The day of the Funeral
(An excerpt from my novel ; "I just want to be loved")
Upon their arrival at the orphanage, they recognized that were some
other children from their school too. As some of their parents had been
involved in the accident and were also injured in the explosion. The
unfortunate thing for the Maxwell children was, that both their parents worked
at the factory and unfortunately, both were killed. As the week progressed,
funeral arrangements were being made for those who had died. It was going to be
a sad week in the city of Glasgow.
During the week prior to the funeral, the children had been contacted as
to any church affiliation that their parents may have had. The social work
department tried very hard to contact relatives of the Maxwell family.
Apparently, there were no next of kin in the Glasgow area at all. Social
workers tried friends and neighbours of the Maxwell family, but their efforts
were to no avail. It was found, that the Maxwell family had regularly attended
a small Nazarene church in the area. The pastor was acquainted with the Maxwell
family and knew them very well, and agreed to conduct the funeral.
It was the day of the funeral and because of the extent of the injuries
to the children’s mum, and dad and for the sake of not enduring the children to
a more traumatic event, it was decided that the coffins should remain closed
and no viewing would be allowed. On the day of the funeral, the coffins were
draped with beautiful flowers and the song “Abide with Me” was playing softly
in the background. There were many friends in attendance and many people also
from within the community. People who didn’t even know the Maxwell’s were there
to offer their support for the children. As the music softly played, the
children were led to their seats at the front of the church.
As soon as the children saw the
coffins Sheila ran over to the coffins and shouted, “Mummy, daddy, please come
back, please don’t go away.” As she knelt at the coffins, Sheila had one of her
dolls with her. She reached up to her mum’s coffin and placed it on top, “This
doll is for you mummy, remember I kept washing and brushing it’s hair in the
mornings, and you said it was a silly doll. Well, I knew it was going to be
your birthday soon and I wanted to give it to you as a birthday gift. That’s why
I kept it clean and brushed it’s hair every day, I will give it to you now
mummy and you can celebrate your birthday in heaven. This will keep you company
so you don’t feel lonely.” Henry and Jimmy went over and put their arms around
her. Everyone attending the service left them alone. The children were kneeling
at the coffins and firmly holding each other and crying. There wasn’t a dry eye
in the church. Everyone in the church was crying with the children including
the pastor.
They let the children have their time of mourning for about five
minutes. No one was in a rush. They wanted this to be the children’s day, a day
where they could remember their mum and dad. As they were kneeling together,
the pastor’s wife went forward and put her arms around them. As she was
kneeling with them, she said a little prayer. More people moved forward and
joined in the prayer. It was like no other funeral that anyone had ever
attended. The pastor’s wife, along with some other women of the church, helped
the children to their feet and escorted them to their seats. As they sat
sobbing, the pastor started the service, stretching his hands out towards the
children, he said, “Jesus loves you this I know for the Bible tells me so,
little ones to him belong they are weak, but He is strong.” As he continued, he
spoke of the Maxwell’s and their lives as parents. Sobs could be heard
throughout the church. It was the most moving funeral service that anyone had
ever experienced.
The service was over and it was now time for the interment. The children were shaking and nervous, but
were led into a car where they would be taken to the cemetery. Everyone who was
at the church came to the cemetery. The cemetery was just packed with people.
The coffins were lowered one by one. The dad’s coffin was lowered first and the
mum’s coffin was placed on top, as was the custom in Glasgow. As the coffins
were being lowered, the children were crying and screaming. “No mummy, no
daddy, please don’t go, please don’t leave me.” The children had to be restrained
from going too close to the grave just in case they fell in. They were quite
hysterical. Everyone around the grave was crying. It was so sad listening to
the pleas of the children for their mum and dad. It was now time to leave. The
church had arranged to hold a reception of tea and scones for those who had
attended the funeral. The children were seated with the pastor and his wife,
and during this time people were coming up to the children offering their
condolences and sympathy. Everyone had a kind word of encouragement for all the
children. As would be expected, there were lots of hugs, kisses and tears.
Written by Chris Turner
(Taken from the novel: "I just want to be loved')
Available as an e-book from https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/607598
I would appreciate your comments below.
I would appreciate your comments below.
