I'm really interested in the different ways we manage to say good bye to our dear loved ones. I believe we can help others who may be having difficulty saying a final goodbye, by offering them some suggestions, please post to this thread.
Thank you
Chloe
My Dad, well that was his eulogy, which I gave in two languages.
Not really sure I've managed it for my mother, although I truly lost her years ago...
I think I was the last family member to speak with mum and say goodbye. Although her departure was expected as always not exactly when. I asked to give her a hug and she said 'yes'. Just a few quiet and tired words and that was goodbye.
I feel that our parting was good to be in such a way and made what follows easier.
During my dad's last minutes I asked my girlfriend to play Maurice Ravel's Boléro (Torvill and Dean performance at Olympic) he (my dad) loved this piece of music. Few weeks before He and I were having our usual upbeat chats and it seems we'have similar taste in music genres, he was pleased when I mentioned Boléro was a favourite of mine. I've had a comfy blanket all my life (I call it my strokey ) 🤗 and On the day of his funeral I walked to the funeral parlour to ask funeral director Cathy if she could place a piece of "my strokey" with my Dad 🤗 bare in mind this blanket is more a rag cloth and at least 25 years old 😁 Cathy told me certainly I can do that for you, but is it safe to touch, I've seen you fiddle with that cloth each time you have come to the parlour and now I can ask Lesley what the hell is that? She made such a difference in the most painful days of arrangements. She is is a wonderful human, also she took me aside asking me if I'd like to walk ahead of the Hurst to escort my Dad' telling me it's okay to give him a kiss. As my mum didn't want any of us going to see him at the funeral parlour, I think Cathy had noticed the change in my mum, especially when my mum hung up on Cathy during a call to confirm details. I got to send off my Dad with a powerful piece of dramatic music, I walked ahead with the Hurst and family slowly followed as I marched proud to be the first born of a great man, and I kissed the glass of the hurst carrying my Dad. At the services I read my eulogy ending with a dedication from my Grandchildren to their Great grandfather (my Dad) I said night night big Grandad and
played the theme of Thomas the tank engine.
Once during his treatment my dad was asked a question can't quite remember what? Alls I remember is the confusing look on his face, so I turned and says what if he thinks illness and chemotherapy too much? He'd rather fall from the mountains in Wales.. If he had a choice, dad say the word and I will take care of it... He 🤣🤣 thought I was funny but I don't think the oncology nurse found me funny 😒
Moral of the story I think is the face's of our loved ones who have been suffering, we see the pain and suffering they see our faces and expressions pain, pity. You can see where I am going here 😘 if you get the chance or have strength....
keep the humour alive, wish I could have especially those last 2 weeks. Take care guys
That's a beautiful account Lezneed2ruth
I love the fact that you left a piece of 'strokey' bless you!
Chloe <3
The firsts without your loved one.
