Thank you Tanguitica, that was beautiful but made me cry! Again!

Thank you all for your support and kind wishes. Things here haven't really settled down much, I had no idea how much admin was involved. Organising the funeral and crematorium is complicated enough, cancelling things and changing utilities etc and don't even get me started on the will making very slow progress on sorting the house, got about four kitchen cupboards done so far! I don't think I've had time for it to sink in yet, I think it's probably going to hit me at the funeral.

I know what you mean about all the 'admin' stuff I had to do it when my dad died - and had to travel from Cornwall to London to deal with it all.

However, with hindsight, I think that kept my mind busy and my body exhausted and I didn't have much time to sit and ponder - I had a Junior School age daughter too at the time and a husband who worked away.

I don't know anyone who has not been very sad at a funeral. I was not suggesting you shouldn't cry, grieve or feel very sad - just maybe not so sad for your mum. To think more on her life than her end - she is out of pain and free from worry now.

My own mum was only just 17 years older than me - for some time I dwelt morbidly on my own mortality - thinking I didn't really have much time left! Bereavement is one of the most stressful events life throws at us. Just try to look after yourself (or who will take care of Cain?)

Mums funeral today

<hugs> for you and all your family, Amanda and I hope that the celebration of your mum's life today helps you a little xx

Best wishes for today xxxxxx

Thinking of you today x

thinking of you and your family today xx

Thinking of you today. xxxxx

Courage for today.

Thinking about you today too. I hope it all goes well and is a fitting tribute. xxx