IN LOVING MEMORY.

these holidays i unfortunately had to attend two funerals, both grandmothers of good friends of mine. both were really different funerals to what i have ever experienced and i at the age of 18 i have been to my fair share of funerals and its not a pleasant event to attend at all. i personally am not that religious but as i went to a semi-religious school i attended religion classes so i learnt some what of the different types of religions and their customs.

the first was a small intimate funeral with family and close friends of Gloria Dulcie Smith 18th February 1915 - 17th April 2007. it was located at Rookwood cemetery in a small function room where there was a projector set up which was used when Robin and Paul (children of Gloria) did the eulogy showing photos of Gloria's life. it was a short funeral but on a more personal level as Andrew, Pauls son, said 'i would rather remember this as the celebration of nan's life rather than grieve...its what she would have wanted'. i had met Gloria on numerous counts and she always had afternoon tea ready for when Rosie, Michaela and i got home from school. it was not really a religious service just a small glimpse of Gloria's life that the family wanted to share with those who did not know her that well.

on the other hand the funeral that i attended the other day was for Nancy Mamo 16th February 1925 - 21st April 2007. this was the first Catholic funeral i have ever attended and it was absolutely beautiful in terms of funerals. the church was located in Five Dock, Sydney. i honestly had no idea the church even existed as it is such a suburban street and then there is this church in the middle of it. i walked in and it was totally packed out we had to sit up the back in the elevated stands. i went in a group of people who were also friends with the grandson Matt, all of which were Catholic. the service was full of prayers, readings, blessings, songs and communion. to me having a communion at a funeral was strange but Alan said it was very common. Mario, the only son of Nancy, delivered the eulogy and he was torn up inside but was still able to deliver his speech and his love to his mother. the priest who was overseeing the whole service was very good but there were many sayings and chants that i did not know as i was not catholic. the last song when the family were carrying the casket out really hit home for me and i was almost in tears as i was able to see Matt and he was absolutely shattered as he was really close to his grandmother more so than his brother.

both funerals were totally different to each other but yet beautiful in their own way, i was happy i attended both as like any experience it opens your mind to how different people live and you have a greater respect for your friends and family.

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