Harold. Part Four.

On our way to the burial site, Paul asked me if I’d managed to get a photo that I had wanted, I replied, “Yes, but it was difficult and scary,” Paul and the others, quickly said, “What do you mean by difficult?” I was 100% reluctant to say anything!! I didn’t want any trouble, so I made them all first promise they wouldn’t do or say anything at all! They all promised and I told them what had happened, I still didn’t trust Paul or Daniel not to say anything ..... I would soon find out. I had followed another family member as I didn’t know the way.

It was sunny but bitter cold, without walls to protect us for the mild wind. I lead the way from my car for I wanted us to be close to the grave, we stood opposite Cassandra and her daughters, so they were at Harry’s head and we were at his feet. The Priest said his bit and all the while Cassandra was holding the wedding photo of them both that had been on the coffin in the church, at the end when the Priest had finished speaking, some of the work men there, came around and offered in a metal box with a handle on it, some dirt for those who wanted to throw a spot of it onto the grave, I did and made sure Paul, Daniel and Megan did too. Cassandra was in bits, inconsolable; her friend had her arms around her and the other side her daughter Skye did the same. All of Paul’s family are chain smokers and I watched after the Priest had spoken and the dirt had been thrown into the deep hole, Cassandra and 1 of her friend had a smoke! I was a bit shocked to be honest, then when it was smoked a bit, they put it out and the half they threw into the hole, they landed on the grave, it was for Harry, a nice touch, I thought. Then there was more tears from Cassandra she was crying a lot we didn’t know what those closest to her was saying then she did it, she throw their wedding photo onto the grave it landed with their photo facing up! I now knew why she was crying SO much, for it seem she didn’t want to do that. The funerals I have been to in the past, we sing around the grave side but there was no one singing here, it was so much different to what I was use to.

Harry’s family then went with me to the family run pub, I had suggested earlier, we went upstairs and sat by the large windows as it was very sunny and we were all cold to the bone! We went and ordered our food and drinks then sat down as 1 large family, all with Harry in common. It was solemn at first then during the course of the afternoon, his brother and sisters spoke fondly of the many mischievous things he had got up to as a lad! Most of what was said there, Cassandra would not have heard before, and now never will, for she chose to separate herself forever from his family. She would have been comforted if she had been there. Everyone chatted in little groups and big groups and even laughed! I had said I was touched by his step children’s speech but Ruth said, “She wasn’t touched at all!” I understood. After about 3 hours we hugged and left, all feeling uplifted. We planned to meet up again at a wedding this year. Cassandra and her little group would not be invited.

Ruth had told me before the funeral when we were all speculating what would happen on the day, she had told me how much Harry had sold his huge collection for, I was shocked at the amount! Yet she couldn’t offer us a cup of tea and a slice of cake! Nor can she put any of it in the bank!

I don’t know what is going to happen when I see them in Town, for it will happen eventually as it’s not that big. Of course I will say hello, for I am for Peace. I often wonder after his death, does he know he is dead?  

To a Great Man, unknown to the world... Rest In Peace. x