I’m driving back to Essex today ready for my Granddad’s funeral tomorrow. I think it’s ironic that the word funeral starts with fun, I can’t imagine they’ll be much fun to be had there to be honest.
Mom asked me for some words she could say at the service. She asked my brother and sister to tell her some memories that were fun so she could prepare something. She said she doesn’t want the day to be glum, so hopefully it won’t be bad. I’ve never been to a funeral in the family before so I can’t say I am looking forward to this.
My Grandma, who goes by the strange family nickname of Yogi, may not go. Apparently she feels it would be too much for her to go, both mentally and physically. If she does go then she’ll have to be taken by ambulance. I hope she does because I would have thought it would bring some reality to all of this. She hadn’t seen Granddad for some weeks before he died because she was in hospital isolation and then he was in hospital and the two weren’t allowed to visit with each other because of the spread of germs. That fact alone must make this seems so unreal to her surely? A sad end to a marriage of some 67 years. Mind you I guess I don’t want to go either, so I can’t blame her for that.
The drive to Essex is a very long one in British terms. Some 250 miles which to Americans seems like no distance at all, but on English highways starting at about 4pm, let me tell you that’s not a fun drive. I’ll drive through some pretty countryside though, but it’ll be long since dark by the time I pass by it.
Wrote the following comment on Feb 2, 2005 at 7:19 am
i hope the funeral can be a celebration of yr grandfather’s life… it sounds like that’s what yr mom is planning. i believe that memorial services can actually be fun, in a way, because everyone is gathered in one place to talk about someone they loved, all connected by that one individual. it’s beautiful, really.
Wrote the following comment on Feb 2, 2005 at 5:18 am
That drive sounds relaxing. Just imagine, cruising down a country highway, admiring the scenery. All around you there are trees, rolling hills and grassy plains. As the highway gently curves around a thicket, out of the corner of your eye you spot a glowing yellow haze rising out of the canopy. The light beckons to you like a moth to a flame. As your eyes focus in on your new target, your sense of smell picks up the faint perfume of microwaved grade “C” meat byproduct. Suddenly your mind snaps back to reality as you realize just what you’ve been lured toward. A large McDonalds sign??? Damn those things are everywhere! (see pic in entry).
Wrote the following comment on Feb 2, 2005 at 5:46 am
and I forgot to add at the end of that – I’m sorry to hear about your Grandpa. I hope the funeral goes well for your and your family.
Wrote the following comment on Feb 2, 2005 at 7:11 am
my family is very weird and twisted, and as awful and sad as a death in the family may be, we always tend to laugh and eat till we’re sick. we share funny stories and memories and cry until we laugh or laugh until we cry! i know i dont know you very well (besides your exquisite photos and creative posts) but please know that my thoughts and prayers are with you and your family during this difficult time! take care, andrea* xx
Wrote the following comment on Feb 3, 2005 at 1:48 pm
I hope the funeral goes well, as well as a funeral can go anyhow. I know it’s a sad day, but try to think of the good memories.
Wrote the following comment on Feb 3, 2005 at 3:02 pm
I’m sorry you lost your grandfather.
Wrote the following comment on Feb 3, 2005 at 9:38 pm
I’m thinking of you Si. I hope you’re okay.