't stumble over my words too much ( thanks to a million or so rehearsals in the kitchen yesterday) and no one threw prayer books at me for saying anything inappropriate......
Mike Peters did a moving couple of songs .......we all sang a lusty "Bread of Heaven" and suddenly and rather strangely the whole day seemed suddenly over..........
 |
| Andrew (third from left) with some celebrity chums |
Sending you love, because I am useless with words. xxx
ReplyDeleteFunny how things that seem so momentous looking forward, pass so quickly and suddenly it leaves you gasping for breath. Have a peaceful evening.
ReplyDeleteIt takes a lot to stand up at a funeral and speak with both nerves and emotion getting in the way...glad you got through it OK.
ReplyDeleteEnjoy a nice weekend John, I am sure you are wiped out.
Hello John:
ReplyDeleteWe have been absent from the Blogosphere and so have just caught up with the very sad news of your brother's death. We are so very sorry,words are totally inadequate on such occasions but you are in our thoughts and prayers.
The end of an era most certainly but we hope that you will be sustained at this very sad time with the support of your partner, your family, your countless friends and the comforting routines of your wonderful life in the countryside. Take care.
Thinking of you... and your family.
ReplyDeletexoxoxoxo
e
plufrompdx.blogspot.com
It does all seem so surreal, doesn't it!
ReplyDeleteBottoms up Andrew!
xx
I'll raise my glass to Andrew also, a true hero...one of the good 'uns.
ReplyDelete{To Andrew}....
~Jo
I'll drink one with ya John.
ReplyDeleteA little bit of routine daily chores and a lot of chilling out tomorrow me thinks.x
My chin is up on your behalf Sir.
ReplyDeleteJohn -you did brilliantly ,it was lovely eulogy and you summed up Andrew to a tee ! very proud of you x
ReplyDeleteI too will raise my glass John. Re charge your batteries this weekend. xxxx
ReplyDeleteI'll raise a glass to Andrew, and to those he left behind.
ReplyDeleteJane x
He'll like that John!
ReplyDelete(((((hugs))))) Theanne
Sending you all lots of love John and I will be thinking of you all when I have a little drinkie.
ReplyDeletelove
Jo xx
oxox from Canada too
ReplyDeleteIs that Keith Allen on bass guitar? So glad that you gave Andrew's eulogy your best shot and thereby personalised the service for gathered friends and family. I hate it when it's all left in the hands of the presiding vicar/priest or whoever - it means so much more to come from a close family member. Well done!
ReplyDeleteWe've been thinking of you here. Many virtual hugs to you and family, John. Through your wonderful way of words and your generosity of sharing your life with us you've allowed people all over the world to become "friends". Thank you. xoxoxo
ReplyDeleteyp
ReplyDeleteyour advice was top notch
ruth
lovely to hear from you,,, its been too long....
janet
thanks xxxx
the rest
chin chin!!!
chocks away
and bottoms up
xxx
one and the same YP x
ReplyDeleteEarlier, I said it was your final gift to your brother when you cleaned him up. I was wrong. The eulogy was your last gift to him, and to the rest of your family, as well. I'm sure you did him, and yourself, proud.
ReplyDeleteGlad the funeral went well and there wasn't too much stumbling (or emotional distress). In fact it sounds like a rather jolly send-off....
ReplyDeleteYou should have your own reality show John! You are about as authentic as it gets. Glad you are doing OK. You've been on my mind. Hugs, Sandy
ReplyDeleteGood that you could do this, John. I know only certain people are able to get up and focus on what's at hand, and you are one of those people.
ReplyDeleteI admire you immensely for giving a eulogy. I wanted to at my Mother's service last September but I just knew I would blubber through it and not make much sense or give honor to her memory. Thank goodness my younger brother is a care pastor. He has performed many eulogies and gave the best for our Mom that day.
ReplyDeleteI am sorry that you lost your brother. I am fortunate that both of my brothers are still here. I can't imagine losing one or both of them. Hopefully I go first.
My thoughts are with you.
Well done, John boy. It must have been hard, but had to be done. Have a lovely and relaxing night - and as lovely and relaxing a life as your animals will allow. X.
ReplyDeleteBro,,your eulogy was brilliant we as a family enjoyed your humorous vision of Andrew's late teenage years and summing up full circle was perfect, we loved it,
ReplyDeletemuch love Tim and Ann
I'm sending you a smacker of a kiss and a real big hug right now!
ReplyDeleteSP
Here here!
ReplyDeleteThank god for dogs and fires and having it be over.
And for having a brother so VERY worth missing...especially that.
Dxoxox
My heart goes out to you; it's been a difficult Autumn in many ways. Dave, my husband, died quite unexpectedly last month and time has crawled flown by. I am sorry I didn't see your post about Andrew but know you're now in my prayers.
ReplyDeleteThis comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteSomeone in PA, USA will also raise a glass to Andrew tonight. Your's and your sister's stories of Andrew made us all feel as if we knew him.
ReplyDelete:clink: To Andrew, from WV USA.
ReplyDeleteHugs, John.
ReplyDeleteGlad everything went okay, John. I'm sure you did Andrew proud. Hugs.
ReplyDeleteSounds a proper ending to the kind of day it has been.
ReplyDeleteWe'll be thinking of you.
*Hugs* ♥
ReplyDeleteThinking of you.
Love you dear John. We'll lift a glass to Andrew tonight after Bible study. x-c
ReplyDeleteI could never do a eulogy, but I so admire people that can do it. I would be much too emotional. I know the last few days probably now seem like blur, a little surreal, and filled with raw emotions. With all those animals to love you and keep you busy, I hope you find the spring in your step soon. Take care and Bottoms Up!
ReplyDeleteYes, chin chin old thing with my sherry too.
ReplyDeleteTo Andrew. clink.
ReplyDeleteHope you gave Andrew that "bottoms up." From what I have read, you did a great job with the eulogy...not so easy, I'm sure. Hope you can find some comfort with your friends and critters.
ReplyDeleteGone but never forgotten, I' sure. Yes, I'll raise that glass with you John. To your brother!
ReplyDeleteTime now to relax, to contemplate, and shed those tears.
I've seen too many people not be able to make it through. I'm sure the first few times it was tough.
ReplyDeleteI know exactly what you mean by something was missing.
Well done you. My much loved big brother died unexpectedly and suddenly in a foreign country and I wasn't even able to be at the funeral, let alone give a eulogy - I still feel cheated, especially at this time of year.
ReplyDeleteThank goodness for routines - they give us something to han=g on to. (Cat on keyboard - sorry for typows.)
Raising a glass of NZ Chardonnay to you, your brother, and my brother. Cheeers!
A perfect ending to the day. X
ReplyDeleteOnly recently started dipping into your blog. My condolences on your brother, Andrew's death. I did the eulogies at both my mother's and my father's funerals-- they're not easy to do but, it helped doing them.
ReplyDeleteHope the same for you.
Antoinette
"Bottoms up" Andrew.
ReplyDeleteHere's to Andrew!
ReplyDeleteA beautiful tribute to a wonderful man.
Thank you for for making it personal by doing the eulogy. I did that for Dad and aferwards, regretted that I had not for Mom.
Well done, John. xxx
ReplyDeleteI raise my glass to you too John - take care.
ReplyDeleteTake care and don't underestimate the grieving process .... As the cliche goes it takes time and longer than you think ..
ReplyDeleteJane x
Thinking of you and your family today John. Here's a raised glass to your brother Andrew.
ReplyDeleteThinking of you and your family today John. Here's a raised glass to your brother Andrew.
ReplyDeleteSleep well Andrew, nothing can hurt you now.
ReplyDeleteSending you love as well. I, too, will raise a glass to your brother Andrew (and to you) tonight.
ReplyDeleteWhat a very long journey for you and yours; and your brave and glorious brother. What a wonderful photo to remember him by. My heartfelt and sincere belated sympathies to you and your family. I will say a prayer for you and Andrew tonight. Hugs.
ReplyDelete