I think my step-father would have approved of his funeral. It was funny, irreverent and unsentimental, like him. The various speakers described his not inconsiderable public achievements and his love of a good argument, his enormous interest in humanity and his complete lack of any aesthetic appreciation whatsoever. My step-sisters behaved themselves but apparently the fact that my Mum spent the last 6 months of his life completely house-bound and serving as a 24-hour nurse deserved neither a mention in the eulogy or any consideration / grace in the settling of the financial affairs as set out in the will. Honestly. Some people.
It was good to be there for Mum, who is coping with dignity and energy, although she is of course very sad. It was also nice to see some members of my extended family and some old friends, and to meet some of Mum's new friends. I made a couple of cakes for the wake, for which I received compliments from eminent Australians. I will probably brag about this forevermore: Do try some of my Buttermilk Spice Cake, it comes highly recommended by a former Governor-General.
You and your mum have been on my mind..
ReplyDeleteHope things are settling down..she will be sad for a long while yet..
x
Good summary, and thank you. The cake is all gone now, and drew even more acclaim from visitors. Sensational, they said!
ReplyDeleteI now have to deal with the prospect of the Order of the Boot.
Ditto what Mary said. She always says it so well.
ReplyDeleteButtermilk spice cake? Yummo. Can we make a date where we each bring a cake and work our way through the two of them?
Glad it went pretty well and that your baking delighted eminent persons (yep, you can rest an your laurels now).
ReplyDeleteA former Irish Ambassador liked my banana cake, maybe we should do rigourous testing?
ReplyDeleteOnly neighbours have liked my cakes - no one as flash as former GG's or Ambassadors.
ReplyDeleteGlad all went okay - your mum will be too in time.
I agree with Melody, my banana cake (my one claim to fame) impresses....well....me...and my family. That's it really.
ReplyDeleteGlad the funeral was a fitting farewell, and I hope your mum's path from here is smooth, although it sounds like there may be a few bumps along the way.
Cake always helps. The spirits, if not the figure. Glad you could be there for your mum.
ReplyDeleteYou need never bake again. Your work is done.
ReplyDeleteand may we all wish for a funeral that is funny, irreverant and unsentimental...Your mother is a woman of wonder as well you know stomper. Hug her and wish her well from these quarters.
ReplyDeleteI think you need to share the Spice Cake recipe!!
ReplyDeleteI think it is very important that a person's funeral represent them well. I hate that it did not include the important role your mother played in that life.
Thinking of you x
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