Hi Jenny,
Tuesday, 10th June 2025
12:18
It's about 1 hour and 26 minutes until we all gather at Garston to remember you together and say our farewell.
I'm thinking what you may make of it all.
All those who have a connection with you will be in one place.
I will meet those of whom you spoke, but until now, I haven't met. Your children, your family, your neighbours, your colleagues from Oxfam, education and those who are your friends.
I am sure there will be stories that we all nod our heads to, yet others that are unique to the friendships.
I am glad we got to say farewell the last time I saw you, at your home and over a coffee. I wouldn't have guessed that was the last time, but it was a good last time.
I am just sitting here at the window, preparing myself to travel to Garston. I will go early to sit in the little cafe and have a cup of tea and maybe a cake.
You became a part of me, Jenny, as friendship shapes and influences us. I felt so easy in your company, and as I often said, you were a ‘Chatham House Rules friend’ in that we could talk about anything without it going beyond our conversation. There is such a need to express what we are thinking to a trusted person just to process it and develop it, even if it starts as quite judgmental.
I'd better go.
gordon
19:51
Well, I went to the cafe, and Grace and Elizabeth were already there. Then I was in the cafe ordering some tea when I saw an old colleague, Viv. I thought initially she was here for another funeral, but she was here for yours. I never knew you knew her!
The chapel was full. Liam and Jane did well in holding the event together. I was moved listening to your children, grandchildren and neighbours as they paid tribute to your life.
At the Sopwell House reception, I got to speak to your children, grandchildren and other relatives and friends. It all left me thinking about your capacity to form relationships with so many diverse people. I guess it took your funeral for us all to meet and see how your life impacted so many.
I was thinking of those of us left behind, particularly your immediate family. The words of Jesus always come to mind on these occasions: “Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted.”
I often think about how comfort comes. This morning I was prompted to look in a little box I keep of sayings, and this one seemed appropriate.
Comfort
They that love beyond the world cannot be separated by it. Death cannot kill what never dies. Nor can spirits ever be divided that love and live in the same Divine Principle, the root and record of their friendship. If absence be not death, neither is theirs.
Death is but crossing the world, as friends do the seas; they live in one another still. For they must needs be present, that love and live in that which is omnipresent. In this divine glass, they see face to face; and their converse is free, as well as pure.
This is the comfort of friends, that though they may be said to die, yet their friendship and society are, in the best sense, ever present, because immortal.
William Penn, 1693, Quaker faith & practice 22.95
For now,
gordon
