A Day To Remember

I suppose it is odd to say that I enjoyed the Service of Thanksgiving which we held for Dick but that is the truth of the matter.  Dick organised it all and was very clear about the fact that he wanted it to be a celebration and joyous as much as these things can be.  I think we achieved it.

When I walked into the church and saw the number of people there, coupled with the beautiful flowers and lighting in the church I just KNEW that Dick would have loved it and been pleased and so I looked forward to it all working out as he had planned it.

The music and hymns were great - how lucky were we to have the whole worship band playing: guitars, keyboards, drums and singers - and everyone joined in with them even though they were unfamiliar to some.  The tributes hit just the right note - amusing, emotional and reflective but above all full of admiration for their friend who has gone.

John Groves, our pastor handled the whole service with gentleness and sensitivity and gave an uplifting and clear message to us all at the end.  He is a wonderful man and has been a tower of strength to us all, Dick included in the past few weeks.

But above all it was just fantastic to see so many faces there that belong to the life that Dick, the boys and I lived together: army colleagues, rugby friends, neighbours, Freemasons, mates, Scrapping Friends and the Lurvelies!  They have all figured large in our lives and there they all were.  One of the Lurvelies and her husband drove down from Newcastle, another friend came over from Calgary and yet more friends came from Suffolk, Somerset, Worcestershire and even Northern Ireland.

The service at the Crematorium was brief and very personal.  It was made even more personal in that the Funeral Director who led the arrangements was an old friend and it was lovely to see him walking Dick down to the chapel.

So now begins the rest of our lives.  We shall miss Dick dreadfully but with the love and support which we saw yesterday I am sure in the long-term we shall be OK.

Let's hope that sun shines again................soon!

Comments

[Beverly]

Sally, as you say everything was just so. The tributes were great but Ben and Tom were even better! What a credit to you and Dick. We were so proud of them and we are not family!

Beverly and Philip xx

[Dot]

You are such a special lady and you faith shines through in your words. You are an inspiration to us all x

[Joy]

Sally, I thought a lot about you and the boys yesterday. I am happy that it went just the way Dick had wanted it to go. I am sure he was watching over you all and smiling. Big hugs to you all.
Love Joy

[Heather]

Dick was watching with pride I am sure, I am pleased you felt he would approve, I am inspired by your steadfast faith and moved by you strength. Here is too much sun shine in the days ahead xx

[Jules]

It was a great service Sally, and just what Dick was hoping it would be I think......the boys did fantastically well, the tributes from friends were too........and John's message at the end said all that needed to be said.....

The fact that so many people came and some had travelled so far, goes to show how loved and respected the Rouse family is......

Bring on the sun shine.....

[Sarah, Keith, Isaac and Sam]

Dear Sally, Ben and Tom
It was a pleasure to be there with you all and as Keith and I left he said "that was one of the nicest church services I have ever been to" and I had to agree. Everything was perfect - and I was so full of admiration for Ben and Tom. I am only sorry we didn't get a chance to chat as I had to dash back to work - I was told 15mins before I left for the church on Thursday that we have an Ofsted inspection on Monday! Oh Joy!
I am sure we will catch up soon - Isaac and Sam are really looking forward to going for a walk with you and Monty.
love from us all xx

[Lindy]

Sorry we could not be there with you on Thursday. I was thinking of you throughout the day, so I am glad that the Service of Thanksgiving went well.

I hope the sun shines again for you very soon.

[Bubbleblitt]

Hi Sally, we are safely home! Just wanted to say thanks you for having us at Dick's service and what a really beautiful celebration of Dick's life it was. Albert and I were very proud to be a part of it.The church looked wonderful-so full of Dick's friends and family and supporters,the flowers were beautiful, the tributes were fantasic and the music was absolutely amazing.It was lovely also to meet your fab Mum and brother and hear your boys read their poems.
A remarkable day -sending hugs for you all, Love, Bubbleblitt xx

[Sarah (Butterbee)]

Like you say Sally it seems strange to be saying, but that was the most beautiful service of thanksgiving I have ever been to, it was lovely to hear all the wonderful tributes to Dick, like you I enjoyed it. The boys did you and Dick proud - I thought their readings were lovely. As you know I am currently doing a scrapping 365 day challenge and the quote/word of that day was 'inspire' - after the day I had on Thursday and the fact you looked amazing and so incredibly strong - Sally you truly inspire me.

Much Love as always and see you soon. Sarah xxxx

[Jane (Brods)]

I am so pleased to hear the service was just as Dick had planned it to be. xxx

[Jen]

Thank you for sharing, Sally, it sounds like you all did him proud. HUGS.

[Jules Michelle]

Sally - on my return to work on Friday I told people that the service had been the lovliest I had ever attended. The combination of the tributes, the readings by Tom and Ben, the music, the atmosphere and the gathering of so many friends made it a day that I will always hold in my mind.

You are an amazing family and a huge inspiration to me. I say again and yet again that I feel privileged to know you. Thank you for being my friend. Lots of love Jules(Michelle) xxxx

[Anna Head]

so glad everything was how you and Dick wanted it to be.
Here's to the sun shining on you and your boys over the coming weeks
love
Anna and the girls

[Liz & Jon]

It was such an honour to be there Sally, you all did him proud. It was a magnificent service and struck just the right note.
Liz, Jon & Ellie

[Scrapdolly]

Sally it sounds as if it was wonderful and just what he would have wanted.
I am so pleased that the outpouring of love from everyone is helping you too.

I know that the real healing and adjusting starts now that is over and you have - and will need - the love and supposrt of the many many people who care so very much for you and about you
Sending you hugs and stength through prayer xxxx

[Clare]

Dear Sally

The Service on Thursday was truly beautiful. I have never been to such a memorable service. THe music was uplifting and the tributes painted a picture of a rare man indeed. It was lovely to be part of such a celebration of a life.

Sending my love as always to you Ben and Tom ( who are to be congratulated on their readings too )

With love

Clare A

[Katie]

Sally

I am so glad that you had such a memorable day for such a memorable life. I know Dick will be sorely missed... linger long on the happy memories.

Love and prayers

Katie and the boys