Vocal Voices

...and it's so nice to be here!!

All went fantastically well at the funeral on Friday. The mass cards were lovely, the flowers were beautiful. Don had ordered a 'mum' one and a 'nan' one from our lads.

I'd written a eulogy expressing all that I loved about Joan and how much happiness she'd brought into my life. I felt nervous standing up and speaking, but pulled up my big girl pants, took a few deep breaths and did it. My voice broke right at the end when I was saying my final farewell.

It was a good turn out and we had a 'do' at a private Irish club which was absolutely perfect. They did us proud with the buffet.

We spent a few hours there - chatting to Don's lovely family and his smashing cousins. They are such a nice bunch of peeps.

Don, myself, and our 3 lads headed off into Moseley to meet up with lots of friends who arrived sporadically over the evening.

It was a long day, very sad in some parts but (and just what Joanie would want) many, many laughs were had too.

I have to say I was extremely proud of our 3. Smartly turned out and showed such care and attention to Don and making sure I was ok too.

I am incredibly lucky to be part of a good, close and loving family.

The 4 of us flew home tonight, landed at 9 and by 10.30 I'd unpacked, put a load of washing on, showered and helped Jacob choose what pizzas we were having delivered.

Thanks everyone for all your kind thoughts and messages over the past few months. They have helped enormously. xx

ps...bit on the other board.

So glad it went well Ally. A good funeral, I find, always makes me feel better for some reason.

So pleased for you all Ally, as Molly says, it does help to know you've done the right thing xxx

So pleased Ally, it sounds a perfect send off.
Lovely to spend time with Don's family, for your boys too xx

Just how we'd all like it, I think. Lovely family, good friends and a bit of a craic.

Glad it went well Ally and well done you for speaking x

It does sound as though you all did Joanie proud. Well done for the eulogy, I know it isn't easy ((((x))))

So pleased it all went well Ally xx

Well done on the Eulogy Ally. Mrs S had to do one for her friend of 64 years. She was specifically asked to do one about the young person nobody else knew. It was really hard for her.

Time heals and at least losing a parent is the natural event, no matter how you dread it.

Glad it feels good to be home.

We Irish do good funerals. While it was undoubtedly a very sad day, for someone of Joanie's age, there is also the celebration of a life well lived. Well done on your eulogy, I'm sure Don and your boys were very proud of you.

Glad all went well for you all ally welcome home