3rd December

 

On the anniversary of Eamonn's funeral, I am posting pictures of the Memorial event that took place on 6th November, the date of his death.

I spent over an hour at the Crematorium memorial park with my friend, Sue. We arranged winter flowers and foliage in the grave vase and then sat on a bench nearby and chatted for over an hour with cups of tea. Sue had baked some fruit biscuits which were lovely and buttery. I felt really calm and at peace - a very different woman from the one I was a year ago.

We watched an Irish piper (the saffron kilt is a giveaway) walking ahead of a hearse for the second funeral to take place during the time we were there. I sympathise with those who are losing loved ones during Lockdown. I had three months free of that additional stress.

Mini version of the Memorial display, at home

Symbolism of the flowers and foliage in the memorial arrangement

Clematis                 Beautiful mind

Dogwood                Stability, determination, kindness, devotion

Eucalyptus              Leadership, clarity, goals, focus and healing

HOLLY                   Defense; Domestic Happiness and security

Honesty                   Lunaria-annua symbolises honesty and sincerity

IVY                          Wedded Love; Fidelity; Friendship; Affection

Rosemary                Remembrance

Sea Holly                 Independence, severity and attraction

Sedum:                     Tranquility

Thistle                       Bravery, courage, and loyalty in the face of treachery

And so I have survived my first year as a widow.  Not only am I still standing, but I found myself caring, passionately, about something other than my grief - the outcome of the US election. Life goes on.