We knew as soon as we opened our eyes this morning, that the weather was NOT going to be kind.
BGWLBH and a couple of family members left the house early for a 'viewing' before the funeral and being the saint that she is, she stopped on her way back home and bought me a large take away coffee! Just what I needed to help kickstart this emotional day.
The thunder rolled in the distance, the rain steadily increased during the morning, from a light mist to a heavy downpour, the clouds grew darker and as we drove toward the cemetery, the lightning flashed across the sky.
By the time we reached the cemetery, the heavy rain had created thick red clay mud, and it was difficult to find solid footing between the mud, the puddles and tiny clumps of grass as we walked the 50 metres from where the car was parked to where the service would be held.
I think that the worst part, was the fear of being struck while walking across the grounds with an umbrella as the light show continued above us.
There were two gazebos set up on the lawn. One with Dad W's coffin and a dozen folding chairs. The other right beside it with some matting on the ground and with enough room to shelter about fifteen people standing very close together.
Water poured through the gap between the two gazebos splashing onto the ground and creating a very moist atmosphere.
A couple of minutes before the service was due to start, about 60 people emerged from their parked cars, all opening their umbrellas as more lightning flashed across the sky and the sound of booming thunder followed immediately after.
There simply wasn't enough room under the gazebos, so everybody stood in the rain for the service, some sharing umbrellas, some very elderly, some in work uniforms and all looking very sombre.
The service was wonderful and the celebrant did a great job of reading the eulogy and the tributes. People laughed at some of the stories that were shared as they recognised Dad W's silly sense of humour within them.
There were moments for all of us where we struggled to hold it together, but 25 minutes later, it was all over and everybody was rushing to their car to find shelter from the weather. It did not let up for the entire service and in fact, I think it got heavier during that time. The only thing missing was wind!
BGWLBH requested that instead of receiving people in the wet, that they all go to the Leagues Club to pay their respects, so we were all able to get to dry ground as soon as possible. I think that was a suggestion appreciated by everyone.
When we arrived at the wake, there was one wall adorned with photos of Dad W, the staff with whom he had worked over 30+ years as Manager of the Griffith Leagues Club, as well as photos of the renovations and new buildings that he oversaw during his time. There were a number of gentlemen all looking at the photos and recognising old friends and telling a few tales about the history of the club.
The Leagues Club generously gave the family, the use of the auditorium and provided all of the food and drinks for the wake, as their token of respect for the man that Dad W was, and for two hours, his friends and family shared stories and we all felt the love.
One elderly man asked me to take a photo of him standing beside the oil painted portrait of Dad W and he told me stories of Dad W's generosity and friendship over the years. He was obviously sad to have lost his friend and if the weather had been better, he would have given his own tribute at the service. I have promised to send him a copy of the photo.
BGWLBH gave a thank you speech, which was a bit emotional and well received.
I met up with some people from my past and caught up on lots of news.
About two hours later, the crowd had dwindled to just a few family members, so they all took Mum W home and BGWLBH and I spent some quiet time together debriefing and going over our perceptions of the funeral and the people who attended.
We arrived home later to find the living room lined with chairs and family were all in little groups and filling the room with chatter. Tea and coffee had been served and the strong scent of the many bouquets of flowers filled the room.
By now, I was beginning to feel quite exhausted and as we all made our way next door to brother W's house for another barbecue to use up all the meat and salads that had accumulated over the weekend, I was grateful for the opportunity to sit quietly in a corner and eat my dinner, then sneak out and head back to the main house to have some alone time.
At 7.30pm I was struggling to keep my eyes open and BGWLBH decided to get an early night herself, so I washed all the tea and coffee cups and headed to my room.
It's been an exhausting, emotional and full day.
Now I need to close my eyes.
Nite all.
