Farewell

 The Gorse Fox had to leave early this morning. He left the Silver Vixen taking care of Ellie and headed off. He had checked several times over the weekend and Google suggested that the journey would be about 2 hours and 40 minutes. If that was the estimate at the weekend, the Gorse Fox decided he should allow even more time on a Monday morning during rush hour.

Well, the Gorse Fox isn't sure if there had been a major catastrophe, or a new lockdown, but the roads were relatively empty. He shot across country to the M23, then up to the M25, and round to Brentwood. By nine-thirty he was parked up and considering where to go for a coffee. Suitably caffeinated, he wandered around to the Cathedral to await the arrival of the other mourners. His cousins Peter and Tina were first to arrive so we were able to have a nice long chat.

Tony's funeral service was well attended and was a very comforting for the family. It was only after, when we gathered outside that the Gorse Fox had a chance to talk with Liz and the rest of the family. From the Cathedral, close family were invited to the crematorium. The Gorse Fox was included in the number and, along with J&T, we went to see the final farewell. It was a sad moment, but probably cathartic for the loved ones.

From the crematorium we convened in a nearby hotel for a wake and a chance for everyone to swap reminiscences and support the family.

The Gorse Fox left mid-afternoon. His journey home wasn't quite as quick as the journey up, but at least there were no major hold-ups. He will have to return in a couple of weeks for the funeral of another cousin's husband. Sad times for that part of the family.