Laura Coleman - Independent Funeral Director

29/03/2023

RIP Paul O'Grady ❤🐕

So many dogs came to greet me
as I reached the pearly gate.
Some I did not recognise
but still they did await.

It was then I understood
why the angels came
and took me from my bed
although I did not proclaim.

All these angel dogs
and other animals too.
Then I saw the greatest glow,
and God came shining through.

He opened up his arms,
and raised them in the air.
The clouds were full of rainbows
and dogs played everywhere.

God walked toward me
but he did not need to speak.
I knew that I was chosen
because I was unique.

I sat amongst these dogs
yet each licked fresh air.
I wondered what they were doing,
then I saw you all down there.

The dogs were licking tears
of all who I had left behind
although I will always live
in the memories that you find.

J.Boyle.

08/03/2023

21/02/2023

🙏

I sat beside the river bank,
as I waited for your return.
I only ran off to chase fresh air
us dogs won't ever learn.

I barked for you to hear,
I even sniffed your Scent,
but still I could not find you,
I wondered where you went.

I waited for so long,
and I waited with such hope.
I kept following your trail,
but it ended at the slope.

I heard voices call your name,
but there was no one there,
yet I could hear them call,
shouting from a chair.

I was glad when someone came.
but I wished it had been you.
I still wait beside the door,
wishing you would come through.
Willow. xx

18/01/2023

With love

13/01/2023

An interesting read and helpful article.

https://www.theguardian.com/society/2023/jan/07/ways-to-talk-to-people-grieving-cariad-lloyd-griefcast?fbclid=IwAR2qIASIOoe_D-IR51uIw6su5XdMpX24P0ezmQpEdHSTVm7a_rd8Bm9Vecc

Comedian Cariad Lloyd has spoken to hundreds of bereaved people for her award-winning series Griefcast and a new book on dealing with loss. She shares the lessons she has learned

12/01/2023

With ❤️

06/01/2023

KNITTERS AND CROCHETERS NEEDED
We are as asking our lovely community to knit and crochet these lovely bears. Trauma Teddies are handed out by the police to help comfort children involved in car crashes or other frightening incidents.

At the end of the instructions there is also a pattern for knitted hearts. We would like to use these hearts in our funeral home. We need pairs of hearts. One will be placed in the coffin and the other will be given to loved ones.

Thank you so much for your support!

Crotchet Instructions

Yarn - Use only double knitting wool or acrylic yarn. Please No mohair, angora, Feathersoft, Lurex or cotton yarn as there is a small chance that these might cause an allergic reaction.

Using 4mm hook
All dc rows start with a turning chain (ch1) unless otherwise stated.
In paw colour, ch 11.
Dc in second ch from hook, dc across (10 stitches)
Dc the next 14 rows, break yarn.
Join the colour you are using for your shorts. Dc across for 5 rows, break yarn and finish off.
Do this again for the other leg, but instead of breaking yarn, dc back across this leg, and dc across the first leg you made to join them. (20 stitches)
Dc across for another 6 rows
Change to shirt colour.
dc across for 10 rows. Dc 20, ch 9
Turn and dc into the second ch from the hook. Dc into the next 7 ch, dc across your dc’s, and chain 9
Turn work and dc in second ch from hook. Dc in next 7 chains and dc all the way across.
Dc the next 7 rows.
Dc 28, ch1 turn and dc 20.
Join your paw colour and dc 17 rows, break yarn and finish off.
Make another of these.
Sew your face, onto one side, then with the pieces together (face side in) Sew around your teddy, leaving the top of his head open.
Turn it out the right way and stuff. Whipstitch through the front loops along the top of his head for a nice nearly invisible join. Using paw colour, running stitch a line to form triangle ears on the top corners of his head.

Knitting Instructions

Using size 10 (3 1/4mm) needles, cast on 10 stitches in the paw colour and knit 10 rows.
Change to trouser colour and knit 30 rows. Leave on a spare needle and make another leg to match.
Knit across the two legs (now 20 stitches in all). Knit 20 rows in trouser colour.
Change to jumper colour and knit 30 rows.
Change to paw colour and knit 6 1/2 inches of one row plain, one row pearl.
Change to jumper colour and knit 30 rows.
Change to trouser colour and knit 20 rows.
Knit 10 stitches and turn, complete leg and paw as before.
Join in wool and make another leg.
Arms - Sew round the head. Pick up and knit 8 stitches either side of the head (16 stitches). Knit 20 rows in jumper colour and 10 rows in paw colour. Cast off. Repeat the other side.
Scarf - Cast on 75 stitches and knit 5 rows. Cast off. Tassels can be added to the ends. Attach scarf at the back with 2 or 3 stitches.
Sewing up - Sew paws and arms and sides, also inner legs, leaving an opening for stuffing. Stitch up corners with a running stitch to make ears. Make eyes, nose and mouth on the face. Please make it a smiling mouth! Sew running stitches around neck base and draw up to shape head and neck.
Filing - Acrylic filling is best, but pieces of old wool, tights and cotton can be used. Please do not use foam as this can be dangerous to children.

Heart Instructions

Super chunky yarn e.g., Sirdar Big Softie
Size 8mm needles
Tapestry needle
Scissors

Start by knitting the top of the heart – cast on 5 stitches.
Row 1: Knit.
Row 2: Increase the first stitch by knitting in the front and back (kfb) of the stitch, then knit to the end of the row.
Row 3: Knit.
Row 4: Knit to the last stitch, increase (kfb).
Row 5: Knit.
Row 6: Increase the first first stitch (kfb), knit to the end of the row.
Rows 7-10: Knit.
Cut the yarn and push your work to the bottom of the needle.
Now make the other top half of the heart – cast on 5 stitches on the same needle where your work is.
Repeat rows 1-10.
Once completed, the 2 pieces should be on the same needle.
Join the two pieces by knitting across them.
Knit 4 more rows.
On the next row, decrease first and last stitch by knitting 2 stitches together (k2tog).
Knit the next row.
Repeat the last 2 steps until you have 2 stitches left.
Cut the yarn off, take your tapestry needle with the yarn through the remaining 2 stitches and weave in all the ends.

15/12/2022

Grieving at Christmas
Christmas is a time that we traditionally think of as joyous, with scrumptious food, laughter, and a chance to spend time with our family and our friends. However, it can be hard to imagine this when you are bereaved. There will be people who have not got the energy or inclination to put on a brave face and be sociable. And you don’t need to be.
Do what feels right for you! Put yourself first. If you want to think of the holidays, especially Christmas Day as just another day - do that! If you want to celebrate Christmas – do that. It is OK to feel happy. Do not feel guilty.
Your grief is personal and only you know what is right for you. Be honest about how you are feeling or what you want to do. Your friends and family will understand and be guided by you.
Please do not feel under pressure to hide your grief. If you pretend you are fine – is this counterproductive or your way of coping? There is no right or wrong way to behave. There is only YOUR way!
It may be comforting to share memories of your loved one. It may help you or you may not be ready to do this. It is up to you to decide.
Remember there is no guidebook on ‘How to Grieve’. There is no time limit on grief. It may not happen how you think it should happen.
If you feel that you need to speak to someone away from the family please reach out to us. Our funeral home is open with the kettle boiling. We are here to help. We can speak about your loved one or just use our funeral home as a safe space to escape.
We are here for you – so please do not feel alone.