Thursday 14 June 2007

FACT/FICTION OVERLAP

Don't know how many laws Sod put on the statute book but here's his latest. We packed up to fly SW19 to attend cousin Laura's daughter's wedding, but ended up attending Bernice's Mother's funeral just two days later.

As we were in the UK we decided to attend the Western General Hospital to sort out the litany of aches and pains associated with my prostate cancer. WGH good as gold and thorough as always. Downside they established a clear link between prostate cancer and the multiplicity of pains I had endured. Aches and pains as deduced turn out to be a spread of prostate cancer to various parts of the body especially the bones. Bottom line - it now looks like I have about 18 months to live possibly less. Next treatment is oestrogen which for all you cross dressers out there can make an Arthur a Martha. ( I am really looking forward to this one).

Monday 11 June 2007

MARGARET - R I P

Beanscene : 11th June 2007

We laid my Mum to rest a week ago today. The day broke overcast but dry and warm. Despite it being a Monday we expected a good turnout of Margaret’s many friends but we were taken aback to find the Church full to overflowing when we arrived.

St. Ismael’s Church at Uzmaston is set in beautiful, remote countryside overlooking the Cleddau river – a peaceful haven rarely found in today’s crowded, busy world. The setting and the Service could not have been more serene.

Then followed the long twenty-mile journey to the Crematorium but as the sun broke through it lit up not only the beautiful Pembrokeshire countryside but also the colourful Freesias atop Margaret’s coffin. It made Margaret’s casket seem to smile rather as she would have. Perhaps the most inspiring moment of the day was on arrival at Parc Gwyn Crematorium to find the Haverfordwest Bowling Club turned out in strength, blazer badges glinting in the sun. They formed two flanks of honour and stood respectfully while the coffin proceeded inside.

We filed in to the reciting of the 23rd Psalm. Again, such a gathering of so many folk they were standing at the sides and back of both upper and lower floors. Other than a brief prayer and the poignant drawing of the curtains there was little left to say and we proceeded into the courtyard where countless well wishers queued patiently to pay their respects to Peter and his family. Mum and Dad were married 3 months short of 55 years.

The final stop was Haverfordwest Cricket Club where many chose to join us for a more leisurely chat over refreshments.

In summary we could not have asked for a more perfect yet spiritual day and we express our warmest thanks to all those who made the effort to join us and to those who were with us in thought.