Rachel's funeral

Took Rachel's funeral this afternoon. The church was packed, and little Sam, her year-old son, came too. We had a few murmurs of "Dad, dad" during the service, but thankfully, no "mum, mum." That would have torn us all into pieces.

There were no hymns, The family chose to have modern songs from a CD instead, and they went down well, but were somewhat tear-jerking. Not that anyone needed any nudges in that direction.

Rachel's photo was at the front of church, next to her coffin. She was a blond beauty and one of the most courageous people I have ever met.

Her best friend paid a moving tribute (through tears) and her father-in-law read a poem. It all went well and hopefully people found the service comforting.

I went on to the crematorium with the immediate family, who made a sad little group.

Rachel died at 33, the same age as Jesus, but I guess Christmas has already been cancelled for Rachel's family.