(Report by Lance)It was an emotional occasion - how could it be anything else? A woman so vibrant and caring taken so tragically from us. It was a fitting service of thanksgiving for the life of Heather Jane Arthur.
Those in attendance represented the many facets of Heather's interests including, of course, the north east jazz world.
Annelise Cannon read from 1 Corinthians 13 the one that ends with "Faith, hope and love: and the greatest of these is love."
Rebecca Parker read:
She is Gone
You can shed tears that she is gone
or you can smile because she has lived.
or you can smile because she has lived.
You can close your eyes and pray that she'll come back
or you can open your eyes and see all she’s left.
or you can open your eyes and see all she’s left.
Your heart can be empty because you can't see her
or you can be full of the love you shared.
or you can be full of the love you shared.
You can turn your back on tomorrow and live yesterday
or you can be happy for tomorrow because of yesterday.
or you can be happy for tomorrow because of yesterday.
You can remember her and only that she’s gone
or you can cherish her memory and let it live on.
or you can cherish her memory and let it live on.
You can cry and close your mind,
be empty and turn your back
or you can do what she'd want:
smile, open your eyes, love and go on.
David Harkins © 1981
be empty and turn your back
or you can do what she'd want:
smile, open your eyes, love and go on.
David Harkins © 1981
Heather's father paid tribute to his daughter with much understandable emotion.
There was more emotion when Lindsay Hannon, accompanied by guitarist Mike Papapavlou, sang Over The Rainbow.
The saddest moments were seeing two motherless children bravely facing the future..
2 comments :
Well spoken Lance. It was a very emotional service, but one we all had to attend for our own reasons, to say our goodbye's. She was a lovely lady, & will be greatly missed. I'm sure all our thoughts are with her family & friends, especially those who are making sure her children are being well cared for. RIP Heather.
Ode to Heather.
I’d met Heather just a few times
Yet I'd known her all my life
Or so it seemed.
We shared only ‘how are you?’
I thought there would be more words
There won’t be any more..
I heard her sing but two songs
'Round Midnight' and 'Autumn Leaves'
Just enough.
Enough to reveal a talent
A talent that’s now laid waste
Autumn has come early.
Lance.
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