Wait!
Why does this sound like a confessional?
Anyway it just would not feel right not posting, as on Saturday 19th March we have just had the first anniversary of our beloved Sharon's funeral, the day (like it or not) we laid to rest my soulmate Shaz silverwolf, enabler extraordinaire, and the one person guaranteed to have an answer to any question you have or, may not have considered asking.
I had been toying with ideas on what to do to mark the occasion, possibly another meal like I had done the month before that marked the anniversary of Sharon's passing.
Below is a picture taken after the aforementioned meal
Back row right to left.
Matt - my brother-in-law (Sharon's sister, Karina's better half)
Ant - my stepson & Sharon's eldest (green beard)
Royston - my older brother
Steve - my brother-in-law (my little sisters' hubby)
Mandi - my sister-in-law (Royston's wife)
Tim - my youngest brother
Ellen - my little sister
Rob - my younger brother
Me - aka the Hublet 😄
Rebecca - sister-in-law (Ant's wife)
Mikey - stepson (Sharon's youngest) Green beard (it is a thing)
Donna - Mikey's girlfriend
Donna - Mikey's girlfriend
Front row
Dot - mother-in-law (Sharon's mom)
Karina - sister-in-law (Sharon's little sister)
Louisa - Stepdaughter (Sharon's little girl)
Jess - my granddaughter (Louisa's Daughter)
Sue - my mother
Roy - my moms boyfriend
But then I came across a last-ride that I felt I just had to participate in, this was for a young girl that passed at just the age of 3, she was born with down syndrome and anyone that has every known anyone with DS will know how loving and giving they are, and, just how much joy they bring to a household.
But then I came across a last-ride that I felt I just had to participate in, this was for a young girl that passed at just the age of 3, she was born with down syndrome and anyone that has every known anyone with DS will know how loving and giving they are, and, just how much joy they bring to a household.
Daisy or little Duck as she was affectionately known as, was the daughter of west Mercia police colleagues Paul and Sarah Severn, Paul's brother (Matt) reached out to some bike clubs in the hope that they could put together a last ride to escort the hearse to 'the Vale crematory' in Pershore (a stunning crem) and helped organize the ride. I felt I had to go, how could I not? I have explained previously as to how I feel about participating in last rides, that it helps me feel like I am making a difference, I suppose we all feel this way, every one of us that goes out of our way to try and lessen the pain for someone else. Having mentioned this to my youngest brother, he too wanted to come along, this was his first last ride. Being the nerd that I am I captured the ride on camera (a GoPro) so that I could share it with the family, so the desk that I share is actually my desk, or more specifically the project that I have been working on as a result of the ride.
The result of that work is the video below, in the video my little brother can be seen leading the way as to the rally point where we meet the rest of the riders, and get a feel for just how big this ride was going to be.
Be warned the entire ride was 1.5 hours of footage, this through the magic and witchcraft that is editing the video is now a little shy of 26 minutes.
I did something I have never done before at one of these, and that was staying for part of the ceremony, to learn a little about Daisy, while I don't regret staying as it was broadcast outside, it was hard, really, really hard, but not something I regret.
On an equally memorable, and in so many ways more personal note
On an equally memorable, and in so many ways more personal note
While typing this up today, I received a message from Greg the bass player from one of my all-time favourite bands 'The fallen State', this is the band that dedicated the song 'Nova' to Shaz at a previous concert.
Well, they have a new album that drops on Friday called Between Hope & Disillusion, and well, check out the text on the inside cover x
So that's my not so quick catchup, head over to our Julia's at the stamping ground and check in on actual crafting being done.
A blog post is not the same without a picture of The bird...
And finally...
14 comments:
Hi, Doug, good to see you, and as always am thinking of you on this anniversary time. I will try and get back to watch the video later but work calls...
What a tribute to Shaz from the Fallen State.
Sending hugs. Helen #2
Wow, what an amazing tribute to Shaz, just brilliant, she really did have an amazing effect on everyone she met. I am privileged to have known her. The meal was a great idea, I’m glad it all went well.
Hugs LLJ 4 xx
What a wonderful tribute to a very special lady...think of you both often.
Hugs,
Annie x #8
A lovely post Doug - you look well and such a fab photo of your family. Let's hope we WOYWWers can get together soon. xx Jo
Doug. What a beautiful post. You have done well. A meal with the family, and an opportunity to join that incredible ride to celebrate the life of that beautiful little girl. Thinking of you as you mourn the loss of your lovely Shaz. An amazing tribute to you both by The Fallen State.
Take care. God bless you.
Margaret #12
Nice to see you here again Doug. It's so good that everyone here is such good support for all of us during the last couple of years when many of us are having a hard time one way or another. I so look forward to the lovely comments from my woyww friends. Take care.
Angela x13x
Good to see you again Doug and thanks for sharing the photo of the family at the get together. What a wonderful thing it must be to participate in a last ride. I will have to look out for that album with being dedicated to Shaz. Hugs. Stay safe and Happy WOYWW. Sarah #3
What a super post Doug, and a great family photo too. Seams a wonderful tribute to the little girl, she looks a real wee cutie in the photo.
Keep well and safe and thank you for the update, Kate x
Thanks for the wonderful share, Doug.
You have been busy Doug! What a lovely tribute from your favourite band - it just goes to show what an impact Shaz had on everyone she knew.
What a wonderful photo of family! And your last ride tribute to such a lovely little one is heartwarming. Great video. The sentiment on the album is very touching. I never had the opportunity to meet Shaz but I know she was a very special lady.
Carol N #19
Wonderful to hear from you Doug. Many, many years ago I attended a funeral that had a group show up for a last ride. Couldn't believe how many strangers came to help us mark the passing of a great friend. All these years later, we STILL talk about it and what a difference it made for us on that day. I believe it will be the same for Daisy's family and friends. Thank you for making a difference.
Hello Doug, beautiful photo of you and your family and such a heartfelt post, my heart goes out to you at the anniversary of the one you love ... what a beautiful dedication to your Shaz ⭐ she sounds like an amazing lady!
I can only imagine the emotions on the last ride and the service for little Daisy ... I'm sure she would have been watching it with a smile on her face from next door 🙏 Sending love and hugs to you and your family. Tracy #20
Good to read your thoughts again Doug! What an amazing get-together on the anniversary! Thinking of you all...
So sad to read of little Daisy Duck. Not heard of 'last-rides' before.
Sorry I am so late with the second half...happy WOYWW! Susan #17
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