April 21, 2013
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A week of memories
Monday saw me hie up to York, to go to Al’s funeral. Funny, brilliant, caring Al. Who was the most wonderful Dr Who who never was. Who made us all laugh until we cried. Frequently. Whose sense of the bizarre was heightened, and who felt that silly hats were vital. Who loved Morrissey, Dr Who, The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy, Monty Python, and, most of all, Jenny. We sang ‘Always look on the Bright Side of Life’, and had a Dr Who re-enactment (complete with Cyberman made by covering some earmuffs in tin foil) during the funeral. I have never laughed nor cried so much at a funeral. I still tear up – all those people. And, anything that I think he would have liked is making me a bit smeary at the moment. Apart from Dr Who. I don’t have time to get emotional over Dr Who this week. It’ll all fall to bits if I do. I may have to go and find a copy of The Chap, as he used to write for that.
Jenny was doing much better than anyone who has lost the love of their life to cancer could be expected to be. She always was grounded. Caring, lovely, huggable, and friendly. I will do much better than I used to at keeping in touch *wanders off and sends email*
Al describes himself best: “Seriousness should always come last, after fun and dreams and friendship.”
Saturday we dedicated Em’s place, a lovely campfire and talking circle up at our campsite in Herts, and it was sunny, and wonderful, and vastly less traumatic than I’d anticipated. Challenging, at times, but not traumatic. Sunshine will do that for a day. When I got asked for my input, I was absolutely clear that it should be FUN, and it was.
Friday, I had a lapse and suggested that a Brownie’s tea had escaped, and that she might want to wipe her face (it honestly looked like she was wearing baked beans). Parent has pointed out since that she has a sore face, and that I was insensitive and not looking properly. Lesson learned. Do not mention that a Brownie looks smeary, because they probably aren’t, you will get told off (she’s not leaving, so it could be lots, lots worse) and you’ll then spend a good three hours beating yourself up over it.
Who Day is nearly here. I can’t wait. I can’t wait for it to be over.
xxx
