What A Lovely Death*

Backblip

MrQ's funeral took place today.

We opened the gate as planned. Michael the conductor didn't notice the entrance to the house and walked solemnly, followed by the hearse and limousine, straight on.  MrQ had an unplanned but poignant last journey past the glasshouses.

My daughter delivered the eulogy that I had written perfectly. We think we did MrQ proud with our choices for the service. We were touched by the support we received from so many family members, friends and my daughter's work colleagues. It was lovely to have my son home from Spain, my grandson home from Dubai and my sister home from France.

A six piece jazz band played at The Squadron reception. A very glamorous woman, wearing a black pill-box hat with a full-face veil, had introduced herself to me at the crem. I could see a her scarlet lips peeping through and said, You're gorgeous. She had an unusual name not familiar to me. She said she had once made MrQ a jelly roll for his birthday. Who knows whether she is familiar with the connotations? At the reception the veil was lifted. She took to the floor in her tight-fitting, short, black lace dress which revealed her housemaid's knees.*  Sheer black stockings and vertiginous, black patent, platform shoes completed her ensemble. My daughter and then my, usually reserved, sister joined in. It was quite surreal but I think MrQ would have loved it. I love to dance said French sister. :)

We sat outside in the sunshine watching the aircraft. The Dakota was still there and a Mustang came into land. Wonderful sound. Tall In The Saddle could describe MrQ, it means to be or remain proud, stoical, or august in one's manner or composure.


*MrQ loved George Formby's songs, Swimmin' With The Wimmin in particular. My son included lyrics from it on his floral tribute. Housemaids' knees and What a lovely death feature in that song. :)


I'll catch up with comments in due course.