I went to a close relative’s funeral yesterday. She sadly passed away after a 4-year-long battle with cancer... She was only 48. Even though she wasn’t a Christian, the freestyle funeral took place at the local church of the charming old rural English town where she and her three teenage children live. I had about an hour’s drive and managed to arrive with plenty of time left to find a remaining parking space in one of the small streets near the town center. She was a known multi-instrumentalist/composer /creative artist in the area so no less than 300 people were expected to be there.

As I got out of the car, strong icy winds reminded me that I had forgotten to bring a hat. Walking in the direction of the church, shivering and desperately optimistic, I popped into the very first open shop that I encountered, a Children’s Hospice charity shop (second-hand store). The choice was made easy as there were only three hats to choose from: a real fur Russian hat, a big grey bobble hat and pure wool raspberry beret. I smiled whilst paying for the beret ; it turned out to be the cosiest hat I had ever worn. Also perfectly complementing my old rose coat. Gael (her real name) had wanted people to wear their ‘bestest happiest clothes’.

It was a beautiful day and so was the funeral. Memories, stories and songs were shared in her remembrance. Her father made a very moving speech describing the elation he had felt when his first child was born, comparing her to one of the earth’s most wonderful creations and that he had immediately felt the urge to get hundreds of purple birth announcement cards printed out. He already knew she was going to be the exceptionally amazing person that she turned out to be. One of her closest friends, a christian, said how she had recently said ‘sorry sorry sorry sorry’ whilst weeping in his arms… It brought back memories of her being ever so furious at the mere concept of Christianity (she was a fierce pagan) when I had once told her about repentance... But despite and outside of our differing opinions, her and I were very alike (we both love nature) and we loved each other deeply.

After the church service who had managed to fit all 450 of us, we all proceeded to follow the two-horse carriage transporting her flowery willow casket to the cemetery at the top of the town’s hill. We all said goodbye to her by throwing flowers in and around her grave. It was all very emotional but we then had a lovely wake with a banquet a folk band whilst a slideshow of her best and funniest moments continuously played in the background. It reminded us what a unique individual she was.

Even though it was expected, the announcement of her death still felt sudden and painful for all to hear. She was a such an honest, brave, beautiful and giving person who lived life to the fullest and inspired many by her graceful and positive attitude even through the most difficult times.

I miss her a lot.

For those interested in listening to her recent work: https://soundcloud.com/user-104346549

r.i.p. Gael

That's a lovely tribute Cherry Moon. I'm very sorry for your loss.

Thank you for the kind thoughts XxAxX, PennyPurple and ThatWhiteDude.

https://www.facebook.com/...4730282917

Thank you for sharing your moving tribute to your friend. I'm so sorry for your loss.

CherryMoon57 said:

heavens what a beautiful casket. she went home well.

Lammastide said:

Gorgeous tribute.

Agreed.

Thank you for the lovely comments everyone. Gael really was one of a kind and made a strong impact in our lives, it seems so strange now she is gone...