It was my mother-in-law's funeral on Tuesday.  I wrote and read this as a message from her to everyone present.  Too many personal references to explain even if I wanted to.

 

You might have sorrow in your hearts and grieve for me today

And that is right and proper when loved ones pass away

But only weep for me this once but after, come what may,

Remember all the happy times we had.

 

There’s friends now gone and friends still here who’d walk mile after mile

You tennis friends and dancing friends – remember me and smile

You friends from Notton Village be glad and laugh awhile

Remembering all the happy times we had.

 

To all my close relations and my wider family

Rest assured you're in my thoughts as you remember me

So raise a smile and glass today or just a cup of tea

And chat about the happy times we had.

 

For Judith and for Michael I burst with love and pride

For Sarah and Samantha too – your hearts have burst inside

But promise me you’ll weep this once and when your tears have dried

You’ll laugh about the happy times we had.

 

And David, though I gave no sign I heard those nursery rhymes

So see me not as I’d become but see me in my prime

For if there is an afterlife we’ll surely meet in time

And live again the happy times we had.

 

Remember, friends, the happy times we had.

 

____________________________________________________

 

And I will add to Maureen’s thoughts, though I need add no more

She was as wife and mother the best you ever saw

And likewise as a grandma too and as my mother-in-law

Thankyou, Maureen, for the happy times we had.