On Wednesday we saw a funeral notice in our local paper for a lady with the same name as one of Doug's aunts. We realised it must be her daughter-in-law. Doug phoned the lady who had put the notice in the paper and we decided we would go to the funeral. The hesitation was just because of the distance as the funeral was in Kaitaia, where I used to live. When we were in the Bay of Islands the previous week we had, initially, intended to go to Kaitaia to catch up with my friends as I lived in the area for about 40 years but decided to just stay put in the Bay of Islands.
I was glad we made that decision as I was able to catch up with a few friends this time. It is a two and a half hour drive (each way), we set off at about 8 a.m. and did some visiting before having an early lunch at the Beachcomber Restaurant where my gluten free fish and chips was excellent.
The funeral was at 1 p.m. but we went early as I remembered from when I lived there that people arrived early for funerals. We found a spot in the cool under an oak tree and a people mover parked alongside. The driver was stretching when she got out so we asked how far they had come and it was not quite a far as us but the passengers included 2 of Doug's first cousins once removed (I had to look that up) so we had a good catch up.
The lady Doug had phoned who was the deceased's sister took the service which was one of the nicest funerals we have been to. The service was live streamed as several family members were unable to return from overseas due to Covid.
It was great for Doug as he met lots of cousins he had not met before. I also met up with a lot of friends who were at the funeral. After the funeral there were refreshments in the church hall and then the burial was at a cemetery next door to where I used to live 15 kms. away.
Doug's uncle (his father's half brother) was not at the funeral so I phoned and we called to see them. It turned out he was not at the funeral because he did not feel well and they were pleased to see us. We decided not to go to the cemetery and got home about 6.30 p.m.
The next morning Bobby was not indoors as he usually is and I had to go and find him. He was where he used to sleep before he became our indoor cat. Last night I noticed what looks like a claw in his back leg and he is not eating very much and seems as though he may have something in his throat. He went and found a place to curl up outside this morning but I have brought him in and he seems quite contented but we will try and get him in to see the vet in the morning. We have not called the vet out as we don't think it is an emergency and, also, may get a vet from a different practice. We kept him locked in last night (with access to Kim's run). We thought he may have been upset being locked in but he seemed quite happy although he wanted to go out this morning.
Travel for those overseas is so difficult right now, thankfully you were able to go, and to meet and catch up with family and friends. Then to come home to Bobby, I hope tomorrow he will be all sorted out at the vet clinic.
ReplyDeleteWe are so pleased we went in spite of the 5 hours travel. Yes worried about Bobby. Hope he is ok.
DeleteIt's good to be able to say that is was a nice funeral, they're usually so dire, and you wished you hadn't gone. Here, I always go to the church 'to be seen', then discretely slip away when everyone has gone inside.
ReplyDeleteI suppose there are many reasons for going to a funeral, to grieve, to support the family, to have a family gathering, to meet friends etc.
DeleteIt is good to meet family, even at a funeral. Memories to share and celebrate the departed was well. Sadness and happiness mingled.
ReplyDeleteHope Bobby will be ok. X
Yes, often it is funerals and weddings that families get to meet up these days.
DeleteWe had a funeral to attend but the threat of of covid forced the family to cancel it yesterday. My wife’s good friend and passed coworker died after her battle with ALS. So want this to end. Hope dear Bobby will be fine.
ReplyDeleteThere are a lot like that here as well that just have a cremation with a celebration of the person's life to follow later. Thank you, we have our fingers crossed for Bobby.
DeleteHope Bobby is ok. Lucky he's got you to look after him now
ReplyDeleteYes, if he was still running wild he would be in trouble or may not have lasted this long.
DeleteBecause of Covid, funerals are not being done as they once were, and it is often written that a Memorial will be held at a later date when It is safe to gather. With the numbers of dead in the US, I doubt if many of them will be held. It is so very sad that we can not say good by in a proper way to those we love. A funeral is for the living and it helps with the grieving. It is also something that brings old friends and relatives together. I am glad that you and Doug were able to have that time with family and friends.
ReplyDeleteI hope that your next post, Sue, will tell us that Bobby is doing OK.
Yes, as you say, funerals are for the living. This one was lovely with various family members sharing stories. Yes, I hope Bobby is o.k.
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