I cremate a Saint.

I cremate a saint.

My first full year as a minister has seen me be celebrant at dozens of funerals; all are fascinating and a honour to do. My last one on December 30^th 2011 was perhaps the most moving. She died aged 54 and met her soul partner 15 years ago. Going against the trend she had her first son at 40, a daughter 3 years later and a further 3 years later another son. Two years later she was diagnosed with cancer. For more than five years she battled the disease, which was terminal, and lived far longer than normal. She spent her last six weeks in the North London Hospice. There they granted her final wish; she married her partner. The staff arranged everything in 24 hours - the cake, service, rings, and balloons. It was the happiest day of her life and was the cover story in the local newspaper. I sat with her husband in the lounge with Just Married balloons and created a fitting service. He even found a poem she had written about him a year ago. I included this in the service sheet, together with her wedding photo and a large picture by the coffin. Her final words to him - “I have served my purpose and given you three fine children”. She never complained or said a word in anger, she just her home and family.

Revd. John N. Merrill 30/12/2011