Nicola's Funeral...

We borrowed a satnav to get to the crematorium in Merton, we didn't want to be late struggling to make sense of an A to Z, so it seemed a good idea. There must be was something unnerving about driving into a crematorium to be informed by a very friendly but informative travel companion "you have reached your destination...!!"

Monday was a remarkable day of celebration of a remarkable life. As we drove home after Nicola's funeral, I felt guilty in that I had had a thoroughly good time, more than one farewell conversation seemed to be inappropriate in that they finished with a sentiment of 'we should do this more often!!'. But such thoughts and feelings were totally appropriate in that it was plainly obvious to all there, Nicola has not reached her destination, and that as Phil put it on the family blog.

"Our life together has been a great adventure as we have attempted to follow in the power of the Resurrection. Nicola has taught her family and many others I suspect how to live well and how to die well and for her now the Resurrection adventure continues beyond death..."

Nicola was a total inspiration in life and remains so in death. Her faith in Christ, her example, her life as a symbol of hope pointing to something of what New Creation will be - oozed through her family on Monday and will remain an indelible memory for me. To join with such a celebration was a privilege that I will never forget, nor I suspect will anyone else who was there.

We were asked to recall our memories - I'll always remember Nicola as a tutor who together with Phil moved my understanding of mission beyond that of a mere euphemism.