I didn’t think I would be able to join in The Gallery this week, with yesterday being the day of my dad’s funeral. But the theme of ‘togetherness’ seemed so appropriate for the emotions I am feeling today that I decided to share this photo of some of my family, including my lovely Dad, taken on New Year’s Eve 2009/10.
Although yesterday had many sad moments, the overall feeling I experienced was one of belonging, being part of a huge, extended family up in Newcastle. Seeing the church packed with his friends, colleagues and family, all of whom had such wonderful things to say about my father, was very uplifting. The gathering at a local hotel afterwards was just perfect – plenty of memories, lots of laughter.
I just wanted to thank everyone for all their warm words of comfort and support over the last week since my dad died. I was quite amazed at how kind people have been: messages, cards, flowers – so unexpected. I have also realised that many of you have lost someone you love so you understand how it feels.
Today is a new day and I feel ready to face the world again…..best get out of my pyjamas first!
Sorry to hear your bad news. This is a lovely photo!
Wonderful memories last forever. xxx
What a beautiful photo. So glad that yesterday had some laughter and joy in it amongst the sadness. xx
So sorry about your dad, Trish. He's at peace now after a long fight. xx
How wonderful that you managed to get a family photo recently, my lot cringe every time I bring out the camera, but you just never know.
Sounds like you all celebrated your Dad's life in style. (hugs) x
Oh bless you. That's a beautiful photo and I'm sure a beautiful memory. Hugs to you…
Karin
Sorry for your loss. Great photo! Emma
Lovely photo, I am pleased it went ok. It is a very special feeing knowing you belong to a family. We are lucky to have that. PS: PJs can be very fetching, maybe you should "lady of leisure" today.
Sorry for your loss. What a lovely, life-celebratory photo of your loved ones.
I'm sorry to hear your news Trish. Much love to you and yours, what a lovely photo of togetherness to treasure. x
Found myself smiling at this photo… It says it all, really. Hugs. xx
Hello
I have been thinking about you. I am so glad the funeral was such an uplifting experience. That was my experience too. Lovely choice for the gallery. I have found the gallery really therapeutic over the last few months. Glad it helped you too.
Stay in your pjs when you can and keep taking rests. I felt mentally uplifted but physically zapped.
Take care x
Funerals for people who have been so well loved are always unexpectedly (and yet logically when you think about it) uplifting. I'm glad you had the warmth of family all around you – and hope it will always remain around you.
So sorry, I didn't know about your Dad (I have been out of touch with blogosphere for last fortnight). Big hugs. Jen
I'm sorry to hear about your Dad, he looks very happy in this picture…it's a lovely family shot 🙂 I also have a huge extended family up in Newcastle…I really ought to get up there and see them soon! Love and hugs, Jules x
What a lovely photo; I'm sure photos like this do help a little when you lose someone you love. I lost my father in 1996 and have very few photos of him. I wish I had more.
Your recent posts have been very moving and although I didn't comment on your last post, your humour during these darker moments was uplifting.
And a woman who prepares to face the world anew by first removing her pyjamas is obviously a sight worth seeing.
So sorry to hear about your dad. The photo shows a lively family get together which must bring back some wonderful memories for you all. Funerals, although sad, are alsoa celebration of a loved ones life and another opportunity for like minded people to get together and remember that life. X
Glad to hear it went okay yesterday and that lots of people said lovely things about your dad. That must have felt great.
Super photo of you all together as a family. You can't beat family! 🙂
Trish….what a great photo (and the one of you and your dad is great). I'm glad you had a sort of good time, if you know what I mean…your dad will always be in your head and heart x
Sorry for your loss. That's a great picture and one I'm sure which holds happy, positive memories.
I'm so sorry to read of your loss. This is a wonderful photo for you to treasure andd keep your dad safely in your heart.
I think it's a lovely tribute, and very brave of you, to post today. I'm so very sorry to hear your news.
I'm so sorry to read your news, I really am.
What a brilliant family photo, and definitely sums up togetherness.
My thoughts are with you x
Well done you lot. That's a big diary date you've managed. Hope you've got plenty of blank pages to follow. Plenty of time for the rest of the world to get on with it. Gram Parsons is singing in my head 'And the sun comes up without her. It just doesn't know she's gone.' (Brass Buttons – about his mother after she'd died.) Always seems to sum it up – the relentlessness of everything carrying on when you're in slomo. Pyjamas have their moments – and photos are fabulous for staying still for a while. xxx
The love of family is a wonderful sign of a life well lived…so glad the funeral went well x
Yet again the blogging community knows just what to say whether it's just a little message of support, some great advice or comments that make me laugh out loud. Thank you so much.
Trish – I'm so sorry to hear about your Dad. With events here I have been a bit out of touch with the blogosphere…So glad you were able to laugh as well as cry at the funeral and how lucky you are to have such a supportive family around you. Take care.