A gloomy day

Thursday, 28th June 2007, I attended my 1st Australian funeral. Totally not a good thing to be talking about or even mentioning. But many things ran through my mind and for Dianne,the mother of a good friend at work - she deserves remembering. She brought up my colleague single-handedly and did a great job. Meghan is one of the nicest girl I've ever met. Although I've never met her mum but I've heard a lot bout her and her dog "monty". Due to the mood of the day, the grief on Megz face, when I saw the photos of Dianne and Monty together, tears filled my eyes too.

The verse/poem read at the funeral was really positive and meaningful.

To Those Whom I Love And Those Who Love Me
- Mary Alice Ramish

When I am gone, release me, let me go -
I have so many things to see and do.
You must not tie yourself to me with tears
Be happy that we had so many years.

I gave you my love, you can only guess
How much you gave me in happiness.
I thank you for the love each have shown,
But now it is time I travelled on alone.

So grieve a while for me, if grieve you must -
Then let your grief be comforted by trust
It is only for a while that we must part
So bless the memories within your heart.

I will not be far away, for life goes on -
So if you need me, call and I will come.
Though you cannot see or touch me, I will be near,
And if you listen with your heart, you will hear,
All of my love around you soft and clear.

Then, when you must come this way alone,
I will greet you with a smile and a
'Welcome home"


Initially, I thought about the details I want for my own funeral... Like I want white christmas lilies, the song "halleluja" to be playing, I want a church funeral... and I started to think beyond myself... I want to bring my granny to places, dinners, etc... I also realise that since I've been in Melb all these years and the fact that I'm only close to the relatives on dad's side , if anything were to happen to mom *touchwood*, I wont know the contact details of mom's side, to inform them what happened. But I also realise, I will cope, if I want something done, I will find means and ways to find/do it...

I've got another task to do on my list other than going to the islands for a couple of days with Elena... I'm going to bring granny out to dinners... and again spend time with mom listening to her little stories... reading her newspaper cuttings for me... I'm glad relationship with mom & dad have been re-builded and strengthen in my case. And there are more cousins I'm in contact with these days... And my friends who have become family will always stay close to heart... Grace, Karen & Elena, if I were to leave before you do, I would want you to be at my funeral unless unforeseen circumstances befalls on you.