Mick and I had set out very early to make sure that we (and the flowers) got there in plenty of time - as it happened we made very good time, and were there with plenty of time to spare. Next to pull into the parking spaces was our Ria, in a cab, so of course there were hugs! Julia had kindly collected Osc from the airport, so they arrived together.
We all went into the service to the lovely tune that Bryan posted on his thread - Rod Stewart's "Have I Told You Lately That I Love You?" which is a beautiful song, very moving. Di's casket had gorgeous family flowers on it, and our VV flowers were by the casket, along with some others. Di loved flowers so much, I'm sure she would have loved them.
The service was conducted by a celebrant, and she talked about Di, and how she had met Bryan, and their life together. Di had no siblings, but had been close to her cousins growing up, and her cousin Mike spoke a few words about their childhood together, playing by the cricket pavilion - and our Di had a lifelong love of cricket, as we know
There was a pause for quiet reflection while the Eva Cassidy version of "Somewhere Over The Rainbow" was played, and then Bry's two boys stood up to talk about Di, which was quite beautiful, there were tears - both their's and ours.......The Lord's Prayer was said, and then, rather unexpectedly and to many smiles "Always Look On The Bright Side Of Life" from Life Of Brian came over the speakers, for us all to file out to! To me this was so apt for our Di. As Ria, Osc and I said, we could just imagine her watching us crying, and giving us a good "boot up the backside" to make us smile......
There was a gathering at a nearby club, where we could have a few drinks, a few nibbles from the buffet, and toast our dear friend! Lots of memories shared, and new ones made. Bryan had put together a wonderful cork board collage of photos of Di, from over the years. I took a picture of it, for you all to share.
Those of you who couldn't be there yesterday were all very much there in spirit (((((((VV))))))
Rest in peace dear Di, you were very much loved! xxxxx
) It was very much a day for reminiscing and Julia and I talked non-stop on the way from and back to the airport. The celebrant was super, she spoke as if she had really known Di. The photoboard was great, many beautiful ones of Di growing up. I think we were glad to be together for this day and know that all VVers were there with us. It was really nice to meet Mick, the poor man couldn't get a word in edgewise 
