Thank you
You dear, dear people, thank you for all of the kind, thoughtful, supportive and loving messages you have sent me over the last couple of days. They are hugely appreciated.
The day went very well (as far as such a day can be said to go well) and I was so proud and happy for Brian that so many people came to the service and to the get-together afterwards.
My eldest son and his wife arrived on Sunday at tea-time and I took them to make their journey home four hours ago so I have had company throughout. I have just now dropped my youngest back at the station to go back to London, my middle son is back to work and now I begin my "new phase" in life. (Should I mention that I have a small glass of cider beside me and a handful of crisps ...?)
After dropping off Matthew and his wife, I went down to the beach hut and did a run and a swim, knowing that Brian would definitely want me to continue doing this. Even when he could no longer say much, when I told him I had done a run and swim earlier in the day, he would give me a huge smile of pleasure and approval.
I had been so nervous about yesterday because I had written the entire eulogy and Order of Service, which included three of my sets of verses (none of which was read out, just there to be read while people filed in). But everyone was so kind. I welled now and then but managed not to cry outright - and I had my dear Brian "with me" (in the form of his two locks of hair in a foolscap envelope) paper-clipped inside my copy of the Order of Service. And my feelings of peace and calm stayed with me.
Once again, my grateful thanks to you all for your lovely messages.
Love, Nan XXX