Oh ((((((thank you))))))) everyone
The support means such a lot.
In the end it was a quite beautiful send off for Uncle Eddie, we left very early and were at my aunty's house with a good hour to spare before the service but already the place was packed! My Uncle was laid out in the front room, and I went in to say goodbye - told him to say hello to my mum and dad for me - and then the carriage came, the most beautiful horse drawn glass sided carriage, two horses with black plumes, and they put Uncle E's coffin in, arranged the flowers around it beautifully, the cousins walked behind the carriage to the church, but there were also four black limos. I was expecting to go to the church with Mick in our car but my youngest cousin D, who is the one I am closest to these days, grabbed my hand "There is a spare seat in the last limo" she said, and so I went in style.................
The church service was beautiful, the church pretty full, then we went to the cemetery for the burial. The sun was out, the cemetery was very green and peaceful, the vicar said a few words, then we all lined up with a red rose, to take a handful of earth to throw on the lowered coffin...................It was extremely moving and very lovely. Then some of us cousins walked across the cemetery to put some beautiful flowers (my cousin T is a florist) on the grave of my great grandmother and grandfather, and my nan, their daughter. I was really happy to have the opportunity to do that............
Then back to their local pub, for a drink and some food, and a chance to catch up with relatives I haven't seen for ages. They were all so lovely, it was heart warming to be amongst so much family at once, even for such a sad reason.
We gave Uncle Ed a great send off and I am very glad I went. RIP Uncle xxxxxxxxxxxx