Perhaps if it were a full moon last night, I would understand my mood yesterday. Alas it wasn’t, but mood swings strike at even given moment with me. I wonder if others are the same?
I wasn’t prolific in my writing, I thought I would save you all from my moaning and groaning, when there are others far worse off than I.
Last Saturday I took my penguins to a funeral – Catholic ~ one and a half hours of workout, sit,kneel,stand. I am not religious but I stood when was required as I do not mock or disregard other peoples faith.
Pop and mum sat as it was too much for them to stand each time and pop was having a particularly bad day walking and on his legs.
There was one amusing incident, when the priest rang the bells, mum tuttered loudly, I asked what was wrong, she answered someone has their mobile phone on….ok bless.
As I struggled holding mums hand and onto pops walker, so we could walk up the slight incline to see the wife of the deceased (a friend of pops for 40 years) dad started to cry and said ” I’ll be seeing my mate soon” … Yes that started me, so with held back tears I walked them slowly to the car.
During the service which was quite beautiful, the priest read a piece that George (dec) had written for his own eulogy.
He was 88 and had trouble walking, like Pop. He passed in his sleep, may he RIP.
This got me thinking and I asked Pop if he would consider writing something for his Eulogy, that I could read (if I’m able) he agreed and now has written over 1000 words about his life. He acknowledges that it needs to be ‘culled’ edited, but he wants to write it and I am so very proud of him. Who better to write about their life than the person I ask.
I conducted my 1st burial last Wednesday in 40c heat, it wasn’t pleasant, but the family were lovely and invited me back for refreshments and got a chair for me and drinks and sandwiches.
6 children in the family, 19 grandchildren and 29 great grandchildren, who let balloons off at the burial site. Despite the horrific conditions, it was beautiful to witness.
I received a call after I wrote my 2 pieces yesterday and I have another burial next Wednesday, this will be my 8th. A disabled man who passed at the age of 48. To get to know the family’s, their story, their lives, is what makes this calling so worthwhile to me.
So in finishing my chat today, thank you for bearing with me yesterday, for putting up with this Aussie who can be very melancholy one minute and high as a kite the next.
I will get there, I know I will, especially with the support and love of those who continue to read me and I thank each and everyone of you for your kindness, encouragement and unwavering support.
It truly means a lot to me, you are not just readers in different parts of the world, you are my neighbours, my friends, my confidants and you get me through the good the bad and the ugly.
Know that if you need me, I am here for you too, in whatever capacity I can be.
Thank you my virtual friends and those I have met in person ~ I think the world of you and love you.
xxx
Ramblings From A Mum 
I think the world of you and love you right back *hugs* and Love
I smile and I so think the world of you – thank you angel from my heart xxxxx
I can see why this job would be a very meaningful one, and I can also see how you would do great at this. I love your writings, you are so in touch with your emotions and are readily able to place those thoughts on paper (screen) which is such a refreshing thing.
And I think that we all have these mood swings you talk of (well I do at least!)
Keep on, keepin’ on, because you are awesome!
Hello lyn, thank you so very much, you are very kind to have written this. Perhaps I’m too in touch with my emotions, up and down constantly. I am so happy that you read me and that you enjoy what I do, the good the bad and the ugly. You have made me blush, never set out to be awesome, so hugs for saying what you did. Thank you. xx
Lovely post Jenny, you are doing a great job in difficult circumstances and through it all your beautiful personality shines through. You bring such great comfort to the people you provide such meaningful services for. We are lucky to have you as our friend.
Thank you Michael, I can only hope. If they were to see how life goes on within these 4 walls…could well be a different story. Blush – lucky to have you also – thank you (hugs)
Love you, Jen. Keep up the great work. I love the fact that your mum thought someone had their mobile phone on. We have to have a giggle sometimes – even when the circumstances are very sad. Hugs xxx
The look on her face was priceless such indignation..yes it was a humorous moment, thankfully none of the Congregation heard her. Love you too sunshine and thank you so very much for being supportive of G.B & U’s (hugs) xx
My dear MM, first of all, we love you right back (and some more)!
I can’t imagine how difficult it must have been for you to ask your dad to write his own eulogy but I think it will be a great gift to hold on to when the time comes. And for your dad to get it all out and find some closure will give him the peace everyone seeks as the years go by.
I am here for you whenever you need. Lots of love xxx
Thank you my lovely T as I do you – I hope you are doing okay..out of bed?
Your words are true, I think I will also write mine…perhaps a little later on though. It would be a peaceful closure – so thank you for saying that, also comforting knowing that ‘you’ have written on your life, how you would like it read. Thank you sweetheart ~ just having one of my ugly bad days yesterday, feel a bit better today (hugs & love) xxx
Great post. Maybe you are melancholy because your father’s friend’s words and the writing of his own eulogy even though you asked for it.
Feel better soon.
Yes in a way I guess I am Tess, I’m getting better as I go, just the underlying family situation at home is hard to resolve, but nothing at this point I can do, so ..onward and upward. Thank you hun xx
One step at a time remember and you will get there and we are all at your shoulder cheering you on! xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
Thank you darling – I shall – I will and I thank you xxxx
So happy you will have your Dad’s on words to pull from when the time comes for him to go wonder if I can ask my Mom to do this next time I travel down to see her.
I think it is a beautiful idea, it may seem ‘strange’ to them, but as I said to Pop, I want your words from your heart – not even mine, let alone someone else’s who didn’t even know you. Ask her E ~ xxx
I shall thanks so much. I just found out I have some skin cancer so on that tropical Island we will have to cover ourselves with goop 😦 Damn I do love the sun.
Oh E – Hope you are ok? Goop it shall be…I love the sun too 🙂 xxx
You are awesome! *Hugs* Love, L. 🙂
so are you 🙂 thank you darling xxx
jen, i think this is fantastic idea. i think that these loved ones are so lucky to have you, someone who truly cares about honoring those who have passed. no worries about the ups and downs, we all have them, and i’m a fan of roller coasters anyway )
I blush so often when your write your comments and you make me smile – so thank you. Pop has finished his ‘Eulogy’ he just sent it and I am yet to read it as I have the Service to concentrate on. My roller coaster ride has almost reached the top for now…fasten seat belts. 🙂 xxx
And you, Jen. Hugs. x
thank you sweety xxx
Oh my gosh, your mom is too cute. That made me laugh, but then your dad writing his Eulogy I got a big lump in my throat. Life with our elderly parents is quite emotional, isn’t it? By the way, I think I lost a few decibels in my hearing after my last visit to see my parents. The television was so loud and then the screaming I mean conversation over it….my nerves were shot too. You know I love them…just saying I HEAR you.
she can be at times… others hmmm… Yes quite emotional and you made me laugh about your parents and the TV – mine are the same to the point sometimes, if I phone them they don’t answer because they can’t hear the phone. Then I rush over there only to see them watching the Tennis! Gawd luv em – thank you darling. xxx
We are here for you, Jen and hugs to you my friend. Doing what you do takes emotional strength, wisdom and discretion. No doubt you do it with great aplomb and receive the rewards of people’s stories. If can be a little draining, it’s no wonder. Replenish how you need.
thank you gorgeous lady, added to the ‘family’ pressures..I am somewhat drained, but I’m slowly replenishing – hugs and thank you xxx
Wonderful post. While it means that someone has to pass on, I hope you are kept busy. I think you have a natural gift for being a celebrant.
Thank you so much Nelson, yes it’s not really nice saying I need those to pass for me to have a living…but that’s simply the truth of it. 😦
Yes it is.
hugs