A wee break in the blog. We're off now to pick up family and head to the west coast. The funeral and the eulogy lie ahead. There is perhaps no diplomatic challenge as great as keeping everyone happy at a full on highland gathering. The interaction of generations and branches a minefield for the unwary. Relatives who've taken the boat from Oban must be treated as if their journey was as arduous as it was for those coming from New Zealand. Those who've been on the hours flight from Glasgow on Scotlands favourite airline ( indeed only airline ) recognized for the hardships they've endured. A clutch of nonagenarian aunts will attend, the last surviving members of that generation. This means that the focus of attention needs to shine on them as well as the immediate family. The words ' You've not changed a bit ' said formulaically to cousins you don't recognize - the Murdos, Blairs and Alasdairs. Of course at a highland funeral there is no such thing as immediate family, just family.
25 comments:
Safe travels and good wishes that it all may be less arduous than you fear.
I know you will all wish you were gathering under different circumstances and my best wishes go with you for a fitting celebration of a loved one.
Pack your Eggshell walking shoes! May there be many good moments, and few, very few, prickly ones.
Good wishes for a safe journey and may all go smoothly.
Be safe and you will be missed. 🙏🏻
Hari OM
I join the chorus of wishes for a smooth running and, ultimately, a less onerous task than anticipated. That there will be joy and reminiscence aplenty to bouy the 'crowd'. YAM xx
We'll miss you but know your relatives will love to see you. As the spouse of a man with a large outer family who never miss a funeral, sending love to the Font. XXX Safe travels.
Safe travels, and relax, it will be, what it will be.
How many Piper funerals have you attended? You have described them to a 'T'. Sustaining prayers for the Font, as I know how it feels to be the partner at these gatherings. Safe travels, and may the diplomatic skills of the ages be at your fingertips as you navigate the minefield.
Safe travels!
Safe journey wishes to you and The Font
Wendy (Wales)
May this sad time of your brother's funeral be a time for your extended family from near and far to renew those family ties. God bless.
May good memories and funny stories carry the day and may peace be with one and all.
Safe journey there and home again.
Hugs
Safe and peaceful travels.
x
May you have a safe journey. Please know you are in our thoughts.
May the Force be with you. Something tells me that many members of your Family possess good senses of humor. Hoping for some funny stories during this somber occasion. Osa an I will keep you in our thoughts.
I misunderstood and thought at first you meant the west coast of the US. I imagine that must be on the agenda once you get past this sad family event. I believe it has been a long time since you've seen some of your family in the US, as you never left Sophie alone after Bob's passing.
Wishing you and the Font gentle and safe travel and well-behaved fellow mourners. Please take time for naps and comfortable companionship. And may the proletarian "Maggie" never suffer the unsolicited judgments of youthful ignorance.
Wishing you a safe journed. Life may change us but we start and end with the family.
Safe travels and happy remembrances during the diplomatic mission. If you are delivering the eulogy rest assured it will be memorable and full of love.
Published too quickly above.
Sending best wishes to all the family at this sad time.
My condolences again on your loss. I am sure your diplomacy skills, honed in France will work well. From my experience, at family funerals, the four words “Thank you for being here” said to all with a sincere hug or handshake, and if appropriate repeated as family and friends leave, work well.
Wishing you and The Font safe travels, and full glasses of something nice to raise to your brother on the day.
Oops it is actually five words, but less is sometimes more!
Safe journey, and may the family gathering be more pleasant than imagined. We will all continue to look forward to your daily musings that always provide uplifting thoughts. Best wishes.
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