Days went by and it was soon the day of Mum's funeral. I invited everyone we had a close relationship with. It was nice to see so many people gathering to remember my Mum. On the invite, I'd asked people not to dress in black, I though mum would appreciate this non-conventional approach, she always was a rebel! Most people came in smart, colourful clothes which was nice to see. I think it brought a happier atmosphere to the day.
Dad enjoyed speaking to people and reminiscing. I was glad he was talking to people other than myself, Harry and Kathleen. He's been so quiet and reclusive since mum passed away.
The funeral went as planned, people were talking and listening to one of Dads friends play his guitar. It seems a strange thing to say, but the atmosphere was a happy one.
Of course there were tears, but we all had enough friends and family around us to comfort us through the tough moments. My best friend, Jamel Higgins came to me and gave me a shoulder to cry on. I told him about Mum's wish to see me married and about all my fears for the future. He listened intently, gave me advice, and then told me he was scared of clowns. I had to have a tearful laugh at that point, it brought me back to high spirits and I went to prepare the meal.
I made a large Autumn salad and most people had a serving before they went home. Over the meal, Dad and I each did a speech. I was in floods of tears but I got to the end of what I had planned. Harry said a couple of words but broke down in the middle. I went over and gave him a big brotherly hug.
After the guests had gone home, Dad and I set off to the graveyard to see Mum's new grave. Harry didn't feel up to coming and Kathleen said it needed to be a father and son moment.
It was hard, especially for Dad. Seeing a shiny new grave with my Mums name on