Three weeks ago, I tried to get an appointment to have my “fuzzy wuzzy hair” cut. The first appointment I could get was for today. At 12.00pm, with happy anticipation of looking a little less unkept, I toddled off to “Roots”…only to find a notice pinned to his door “All today’s appointments have been cancelled”…sigh…
Just before 2.00 pm Graeme and I (together with Vince and Vilma) made our way to the hospital, and the "chapel of rest", where Maisie’s body was waiting in the coffin.
Just before 2.00 pm Graeme and I (together with Vince and Vilma) made our way to the hospital, and the "chapel of rest", where Maisie’s body was waiting in the coffin.
Graeme spoke a few words, and we sang “The Lord’s my Shepherd”. The coffin was then carried to the hearse, and a procession, led by a police car, started towards the Baptist schoolroom, where the main funeral service was held.
There were many folk there – all dressed in black or a dark colour. Graeme gave a good message.
This was followed by a procession to Knollcombes cemetery (once again led by the police car). The graveside meeting. We were all standing around, waiting for the proceedings to begin,
There were many folk there – all dressed in black or a dark colour. Graeme gave a good message.
This was followed by a procession to Knollcombes cemetery (once again led by the police car). The graveside meeting. We were all standing around, waiting for the proceedings to begin,
when a Mr Huxtable tapped me on the shoulder, and whispered in my ear “Hazel, you are standing on a grave! Some folk might be offended”. Oops!
We then went to Charles’ home, which is about 100 meters away. See a path from the cemetery towards Charles' home.
Some of the church folk had helped organize tea and a few eats. A few minutes into the tea time, my Graeme says “ Everyone looks so solemn and somber – anyone would think we were at a funeral!…” Almost imperceptibly, the mood lifted, and there was more light hearted interaction between the visitors.
I was impressed at how various people had quietly shared the responsibility of arranging the many details of the funeral. There was a community spirit, and a rallying around Charles that I have not seen in SA.
I was impressed at how various people had quietly shared the responsibility of arranging the many details of the funeral. There was a community spirit, and a rallying around Charles that I have not seen in SA.
Hazel if you don't get your haircut soon Graeme will have to hone his hairdressing skills - No I am not serious!
ReplyDeleteThanks for sharing with us so well. I wonder when I will see a photo of you (or are you waiting for your haircut first.
I would be very interested to have you share something about the messages that Graeme gives on here. Perhaps just a little bit of what you gleaned would be nice. Or am I stirring?
Isn't it amazing how at a funeral somebody will say something outrageous and everyone will feel a lifting of their spririts? So healthy.