Funeral and personal tribute

Hi Carol,
I just got back from your funeral, well, a pub lunch actually with your "gaggle" but your funeral before that; It was a nice funeral, as in, how you would have wanted it, but sad of course. The grieving process is still happening, and in a way, became a lot more evident as I heard so much about your life that I didn't know.
Michael had picked a good celebrant; she really cared and did a great job.
As I have no doubt you were with us during the proceedings, you will be aware that we got underway pretty much as soon as we sat down. The Celebrant introduced herself from 'white lady funerals" and made sure we all had our mobile phones off or on silent. Then she gave us a lovely detailed history of your life, mentioning your spiritual-healing interest/s over the past few years, of course the lovely (and humorous) story of how you and M met and fell in love all those years ago, and mentioning the names of your gaggle one by one.
Then, your friends made through your spiritual healing (sorry, the official name escapes me) went up and recited a prayer and a poem through tears in the end.
Michael then was asked to go up where he gave a speech, and was sobbing towards the end, but it was still so strong and definitely from the heart. He then read such a lovely poem which summed up his feelings beautifully.
My Dad then went up and related memories from the gaggle, which had us in stitches at some points as your humour shined through them all.
We then finished off with photo albums and reflection. There was such a nice instrumental playing throughout which set me off. Dad was also quietly describing the photos to me.
I was told later, as we were standing for the conclusion, your coffin went down the ramp and out of sight.
As we all left the chapel, "The wind Beneath My Wings” was playing; very moving.
We then all went to have some light refreshments and catch up with each other.
It was dad's idea to go to a pub for lunch; as I said before, your gaggle went; namely myself, Ang, Trent, mum, Dad, Sue, Michael H, Ros, Marg, Jackie, Andrew, Ryan, Tracy, Kevin, and of course Michael G
Oh, of course, before and after the celebration of your life, it was good to catch up with so many people I hadn't seen for years; of course wishing it was better circumstances though.
Joy was good throughout the funeral; she slept and even started snoring in the end which I cringed at; she's a darling though!
But, during the funeral and beyond, I knew two things. A; you were way too young to be taken away, and B; I didn't talk to you as much as I would have liked; I was too shy for my own good.
But what touched me was during the wake when Tracy told me how you use to love it that I loved watching your Christmas trees and all those lights when I was younger; I sure do remember those days; I loved going into look and feel your Christmas trees when I was over and feeling all the wrapped presents underneath; I still love doing that at Mum and dad's house; I love trying to decipher for what they are.
Rest in peace Carrol! You were such a bright spark and will be so so missed.
See you on the other side.
Til Next time, RdFreak