Dad managed to hold out till the day after his birthday. The day before mine.
Having been allowed in to see my Dad for what would be the very last time, I stood by his bedside with tears rolling down my cheeks, praying for him to die.
Uncomfortable in my PPE gear I held his hand, kissed his forehead and said “Mum is waiting for you, we are all going to be ok.”
I was ready to let him go and in all honesty I believe Dad was ready to go too.
Dad had never wanted a fuss at his funeral. He always said “Put me in a cardboard box and have a good drink!” Stubborn sod almost got his way.
Lockdown had messed up any chance of a wake but, what it had done is give Dad his perfect no fuss funeral.
No flowers. No cars. No touching the coffin. No sitting close. No hugging. No this. No that!
We even struggled to get an undertakers that would accept him because of bloody Covid. I kept having visions of him just being dumped in a body bag in a corridor waiting for someone to say “Yes, we will take him.”
Luckily poor Dad didn’t have to wait too long.
Thankfully Dad was to leave from the same Chapel of Rest as our Mother had years previously.
The hardest thing for me was not being able to go to The Chapel of Rest and chat with him. I had always gone to say my goodbyes to Family. I did visit but I was only allowed in the reception area, not quite the same but, comforting all the same. I have to say the staff were all amazing.
Dad had already decided he was having the same three songs played at his funeral that he had chosen for Mum’s.
Del Shannon “Runaway”
Johnny Cash “Hurt”
Billy Fury “Halfway to Paradise.”
I knew the lady organising Dad’s funeral, from school. Gina, she was so supportive and, had arranged for us to place one Yellow Rose each on Dad’s coffin as it entered the Crematorium along with a signed “Rooney” England Shirt I had acquired years earlier. My Dad was a huge Manchester United Fan so this would have made him a happy chap.
The day soon arrives….Deep breath….Let’s do this!!!
As we waited at the gates masked, with gloves on, in drives the hearse with Dad for his final farewell. We each lay a rose on top of the coffin. Yellow Roses were one of Mum’s favourite flowers. I passed the England Shirt to my uncle, Dad’s brother, asking him to lead us in to the service. Uncle Kev was overwhelmed with the gesture, proudly walking behind his older brother for the final time.
I remember the sun shining so bright. It was a beautiful Spring Day.
On reflection I feel it was a perfect funeral. No distractions. No arguing at the bloody wake. No sorting seating out. No nothing.
Just a simple farewell, just has he had always wanted.
The service really enlightened Dad’s life. He was a great family man who would help anybody and everybody.
I say “Farewell” as I know we will meet again.
The only way I cope…Is knowing Mum & Dad are back together Resting in peace.
Live life. It’s not a rehearsal xxx
P.S. Please forgive me for not being able to look after you till the end. I tried my best. RIP Big Man. One Love x
