Over the last few year I seem to spend an increasing amount of time on here lamenting the deaths of musicians. Today's post is about a couple of recent deaths that are closer to home.
Yesterday was my uncle's funeral. The sun was shining on the righteous which helped to make the gathering after the service feel more like a celebration than a time for sadness.
My uncle would have loved hanging out in his back garden with so many of his family and friends, including his brand new great-granddaughter, but after a while I think he would have been tempted to sneak off to his shed for a bit of peace and quiet.
On Friday we will be celebrating the life of a woman who with her late husband was there for three generations of my family when we needed them.
They made a home for my grandmother and youngest aunt when my grandparents separated; my Dad and two uncles all stayed with them in the run up to their respective weddings; and 40 years ago they put me up for a month when I moved to London after university. I have never been so well cared for and have been utterly devoted to her ever since.
In some respects today's song selections are not particularly apt. Neither of them were much given to roving, drinking or philandering, although Mary would definitely have jumped up when a steel band passed.
But all of the songs are ones that have the ability to make me reflect on good times past and maybe get just a little damp around the eyes as a result. If they have the same effect on you feel free to blub along.
RIP Dick and Mary.
"Memories" - Mighty Sparrow
"Love's Been Good To Me" - Frank Sinatra
"The Parting Glass" - Robin Williamson
So sorry to hear about your recent losses, Ernie. A fine tribute here to two obviously much loved and special people in your life. I'm glad the sun was shining for you yesterday and hope it stays out for Friday too.
ReplyDeleteWhat C said... she's so much better with words than me. But I hope these are the last funerals you'll have to attend for a long time.
ReplyDeleteYou are being unduly modest about your own ability as a wordsmith but you are right that C is a bit of a wiz with words. She is even wizzier with pictures.
DeleteSorry to hear of these losses for you Ernie. Not many of the next generation up left now for those of us of a certain age. Glad the sun shone.
ReplyDeleteAs C said, a fine tribute.