3rd May A great goodbye

  

Strange as it might sound, one of the most 'satisfying parts of my job is leading a funeral. Its the one occasion in life, if you'll excuse the pun, that people really don't know what to do. Being there to faciliate ensuring that a family gets just what it wants when they say goodbye to a loved one is a real blessing. And when a funeral goes really well, there is an added sense of satisfaction.Today was one of those occasions. 

Andrew was a familiar face not just in church but around town. Having spent all his life in teaching,  been blessed with a wonderful ability to play the piano / organ and possessing a warm and gregarious personality it was not surprising that both the crematorium and church services were packed. 

Add to that his affiliation to a variety of religious groups, it was lovely to see Buddhists mingling with Anglicans, Quakers chatting to Catholics, and Methodists in conversation with those of no faith at all. It was Andrew's belief than it the end it all boiled down to love that held us all together as we celebrated his life.

The tributes from his sister, his sons and a close friend were warm, funny and filled with laughter.  The singing was great and the organ playing wonderful. And the atmosphere really was one of thanksgiving and celebration. A really fitting tribute to a lovely man that I wish I had got to know better.