PrintJournal (6) + Letter
29 May, 2015
As indicated in my last journal entry, I am experimenting with a format that I am calling "Letters to Bev". If you are unsure about that that means, please read Journal (5)
Hi Sweetheart,
As I promised in my last letter, I want to tell you about your funeral and especially about the “Celebration of Life” Service – your life, my love!!
At 10.00am on April 17th we had a cremation service for your body. It had served you well over the 72 years of your habitation. For the 50 years of our married life I thought it was a fantastic body….but then this is an open letter so we won’t go any further on that subject!
But having served its purpose that body was attacked by Motor Neurone Disease and could no longer be an adequate dwelling for you. There were about 90 people who came to that service. So much for a “private service”! I had no idea we belonged to such a big family. (No, of course we didn’t mind. That was just another evidence of the love and high esteem in which you are held). Believe it or not I actually was enabled to go up and touch your casket and say, “Good bye my love.
Pastor Tony did an excellent job of leading our thoughts. He and Christal flew back from their holiday in Queensland to participate in the day. Having spoken the words of committal, we stood in silence for a brief time before the Hallelujah Chorus was played. What a triumphant conclusion.
Then, at 2.00pm, almost 400 people gathered in Dural Baptist Church to celebrate your life (So much for your estimated 25 attendees!) You would have been overwhelmed by all that happened even though you were part of the planning.
We sang the hymns we chose together. Elise read a tribute to you that she had written on behalf of the 5 granddaughters. How beautiful was that?! Then Abby, Bella, Bronte and Maddi each brought a Bible Reading. So many people were impressed with our girls. Karen was very busy supervising the afternoon tea – which, for 400 peopled, was no small contribution.
We had produced 8-9 larger-than-life photos of you which formed something of a backdrop across the stage/platform. They were stunning. By “larger-than-life” I mean 1+ x 1.5 metres!!
Keith Jobberns spoke beautifully about you. I was so glad we asked him.
Then our two sons took to the platform! I thought to myself, “Anything can happen now!”
Keith talked about being a child growing up in the Robinson house hold while Pete followed him with the same focus but this time on being an adult in our household. They regaled us with seemingly endless stories as seen through their eyes. They were cheeky. They were very funny. The people loved them. Sometimes we were quiet and reflective (not often) and then we were in stitches! The nature and quality of our family life shone through and many folk commented to that end. It is such a wonderful legacy you have lived and left.And through it all their love for you and the quality of your relationship with them was unmistakeable. You would have been so proud of them. All of them.
As per your request we played, “It Is Finished” to conclude the service. So powerful!! The theme, “JESUS IS LORD” was clearly declared.
As I said in our planning session, “The worst part of this is that you were not there to see it!
It was a wonderful day. You have left a wonderful legacy, my love.
I’ll write again soon
But until then….
You remain the love of my life
Mike
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