FAO Kaz

[Kaz]

Yes, you are quite right and we were saying it must be for a much happier reason next time xxxxx

[saundra]

That does sound lovely and I think it is heartwarming to find peace and happiness in someones send off

Sounds lovely so glad you found it so moving

[Osc]

Sorry I missed this Kaz, but I'm so glad it all went as well as it could. There is something very calming and soothing in the ritual, no matter how you feel about religion and church etc. and great comfort to be drawn from being among family, even if you don't see them very often.

[Diflower]

Yes, you are quite right and we were saying it must be for a much happier reason next time xxxxx

Trouble is Kaz, it needs 'someone' to organise it, but it doesn't have to be anything grand or major.
My mum was usually the one who did it for her/our family, but also my twin cousins. A birthday, an anniversary, it's near Christmas, anything really, if you start the ball rolling it will take on its own momentum.

Just suggest a date/venue, then designate people to bring food - quiche/cooked ham/potato salad/coleslaw/pud - starting a habit is all it takes (((x)))

[Kaz]

They all live in Ashford/Staines/Laleham Di, so can't see them all (six siblings with various children and grandchildren) coming over here en masse, it would make a lot more sense for me to go to them I think there will be an invite at some point when they feel up to it again.

Osc there really was, and thank you xxxxx

[Lozzles]

I'm glad it all went well Kaz. I also hope you can all get together again soon. The years go by so quickly x

[Kaz]

Thanks Loz

[JoM]

Really pleased that it all went well Kaz, and although it wasn't under the best circumstances, it's lovely that you got to spend time with family xx

We found that our Nan was the glue that kept us all together, and when she died we all drifted apart. Her bungalow was the place where we would always congregate and you could guarantee that if you popped in for a cuppa there'd be another family member there or another would arrive shortly afterwards - and frequently you'd find a neighbour or even the window cleaner in there too

We seem to be coming back together again though now, we've had some happy family events over the past year and I think that as you get older you start to realise the importance of family, and enjoy shared memories.

[Kaz]

Oh yes, I definitely think so too Jo. Ever since my parents died, the extended family has seemed much more important to me, and I have made an effort and sought out long lost cousins. With my sister it seems the reverse, and she is becoming more insular and only concerned with close family ie her children, husband and to a certain extent me, to the exclusion of extended family and even friends........ I think grief and loss affect people in different ways.............