Ross and I drove back to Melbourne last last night.  We arrived back in the city around midnight.  I have spent the best part of today trying to get as much of last week’s uni work done as I can.  I took all of my textbooks and notes home with me this week, but I didn’t get a single thing done.  Never mind.

I am wearing

– Silver drop earrings (thrifted)

– Floral silk camisole from Jeans West

– Teal cardigan from Cotton On

– Dark denim jeans from Garfunkle

– Black and gold platform shoes from Novo

 

It has been a massively draining week.  As I already mentioned, I got a call very early Monday morning from my dad, telling me that my grandfather had passed away about half an hour earlier.  My Pa has been chronically sick for the past five years, and so it wasn’t a shock that he died, but it was very upsetting.  I travelled home with my brother and Ross that day.

 

The week has been spent making arrangements for Pa’s funeral.  I spent a lot of time with my extended family, sharing stories about Pa and looking at photos and videos of him.  He was a remarkable man.  He was generous and kind and very, very funny.  I have so many hilarious stories from my childhood that feature Pa’s pranks.  I think he is the reason that I learned early the importance of having a good sense of humor and not taking things too seriously.

 

On Thursday we had a viewing of Pa’s body.  It was actually quite a serene experience.  I wasn’t sure whether I wanted to do it or not, but in the end I decided to go.  I am so pleased that I did.  It was a nice way to say goodbye and to gain a sense of closure.

 

Pa’s funeral was yesterday.  It was certainly the best funeral that I have ever been to.  Even though I was more grief-stricken than I have been in my life, it was a really lovely service and a perfect send-off.  I read part of the eulogy and my brother and a close friend of ours played a musical tribute while a slideshow of photos was projected onto a screen in the church.  It was really moving.

 

I was glad to return to reality today, but I was so sad to leave my family behind.  The past few days have been so much more bearable having family and close friends around to lean on and share stories and hugs with.  Ross has been utterly awesome too.  I am so grateful.  I was especially sad to say goodbye to my grandmother.  She has been coping remarkably well.  She is above and beyond the toughest person I know.  I cant ever imagine  being able to do the things she has in the past few years.  She took care of my grandfather until two days before he died, and did it with a smile.  She’s amazing.

 

Thankyou again to all the people who sent me messages of sympathy, card, flowers and hugs.  I can’t tell you how much I appreciate it.