Strange, Sad Day

It's been a strange, suspended sort of day, and this is my only photo.

Up early to get to the funeral mass early enough to be inside, the church was packed. Then over an hour's drive, up through Spain, to the nearest crematorium in Elvas. That part was surreal.

Utterly beautiful day and countryside, thought we'd stop for breakfast and photos on way back, but got asked to bring Ermelinda and her Mum back in our car (the hearse went straight back to Évora), which of course we were happy to do. They were both exhausted.

Still trying to process our first Portuguese funeral, and all the differences from English and Brazilian ones we've been to, and organised...

Gratefuls:
- that Ermelinda and her Mum have lots of support, and a loving family
- the privilege of being able to be a small part of that
- that Sr Manuel didn't suffer, which was a real possibility