Fri, Sept 10th

The day Dad thought would never happen. We laid George to rest at Islington & Camden Cemetery in Finchley after an intimate service at the chapel attended by Dad, Dave & Rita, Phil & Jean, Dawn & myself, along with Dad's grandchildren Hayley, Denise and David, and our cousin Donaghadh McDonagh.

The service was very moving and I had to fight back the tears as I gave a eulogy reminding us all just how much George had touched our lives and what a caring and loving person he was. Virtually everyone was in tears.

After George was laid in his grave and we all either placed flowers or and dirt on his coffin, we headed back to the flat were we shared stories and tried to celebrate George's life. Some of us found it harder than others and discretely went outside to shed a tear or two.

Thur, Sept 9th

Today Dawn dropped Dad's prescription off at his doctors. With Denise and young David here, I took a day off from paying him a visit.

Wed, Sept 8th

Again left early to drop George's clothes off at the funeral directors and pay for the their disbursements. Also dropped in on Dad once more.

Tonight I spent alot of time on the telephone speaking to the minister and Denise. Denise and young David had arrived from Dublin and would be here until the weekend.

Tues, Sep 7th

Left work early to drop George's clothes off at the funeral directors but no one was there. Then popped into see Dad before heading back to Hertford. Spoke to Dave and Phil to confirm details for Friday.

Mon, Sept 6th

Left work early to visit Dad and take the magazine articles up to him. Confirmed arrangements with the minister, including playing "He Ain't Heavy" and "Abide With Me" at the funeral on Friday.

Dawn placed George's obituary in this week's Islington Gazette and Hornsey Journal.

We also had the trees in the front yard trimmed. These really needed trimming and we'd arranged this before George passed away. Now they look like they have been butchered.

Sun, Sept 5th

Had a day off from visiting Dad. I spent most of the day going through George's papers and his magazines. Dad wanted me to search for articles on Pentax cameras.

Sat, Sept 4th

It was nice to be able to get away from work. It's been difficult doing my job while worrying about Dad, grieving for George, and making arrangements for his funeral.

Today we had our haircut and lunch at Old Orleans in Enfield (which was one of the worse I'd ever eaten out) before visiting Dad at the flat.

Fri, Sep 3rd

Again left work early to pop in to check on Dad. He's doing as well as can be expected.

Thu, Sep 2nd

Left work early to check on Dad. Also talked to both David and Phil, and dealt with more arrangements with the minister and funeral director. We've decided on September 10th for the funeral so Dave and Rita can now make their arrangements.

Wed, Sep 1st

This morning we heard the sad news that Brady and Jim had to let Chance go. He was just too unwell and they decided it was best to let him be at peace.

I left work early again to visit Dad at the hospital and was delighted to assist in him going home. I followed the ambulance back to the flat before getting the flat ready for him before he got up the stairs. He had countless sympathy cards that he placed around the living room. I left him with heavy heart knowing that he was not happy being home alone, but also not happy at being in the hospital either.

Tues, Aug 31st

This morning I finally broke down and told my boss about losing George and Dad being in hospital. He was very supportive and said that I could take any time I needed and offered to send some flowers.

Again, visited Dad in the hospital. He seems okay, but still no idea about when he is going home.

Tonight received a call from the minister to discuss George's funeral.

Mon, Aug 30th

The bad news just doesn't seem to want to end. Today we got news that Chance, Brady and Jim's kitty, is poorly and that they have had to call the vet to look into letting her go. I was already feeling numb with George and Dad.

Popped up to Dad's flat, my home for the best part of 17 years, and collected a load of George's paperwork as I need to sort out his estate. Then visited Dad again in the hospital before heading back to Hertford.

Sun, Aug 29th

Today Dawn and I drove to Wood Green and had lunch at Nandos before meeting Hayley outside the Whittington and popping up to the ward to visit Dad. He was still a little teary eyed, but that was to be expected. We have no idea when he will be allowed home, but that will bring problems anyway.

Sat, Aug 28th

Didn't visit Dad today. Phil and Jean popped up to the Whittington today, as did Dave and Rita before they flew back to Dublin.