Jules' Weblog

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June 1, 2004

After The Rain Has Fallen

Still at home, stuff to do, things to sort. And it's just starting to hit home.

As for this place, well as I mentioned, I've a place of my own now, over at Alan's Weblog. There's a link on the right to it.

This place will look a little funny over the next few days as Jonathan and I try to kill off the spam, and I rearrange the styling so that it doesn't fall apart and remains with some structure.

For those just arriving, best to start from the March archive, link down on the right there.

Posted by alan at 12:41 PM | Comments (0) | TrackBack

May 26, 2004

All Over

Well, yesterday was the day of the funeral, and we were overwhelmed with the turnout. A packed church greeted us when we arrived, many people I've not seen in a long time, and friends of Jules I'd never had the pleasure of meeting when she was alive.

After the service and the cemetery we returned to the Old Town and the wake at Bottles. Which rocked, as my younger brother put it this morning in his drunken hungover state. I don't remember much beyond about 5pm, so if you bought me a drink, or said hello, I'm sorry I can't remember now, but I'm told I was enjoying myself to the full!

Thank you to everyone for being there yesterday. The whole day was one big rollercoaster from start to finish. But it finished on a high, with everyone laughing and reminiscing of times long gone. She'd have been itching to get over there last night, never one to miss a party. I just know she'll be upstairs now, partying until the wee small hours.

Someone mentioned how the weather's been so good since last Monday. Now, some may say it's a coincidence, but I'd like to think she had a word on the way up, "I'm not having rain on MY funeral!"

As for the future and the weblog, there'll be another one, just for me, sprouting up soon. Jonathan's given me the keys and I'm going to be in decorating this weekend. This place, it'll stay, and once I've cleared away the 103 spam comments it got yesterday, it'll be kept as a memorial of those happy times.

Posted by alan at 11:46 AM | Comments (3) | TrackBack

May 23, 2004

Struggling With What To Wear

People have been asking what should they wear, and I've been saying anything colourful and comfortable. For those who'll be coming from work, a friend came up with a good suggestion, and that's to wear something in Jules favourite colour, blue. Be it a tie, shirt, pants, socks, anything that's blue will do.

Posted by alan at 11:04 AM | Comments (0) | TrackBack

Something I Found

You can shed tears that she is gone
or you can smile because she has lived.

You can close your eyes and pray that she'll come back
or you can open your eyes and see all she's left.

Your heart can be empty because you can't see her
or you can be full of the love you shared.

You can turn your back on tomorrow and live yesterday
or you can be happy for tomorrow because of yesterday.

You can remember her and only that she's gone
or you can cherish her memory and let it live on.

You can cry and close your mind, be empty and turn your back
or you can do what she'd want: smile, open your eyes, love and go on.

Anonymous

Posted by alan at 11:04 AM | Comments (0) | TrackBack

May 21, 2004

The Arrangements

Processsion
It will start at our house, go via Janet's, before reaching the church. If anyone wishes to follow us down, let either Janet or myself know.

Church Service
The service is at The Transfiguration RC Church on Grove Road, Old Town at 1pm. It's adviseable to turn up around 12:30 so you can get parked and grab a seat. A map showing the location of the church from the A1(M), along with suitable parking, can be found here.

Weston Road Cemetry
After the service (2pm approx) we will take Jules to the cemetery where a short service will be held before laying her to rest. A map showing the routes from the church to the cemetry can be found here.

The Wake
We're still finalising details of the wake, so will announce it at the funeral on the day. It will be a celebration of Jules life, so make sure, where possible, that you've suitable arrangements to get home.

Flowers/Donations
We've asked that people make donations to the Garden House Hospice, Letchworth, either via Austin's, or the family. All we ask is that you accompany the donation with a note of your name and address so that the Hospice can contact you.

And Finally...
On behalf of everyone I'd like to thank you all for the kind words, comments, emails, cards, text's and phone calls. We've been overwhelmed with everyone's words and thoughts this week, and we've found them a real boost in the last few days. We all hope as many people as possible will be able to make Tuesday, and join us in celebrating Jules with a large drink that afternoon.

Posted by alan at 7:23 PM | Comments (0) | TrackBack

Funeral Announcement

For those who don't get the local Comet, the following was in there last night(second page):

Posted by alan at 10:06 AM | Comments (1) | TrackBack

May 20, 2004

Visiting The Chapel of Rest

Some people have been asking about seeing Jules at the funeral directors. We've said that Sunday will be the day for visiting, just so they know when to expect people turning up.

If you wanted to go and see her please let either myself or Janet know.

Posted by alan at 3:04 PM | Comments (0) | TrackBack

May 19, 2004

A Little Chuckle

Jules is now over at the funeral directors, and we spent yesterday sorting the final arrangements for the funeral (I'll publish it all tomorrow). Afterwards we went to see Jules in the chapel of rest.

I don't know why, and what caused it, but standing there, looking at her all quiet and at peace, I couldn't help but smile. Something lifted, and I found myself grinning. She looked so at peace with everything, no more pained expressions, her face as if she were simply asleep.

I feel happy now. It's as if all the heartache of the last few days and weeks have been washed away. Don't get me wrong, I'm still crying at the slightest of things, but I just feel calm, relaxed, complete if that's the best description?

Digging around the pc, sorting out things for next week, I refound this picture. This is how I remember Jules , and this is how she now looks. Asleep in many senses of the word, at peace at last.....

Posted by alan at 10:00 PM | Comments (2) | TrackBack

May 18, 2004

A Party

So, at 25 minutes to 1 this morning I popped a bottle of bubbly and filled everyone's glasses to toast a life cut so short.

Jules is at peace at last, away from the pain and suffering of her disease.

Arrangements
The funeral will be next Tuesday at 1pm. I'll be sending out details to everyone as soon as I can. There will be no-one in black, grey, or dark, sad colours. Happiness will be the order of the day, and I suggest everyone organises transport home as there'll be plenty of "cheer" to be had afterwards.

And finally, thanks for ALL the kind words and thoughts. I've been overwhelmed and cheered up, reading everyone's emails, comments, and text's.

Posted by alan at 10:23 AM | Comments (6) | TrackBack