Monday, October 29, 2012

Saying Goodbye......

Those of you who have known me for a while know that we had such sadness in August when our nephew Chris passed away at only 21 ..... although we have lived in different countries for the last 12 years my children and their cousins always spent a lot of time together and formed many wonderful memories..... Chris was the youngest son of Hubz's only brother.
 
Besides being able to spend time with our own children this trip was our opportunity to say goodbye to this young man ......... this post is a way of showing my respect for Chris but the area is lovely and I thought you might like to see some of it
 
We visited the lovely church where his funeral was held.......
(it has quite an interesting history which you can read more about HERE)
 
 
very beautiful stained glass window.....
 
 
the church is a lovely building and apparently has the tallest tower in Norfolk
as with most of these lovely big old churches the doors are huge and quite beautiful
Grandieboy#2 looked in amazement at the emormous doors and asked "Is that how big God is?"
 

 
 
we  walked by the pier and beach where Chris enjoyed spending time....
 
 
Even Jane Austen liked the town.....
From "Emma" by Jane Austen (1816): "You should have gone to Cromer, my dear, if you went any where Perry was a week at Cromer once, and he holds it to be the best of all the sea-bathing places. A fine open sea, he says, and very pure air."

 
One of the lovely buildings at the edge of the Cromer reinforced cliffs.....
 
 
Donations contributed by friends and family are being used to sponsor some woodland nearby ..... we were able to go there and have a lovely walk through the trees.... this is part of the area that is being sponsored in Chris' name.....
 
 
In the local village where the family lives we all gathered to plant an oak tree and bury his ashes in the village park area.  All of us, including the children were invited to help add the soil to support the young tree.  A bench will be added in due course and this will be a lovely spot to sit.....
 

 
It sounds odd to describe saying goodbye as a good time but it was important for all of us and I think the family have managed to draw strength from each other and create some special ways to remember Chris.....
he will always be much loved and fondly remembered......
 
Righto, Gotto Go..... tears to wipe.....

27 comments:

Sheila said...

Fiona , such a beautiful church and lovely surroundings and the oak tree is such a lovely way to keep the memory of dear Chris alive and I am sure over the years many people will enjoy sitting under the oak .I know this is a sad time but also a family time to enjoy together and talk over the memories you each hold dear. hugs Sheila

Sunnybec said...

Fiona, I am thinking of you at this sad time. Saying goodbye is always hard especially to someone so young. Enjoy the healing time with your family and take strength from each other. Big Hugs my friend xxxx

KaHolly said...

A lovely tribute in the memory of one lost at such a young age. My sympathies to you and your family.

Christine M said...

Lovely post Fiona. Thank you for sharing this with us.

marina said...

Your family have done beautiful things to honour the memory of such a loved one. Makes your travel pics this post even more special.

Susan said...

A beautiful tribute to a special young life.

Jeanette said...

A beautiful post to read first thing Monday morning. Hugs,

Melody said...

A piece of woodland and a beautiful tree are such a wonderful way to remember a loved one and help everyone achieve a sense of peace. I'm thinking of you my lovely friend.

Cheryll said...

So sad... but a beautiful memory at the same time. It aids the healing process when you can say goodbye. :(

Marilyn said...

Fiona, what a wonderful way to celebrate Chris's young life. It is so good you could be there to join in the planting of the tree, and to walk in the woodland. Such a sad time, but also a special time to spend with his family.
Loving hugs xx

Anonymous said...

What lovely pics Fiona and what a beautiful way to celebrate Chris's life,RIP Chris.xx

Michelle Ridgway said...

My thoughts are with you all and I am sure it meant so much to all of you to celebrate Chris's life in this special way and in such a beautiful place. Your photos were beautiful. I love that gorgeous Church.

Queen Of The Armchair aka Dzintra Stitcheries said...

A beautiful tribute to Chris...and a lovely lovely post....I have tears now too xo

Janet said...

It is so wonderful that you have this chance to be together with the family and participate in the rituals to bless Chris' life.

Margaret Stickland said...

Sharing and caring go together like biscuits and cheese

Susan said...

So sad, but I hope this helps heal the wounds for you and your husband.

Cyndi said...

Hello, dearest Fiona. I'm glad that you had the opportunity to visit that beautiful church and lovely town that Chris enjoyed so. And how tender and touching that you all, as a family, were able to plant a tree in his honor. I'm sure, in time, it will be a sweet place to go and recall fond memories of him. I hope that being able to be there for this celebration of his life will help heal the hurt and sense of loss for both you and your dear hubby.

Thinking of you, sweet friend!

XOXO,

Cyndi

Jane said...

It's a wonderful way to say goodbye, and lovely that all the family could be involved. It's a lovely place to go and remember him

Grammasheri said...

Thank you for sharing such a poignant, sweet time with us all Fiona. Your family's celebration of Chris' life was achingly lovely.

Wendy said...

It is so special that you were able to share this time with your family and share in the saying goodbye. The area looks beautiful.

Sisbabestitches said...

Sounds like a beautiful way to keep healing, and perfect to be able to share it together.

Valspierssews said...

I love how the family has special ways to remember Chris. A lovely post.

Anthea said...

Fiona, this is really precious time for you & your families... and I think what you all did was just the perfect way to honour Chris & his vibrant life.
GrandieBoy2 can be assured that God is indeed very big, and is looking after Chris and watching over you all.
xx oo

Chris H said...

How sad to lose such a young man.
The church is stunning.

Sue said...

Such a lovely post Fiona. The church and the area Chris loved look beautiful and I'm sure the time you spent there with your family remembering him will always be special.

Unknown said...

that is one of the saddest posts I have ever read. I pray that you find peace in the coming months....

Narelle said...

Such a beautiful tribute post Fiona.

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