Firstly just wanted to say a big thank you to everyone who sent their wishes and thoughts to our family this week. It has become very clear to us that Grandpa was very well loved and respected by many of those who encountered him in his 90 yr life. The funeral was a beautiful and simple celebration of a life well lived. Bishop Power gave a lovely homily and my girls did a great job with the Offertory. I was moved to tears a few times, but mostly so when my brothers and cousins took the coffin out. How proud I was of them and of my Grandpa at that moment.

Afterward we had a gathering at the club that I have to say was one darn good party. My children played with my cousins children in a manner that we would have done so back on the 70 and 80’s. I caught up with Scholtens rellies that I hadn’t see in 30 yrs (Far out that is not something I thought I’d ever say!), and we had the greatest laugh about things that we did in the old days when we were little and at Grandma and Grandpa’s house in Turner, getting into trouble and being naughty! Loved it.

Families are amazing entities and I was so proud of mine this weekend. Grandpa would have really enjoyed this gathering and this was noted more than one time.

Grandma is doing fine. She is being well tendered by her children, and although frail, is out and about showing great resilience. She was here today with us for Holly’s First Communion and loved being with all the children. Sometimes they are the greatest and most welcome distraction.

Thanks to my great friends for their support this week, especially Measa, Em and Simone. It is the little things that help the most, a cake or some flowers, a hug in the carpark or a well timed text. MWAH to you all. xx