Yesterday evening I’d a second visit to church in five days when attending a Commemoration of the Faithful Departed service at St Michael’s Church in East Ardsley. My previous attendance in a congregation occurring last Wednesday when I attended the funeral of my great aunt Rosa, in Ossett. Both magnificent ‘old school’ churches, Wednesday’s place…
Tag: grief
The King’s Spirit
Today marks the second anniversary of my dad’s passing. Twenty four months during which I learned for the first time in half century on this screwed up planet what loss truly meant. A valuable lesson formed from consequential emotions evoked at the realisation I’d never again being able to share the company of a dearly…
Helplessness
With the sad news of Karen’s mum’s critical medical condition, plans for the foreseeable future in casa Strachan are understandably in limbo. My wife still in the north east maintaining her bedside vigil, along with providing support for her distraught father. I’m in regular contact with my little missus by phone and text, where she…
The King & I
Tomorrow marks the first anniversary of my dad’s passing. Twelve months during which I learned for the first time in my half century on this screwed up planet what loss truly meant. A valuable lesson formed from emotions resultant at never again being able to share the company of a dearly loved family member. This…
The Lady Is A Champ
The first birthday without her beloved husband. Yet another milestone to endure; one more hurdle to be leapt as part of the lady’s grieving process. After 57 years marriage, prior to being widowed in October 2017, my mother’s anniversary of birth today will no doubt present her with a very different experience than normal. For…
Blindsided
Saturday 21st April – Yesterday, a scattering of my dad’s ashes were mixed with the potting compost of two azaleas bought in his memory. A big fan of the shrubs that thrive in acidic soil, we thought it a fitting tribute for our late family head. My siblings and mother plan a similar homage to…
Maggie’s Small Steps
Yesterday lunchtime our modest abode in east Leeds was graced by the presence of Mrs Strachan senior. Lured by a roast beef dinner and the entertaining anecdotes of her eldest child (cough, cough), the Yorkshire lass was in decent spirits as she tucking into a plateful of Sunday fare. A fact no doubt helped by…
An Unforeseen Storage Conundrum
Yesterday afternoon, I had a journey into Morley to pick up my dad’s ashes. I’m unsure why, but my inaugural viewing of his urn was one I found even more distressing than delivering the eulogy at his funeral. The sign of the finality ashes bring with them maybe triggered this increased level of sorrow. Alternatively, or maybe in tandem to…
NON TIMEO SED CAVEO
Yesterday’s service, cremation and wake for my father proceeded as successfully as these melancholic occasions can do. Much to the appreciation of his brood, over 100 people congregated in my parent’s village church to celebrate the life of our much loved family head, some making a 200 mile round trip to pay their respects. As the consequence of…