A funeral claimed for family

[Sieveboy]

A good friend of mine, for whom I had the distinct pleasure of being the best man at his wedding, has struck one of lifes low points. His mother passed away on the weekend from one of lifes scourges, breast cancer (or complications arising from, not that that is a concern) after a long, 3+ year battle with it. My friends mother was a lovely woman, who worked for many years as a social worker in the family courts, trying to make the world a better place.

My friend, and indirectly my friends father, has been leaning on me for help and I have given all I have and all he (and they) wants, I have done this willingly and gladly. We spoke earlier today and I had a pause to smile. He noted some details of the funeral to come, which will be after Mythmas. In middle of the conversation over the telephone he noted his mothers ceremony would be a non-religious affair, to which he stopped in mid-flow and said "what do we call that?" to which, before I could reply, his father stated "a funeral."

In one moment and in two words, the grieving father claimed the funeral back from any pretense religion would have over it and made it what it should be, a family moment. It lightened up a dark and sad moment for all concerned.

Thanks for all in taking a few moments to read, this. Personally, I am ok with the whole affair as this was something we knew was going to come sooner rather than later and my friends mother managed to close a few things off her bucket list in this last 2 years (grandchildren were born, children getting married/settled down etc).

[Darwinsbulldog]

Thanks for sharing that SB. Family, rather than magic man.

[wolty]

Thanks SB.

Glad you were there for him.

[Mjt]

Well said SB. It is as it should be

[simonecuttlefish]

I've read this post over and over with each new addition and can't think of anything to say, so I'll give it a go.

Cool.

[Fearless]

A touching story. Although it is a sad situation, I'm glad the family could have the sort of remembrance ceremony that respects the family's interests. It will mean so much more. Good on you SB.

[Praxis]

You're a good friend. I'm sorry for your friend's and his father's loss.

The light moments in such darkness are terribly important.

I'm really glad to hear this woman's wishes to have a non-religious funeral are being respected although it sounds like her family are people who are clear-thinking and rational, which is lucky.

Glad they've got you to lean on. Take it easy mate.

[Sieveboy]

Originally Posted by Praxis

You're a good friend. I'm sorry for your friend's and his father's loss.

The light moments in such darkness are terribly important.

I'm really glad to hear this woman's wishes to have a non-religious funeral are being respected although it sounds like her family are people who are clear-thinking and rational, which is lucky.

Glad they've got you to lean on. Take it easy mate.

Thanks Ms Praxis

[Annie]

SB. Your post made me smile.
You are indeed a good friend.

[Sieveboy]

Well we have had the funeral for my mates mother. Tears were drawn and lessons were learned (pack a hanky next time). As expected religion only intruded when we were asked to take a moment to reflect on the life lived or pray for the person. Memories of a life well lived were much better than prayer, few heads were bowed.

Vale English Rose, 1946 to 2011 (the widowers special name for my mates mother [Yes she was actually English]).