Our son-in-law, Graham, a keen amateur photographer, arrived last Tuesday for a week’s working holiday; he was to photograph the wedding of Kate and Rob, our neighbours. His parents were also holidaying in the area at the same time, so we saw quite a lot of them too. Graham and Doug, his Dad, were both happy to give me lessons in photography as we spent a few days exploring the area; just as well as I was to be photographer’s assistant at the wedding. I’ll put a few of the results in this post, though the wedding photos will have to wait till Kate and Rob have their album.

On Thursday, at band practice, we’d been asked to supply a photo for the association that runs the building we rehearse in, so Graham stepped in and took several photos of us. Two other band members had a friend who was nearing the end of his life, due to cancer. He’d already arranged for us to play at his wake, but wanted to hear us play one last time. As it wasn’t practical for us all to fit into his living room, just Nellie, Jacques and Claude, Jacques’ wife were going, but asked if I’d join them as a rhythm guitar gives fullness to the sound.

We went to see George on Friday evening; I wasn’t sure what to expect and can’t say I was looking forward to it much, but what could have been a morbid few hours turned out to be an evening full of life, love and laughter. George was a keen gardener, so while the light lasted we all walked through his Japanese garden, stopping for George to sit down at each of his favourite places, while his wife lit small fireworks and Jacques played the bagpipes. When night fell, we went back indoors and Jacques, Nellie and I played and sang for a while, until he fell asleep. We all shared a meal, to which everyone had contributed, and said our goodbyes to George, now awake again.

I’ve just heard that George went downhill quickly after that evening and passed away on Monday. His wife said it was as if he was just hanging on until we played for him and was then happy to go. I feel very honoured to have met such an amazing man and to have played some small part in making his last few days more enjoyable.