Comfort in the familiar things....

Mother passed away very peacefully at 11.00 am today - just a few minutes after her morning visit.    I've been lucky to be able to see her twice a day for the last week.   That has been special.   Now there is much to be done.

I dropped into the Funeral Directors.   This is William Purves who was the founder of the firm in the 19th Century.   Saturday morning, of course, the place was quiet.   I have worked closely with Purves for almost 20 years and had a great working relationship, especially with John Purves the fourth-generation head of the company which has expanded all over the east of Scotland.    It was good to be greeted with warm pleasure by the fifth generation - a welcoming kiss from great-great granddaughter. and an instant reassuring appointment from great-great grandson, who is the new head of the firm.

Sometimes when you're feeling in a strange place like bereavement is, a sense that you are in the hands of friends makes the worries suddenly seem lighter.