Old friends reunited

Sadly, the occasion was at the funeral of another of their oldest friends Pam. So today we gathered at Woollensbrook Crematorium where only 6 months ago we said goodbye to dad. There a beautiful Humanist ceremony was held, and a small group of friends and family had travelled to join in the celebration of Pam's full and varied life. The tribute was particularly detailed, building a fine picture of a much loved wife, mother, grandmother and friend. The tributes were broken up by beautiful music, in particular an amazing piece on violin performed by Pam's niece.

We gathered afterwards at The Galley Hall pub in Hailey, just outside Hoddesdon, where I chatted to Pam's daughter Lynne. Lynne was at school with Manda, and I would guess we haven't seen each other since we were about primary school age. Mum is pictured with Gill and Terry, mum and dad's very dear friends, who along with Pam and Ken were active members of the Hoddesdon Labour Party, since the early 1960s, with happy memories of better times politically. It was nice for them to reminisce, but poignant that now dad and Pam have passed on. Let's hope to a socialist afterlife, if there is such a thing!

Wind back a bit, and my day began with a meeting at 7.30am with my lovely friend Isabel. We had a walk in the woods, and put the world to rights in an hour! Then home I worked until 1.30 before driving Mum and I up to the funeral.

I drove back home, leaving Hoddesdon at just gone 5. Terry and Gill kindly offered to drive Mum home, which saved me a backwards journey. I got in at 8, and Jon had made chilli for dinner. I think I'm just about ready for bed now! It's been a busy 2 days.