Thursday, February 11, 2010

Saying goodbye

It's hard to think what to write today. On Monday I said goodbye to the love of my life. John and I shared almost thirty eight years of happiness, lots of laughter and of course some tears. He was my best friend, always there for me, which is why I chose "The Wind Beneath my Wing" to be played at his funeral. I wouldn't even be writing to be published were it not for John. He was truly that wind blowing me along.

John had devised his own funeral and had a cd. Suffice to say it was very funny and touching. When his little chats between his three favourite hymns, came to an end people applauded. There were over two hundred people there too. The music he chose to end his funeral was very funny too. His threat that anyone who cried would not get a "pint" (of beer) was typical of him.

My dear friends Teresa and Kevin put on a splendid buffet for John at their beautiful home. I don't know how I would have survived doing it myself. I had no idea how many people would turn up, nor how much I would be affected by it all. Teresa knew somehow and everyone had lots to eat and there was a lot of chatter, most of it going over my head.

Karen, my friend who has been staying with me was cleaning out the cubby under the stairs, you know that place where you stick everything you might or might not want, and she said "there's something there for you from John." I had no idea, opening the stiffended cardboard I discovered a framed letter from him. So beautiful and written long before he died. Something to treasure for ever.

Is it any wonder that I write romance and that I believe in love? I think you will agree it's not.

14 comments:

Kathleen said...

How hard this must be. Know how special John was just from hearing about him. So glad you have good friends with you to help you through this week.

Yes, you write fabulous romances because you lived one. God bless.

Dru said...

I'm sorry for your loss. Remember all the good times. {{Margaret}}

jrlindermuth said...

Those good memories will sustain you. Glad you have friends around to support you.

Sylvia Rochester said...

Beautiful tribute. Thanks for sharing.
Sylvia

Paula Martin said...

A very moving tribute, Margaret. I was privileged to meet John a couple of times, and also to share last Monday with you. His CD recording was wonderful! And how perfect to find that framed letter from him.
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Cate Masters said...

My heart goes out to you, Margaret. Such a terrible loss. There are no words to comfort you, but I hope you find solace in his memories and the warmth and love he obviously had for you. The framed letter is a wonderful treasure.

margaret blake said...

Thank you all for your kind words.

Margaret Tanner said...

Hello,
What a moving tribute to your soul-mate John. I am glad you have so many wonderful memories to cling to at this sad time. You are a truly brave lady not to mention atalented author, and I know your John would have been proud of your achievements.

Kind regards
Margaret

Sarita Leone said...

What a lovely tribute to such a good man. I am so glad you have dear friends to surround you.

I am so sorry for your loss.

margaret blake said...

Thank you for your kind words, Sarita.

Unknown said...

Margaret, how wonderful to find that letter from John; something to treasure for always.

I can well imagine the tears and laughter at his funeral service - his DVD must have been pretty special for people to applaud it. How I wish I could have seen it.

Hugs and love.

margaret blake said...

Yes, Kaye it was special, John's sincerity shone through and you can't ask for more than that.

Love Margaret.

Tory Richards said...

Margaret, I really don't know what to say except that I'm so very sorry for your loss. When I first heard about it my heart ached for you and what you must be going through. It sounds like you and John had a wonderful life together. And I truly believe you will be together again one day.

Tory

margaret blake said...

Thank you,Tory. John and I had 38 happy years, we did all kinds of exciting things and had a lot of laughs. One can't expect more than that. Finding your perfect partner in this topsy turvey world was a wonderful gift. And yes, one day we will be together again. I really believe that.