It was Rowena’s funeral today
And a day of respect it was , to be sure.
Her nephew, Village Elder Islwyn and his brother had dug her grave themselves which I thought was intensely moving and another mark of respect as Rowena’s father was the village gravedigger at one time, Islwyn isn’t a young man, and I’m sure the hard work has taken its toll.
Kudos to the both of them
The service was held in Llanasa, who has a pretty Norman Church, and the church was full as Rowena’s family is large and spans every part of Trelawnyd and its environs .
Auntie Glad always warned me to be early for popular character’s funerals , so I was and still was beaten to the back pew by the ladies from the friendship group, Animal Helper Pat, Christine from Church, Pippa and Tom, the velvet voiced Linda, sailor John and Mandy and Mrs Trellis.
Trendy Vicar Gregor ( with his flowing cape and neat beard ) did his best with the Welsh parts of the service which was lovely and by the time the funeral cars returned to Trelawnyd I had collected the Welsh and was standing with Pat Mr Poznan and others a respectful distance away.
We watched as the family followed the coffin into the graveyard, and in the grey skys over Trelawnyd groups of seagulls took off in the breeze in the fields next to the riding stables , looping west towards the valley and the sea
What a lovely, moving tribute you've given to a much loved and respected lady. I wonder how many churchyards would allow family to dig the grave? I doubt it would be allowed here - health and safety (and a lot of bureaucracy!) xx
ReplyDeleteIslwyn has dug many graves
DeleteBeautifully written, take care of yourself.
ReplyDeleteI had a family meal later
DeleteYour words pay tribute to a life well lived.
ReplyDeleteD😍
DeleteYour first and last paragraphs are so exquisitely moving, even more respect for Rowena.
ReplyDeleteYou have. Soft soul debra x
DeleteThank you for including us in these moments of respect for her.
ReplyDeleteProud to share them
DeleteThat all sounds lovely; just as funerals should be.
ReplyDeleteYes I’ve been to a few doozies too
DeleteA beautifully written tribute to Rowena and this day of remembrance.
ReplyDeleteAnother for your book so others can read of how things should be kindly done.
Hugs!
Cheers babas
DeleteYou watch everyone and everything squire John
ReplyDeleteLee
I do indeed=lee
DeleteI do indeed
Love,loss, respect,honor
ReplyDeleteso much is involved,and you describe it all with
very moving words,-Mary
It’s been a moving day
DeleteMy taller half spent several days building a coffin for his father out of (on the outside anyway) old granary boards from the farm. His sisters lined the coffin with fabric and padding and made the pillow for their dad's head. It was a good way for them to do "the last thing" they could for their dad.
ReplyDeleteI love this story
DeleteRespect..Heddwch i'w Lwch
ReplyDeleteDust is where we all will end up dear GZ
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ReplyDeleteYou've written a lovely tribute. Saying a final goodbye to a fine village lady. RIP, Rowena.
Dust. We are all headed in the same direction, and this is the ultimate equalizer.
A beautiful description of a sad day.
ReplyDeleteVery thoughtful and moving post. Sorry for the loss of your friend.
ReplyDeleteThere was much love and respect for Rowena. The description really made that clear. My condolences to all.
ReplyDeleteA lovely tribute to a long life. Very moving.
ReplyDeleteweavinfool
John, what a beautifully written and loving tribute to Rowena. Your powers of observation are transferred into just the right words to paint a scene, and emotion.
ReplyDeleteBeautifully written. Love all the villagers coming together.
ReplyDeleteCondolences to family and friends.
A noted storyteller in the US had a neighbor build her coffin. Till it was needed, why waste the storage space? she kept her Christmas china in it wrapped in the same quilt she wanted to use.
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