THE FUNERAL, by Geoff Rodgers

It was to be my first funeral,

Mr Thomas had died, he was 89, and shared a room in a local Care Home with Mrs Thomas, where they had lived for almost 20 years.

They had no family, just the staff in the Care Home who had cared for them.

I asked the staff for some background information as I had not met either of them before.

“You wont get anything from her.” they said sadly, she hasn’t spoken for a long time, she just sits in her chair staring at the floor.

“Thank You,“ I said, and I walked down the plush carpeted corridor to their now half empty double room.

As I was told, Mrs. Thomas was sat in her chair in a semi darkened room, head crouched.

Silent.

I introduced myself, I explained  that I was new to the area, and that I was sorry to hear of her loss.

There was no response.

I told her we would do all we could for her and her husband at the funeral.

I sat in silence.

I looked around the room.

I didn’t know what to do, I wanted to fill the silence, but how?

No amount of training can prepare you for the first time, it’s like going out in a car for the first time after passing your Driving Test. This is where the learning begins.

I sat in silence.

I needed the anecdote, the story, the little nugget about the life of the elderly man who had died.

Something to entertain and touch the congregation who would gather at the village church in four days time.

I sat in silence, it seemed to go on forever.

I reached out and put my hand into hers.

I sat in unbroken silence

Then, I began to pray, very quietly quietly, very slowly.

Our Father, who art in heaven hallowed be thy name

Thy Kingdom come, Thy will be done

On earth as it is in heaven…….

…………Forever and Ever, Amen

Mrs. Thomas whispered “Thank You”

I stayed a few more minutes, in the eternal silence.

I left,

I had my anecdote, I had my story.

Mrs Thomas was unable to attend her husband’s funeral

She died two days later

So began a journey of resurrection.

Copyright Geoff Rodgers 2014