We got back home yesterday afternoon, the drive was really good which made a nice change.
Wednesday was really stressful, the drive up wasn't good, it rained most of the way so lots of spray on the motorway Went to see mother around 4.30ish, not to be recommended, but I know it would have forever bothered me if I hadn't. The hotel room was lovely, but there was a very bright safety light which filled the room with a green glow after dark E was okay, he'll sleep anywhere, but it completely ruined my night. Shame really as the staff couldn't have been better but much as we liked the pub, I'd never choose to stay there again.
The funeral went very smoothly, everything was just as I'd planned. Can't praise the Co-op peeps enough, they were absolutely brilliant. Alistair the minister was also wonderful, the service was lovely and although there were a few tears all round, both the girls got through their readings really well. We didn't have many people attend, family including my uncle the last of mother's siblings and some of my cousins, also my stepfather Cyril's cousin Angela and four of mother's carers from the CH. One of them has actually retired but had asked to be notified so she could be there. We didn't really expect any of mother's old neighbours, after all she was almost 91 and hadn't really been part of their lives for over 11 years. I did expect Cyril's children to attend though, after all he and mother were together for over 22 years and although they've made a point of ignoring us since he died they did visit mother on and off at the CH, not one of them turned up. Poor Angela was really upset, and I know Cyril would have been too. They didn't even bother to send condolences!!
Everyone, including the carers which we really appreciated, came back to the pub afterwards. Think it was almost 5pm before they'd all gone, must own up to having had a few too many glasses of wine so managed to sleep a bit better that night.
So glad it's all done and we're back home, thank you for all your good wishes xx