Written in 1983, Yma O Hyd is a song of defiance against loss of Welsh Culture and language.
Written and sung by Daffydd Iwan, it has become a popular song at football and rugby matches but today I heard it for the first time at Ann’s funeral and was greatly moved by it.
Twenty five nursing staff turned up from the hospice, a phenomenal number given our small ward numbers and I wish that we could’ve gone in uniform as we used to do in the 1980s before infection management, audit and risk assessment were the words du jour.
Turning up in uniform with the female nurses stiff in their black capes, was always seen as a sign of deep respect.
Ann’s service spoke of love and affection for a woman who was so very loved and respected and those are the hardest of services to deal with because emotions are so very high.
The crematorium was packed to overflowing which spoke volumes with mourners standing several deep in the vestibule in front of the chapel .
As the words Ry’n ni yma o hyd “ We’re still here” rang out
The congregation were given rose petals to place gently on Ann’s coffin
May her memory be a blessing. Llynn
ReplyDeleteA fitting tribute.
ReplyDeleteWhat an emotional, but fitting tribute to a much loved woman. Yes, uniforms would have been very fitting. A mark of respect. xx
ReplyDeleteOld fashioned
DeleteAll funeral services are hard to get through, but those full of love are so much more difficult!
ReplyDeleteAt my Uncle's funeral, my Mum, his other sisters, and me, as the only niece, were given long stemmed red roses to lay on his coffin.
I'd held myself in check to support my mum, who had virtually raised him, but laying that rose destroyed me, I just dissolved into floods of tears. It was such a final act. X
Yes pain is there
DeleteSounds like a good sendoff, with a rousing song to boot.
ReplyDeleteIt was slightly overwhelming x
DeleteA very moving entry, even for people who did not know her. God bless, Anne, and all who remember you.
ReplyDeleteThank u liz
DeleteWow! I take it Ann was very proud to be Welsh.
ReplyDeleteShe was incredibly proud
DeleteHow moving! May light perpetual shine upon her.
ReplyDeleteAmen
DeleteWhat a powerful, emotional service. I’m sorry for your loss of a friend and work colleague. Sounds like she left great memories.
ReplyDeleteBonnie in Minneapolis
She left a big hole bonnie
DeleteIn tears here for the song and Ann's wonderful service. Uniforms would have been a nice touch.
ReplyDeleteRest in peace, Ann, and well done.
Hugs!
Thanks babs
DeleteA fitting tribute for Ann.
ReplyDeleteIt was
DeleteTerribly sad john, and yet another hurdle to jump this week
ReplyDeleteLee
It will be fine x
DeleteIncredibly moving post.
ReplyDeleteThank u
DeleteIn tears! That song is so moving. What a wonderful tribute to Ann.
ReplyDeleteIt was very sad
DeleteWow! That is a very stirring song. It would have been even more so with 25 nurses in uniform.
ReplyDeleteI always remember reading about the ww2 siege of Singapore where two rows of nurses in their white uniforms and red capes were stood on the dockside waiting to be evacuated with the 1000 civilians . A bomber appeared and the civilians dived to cover
DeleteOnly the nurses stood to attention
A beautiful send-off for a person well worth knowing
ReplyDeleteIt was lovely , and painful and lovely
DeleteI'm glad there was a good turnout. I'm sure it meant a lot to the family.
ReplyDeleteA family needs a full turn out ,,,so very much
DeleteUniforms would have been the icing on the cake but it sounds like it was still a fabulous and well deserved send off. I teared up a bit reading about it.
ReplyDeleteI did too
DeleteMoving. I can easily imagine uniforms.
ReplyDeleteMy mother's cousin Islywn Fawc-Ellis did his best to preserve the Welsh written language. He only wrote in Welsh, but was translated into many other languages.
ReplyDeleteSorry for your recent losses. Kathy
ReplyDelete