Manic Day (2 of 5)

S and I had to get the train to Stirling to meet M and N, and the blip is taken at Haymarket of a train just leaving for Waverly. It’s a bit strange but appropriate. As we drove towards Glasgow M said that Mary’s partner, B, wanted us all to stay in Dublin on Friday and Saturday, and that his Brother-in-law would arrange somewhere for us to stay on Friday, and then we’d stay in Mary and B’s house on Saturday. We tried to contact the lady at the accommodation, as I had said we’d be there at about 20:30; we couldn’t get a text through, so decided to call in on our way to Dublin. We met up with B2 and M2, along with R in Cairnryan and got on the ferry. B also wanted 1 of us to say something at Mary’s service on Saturday, so we spent time getting something written down, and then nominated S2, who wasn’t there, to deliver it. Thankfully he agreed as the rest of us would have been too emotional. We managed to meet the lady at the right time, explained we’d be back on Sunday, and that we would text her when we knew our arrival time, so she could meet us. Then we had to get to the southern side of Dublin to meet B and Mary’s family. We had a satnav so were able to get there all right, but it took us along ways no one in Dublin routinely uses, as there is a toll tunnel and bridge, and they all avoid them. However, we got there fine and went into the house. It was then that the difference between a typical British funeral  and an Irish one, started to become apparent. The Friday evening was a wake so people could come to the house and say goodbye to Mary, who was in a room off the kitchen, in a lovely wicker coffin. This was slightly disconcerting to us but the atmosphere was lovely.  Mary’s family were wonderful and welcoming and really glad to see us. We had some food, as people traditionally bring something with them. We hadn’t, as we didn’t realise, but no one was offended. We were all tired and told where we were staying. Our host was in the pub and came along when sent a text. He had a wee convivial dram before we left. It was a different, sad, but enjoyable evening.

Back blip from Day 1