Going On A Sentimental Journey

sung by Doris Day.....

Just before we went away I went to the funeral of my Uncle John, my Dad's eldest brother. I hadn't really decided to go up until the night before, as although he was a very nice man and always stopped for a kind word and chat when we bumped into each other, we weren't close and never really had been, but I went in the end to be 'part' and for my Dad's sake to be there as his 'brood' as it were. I'm very glad I did - it was a strange experience, as I found it all very unexpectedly upsetting, and felt very 'cleansed' because of the sadness and affection expressed all round.

My Uncle had been a member of the Rowing Club for years and years, and the old boys were there in their rowing jackets, and had fond words to say about him. His widow, my Aunty Mary, was very dignified and gracious and thanked me so nicely for coming that I felt instantly ashamed I'd even considered not going. Their sons, my younger cousins, were affectionate to everyone despite their obvious grief, and I found myself wishing that we'd spent more time together as a family, as they are very, very nice people.

My Uncle Eric from Bristol (Dad's older brother) came with his family, and it was great to see him, I have always been very fond of him despite the distance over the years. They were all lovely too. Their daughter was 40 a month before me and I feel quite sad that they all lived in Bristol forever, as she and I could have been close - family life could have been so much bigger.

Also found myself wistful that tradition like this kind of funeral may go by the sidelines in years to come - I am not sure where I stand on religion these days, (Mark is an athiest) and as Oliver doesn't go to school or Church, he knows no hymns whatsoever, has no clue about most of the bible stories we grew up with, and the format of death is quite (thankfully) unknown to him. The values and standards and form shown at this funeral felt like a dying (no pun intended)tradition and that felt very sad too.

So, farewell Uncle John, you certainly have left your mark, and you will be much missed. Enjoy your Sentimental Journey.