“The RoseBouquet”

We got back on Sunday evening from a wonderful weekend away to Alberta. (You’ll find my photo story of Kevin and Jena’s wedding in the Ruthes Roses section).

I’d meant to drop off my films as we came through Saskatoon, but the Superstore was closed already, so we made another trip into the city (just half an hour’s drive) yesterday morning, for groceries, and the film developing.

Incidentally, I have a feeling I was the only one at the wedding, aside from the official photographer and videographer, who didn’t have a digital camera. That is moving up higher on my wish list!

It was nearly one by the time we were almost home yesterday, but I felt strongly that I should stop at the church to pick up a bulletin and the Sunday morning tape. I wondered whether Joyce Court had died, and we’d missed the funeral.

She was a sweet lady who had bone cancer for three and a half years. She never said a negative word to a soul. Rather she was sunshine on everyone that met her. The Sunday before we heard that she was doing very poorly, and her husband and sons, and her sister Linda, who was helping with her care knew she couldn’t last much longer.

Well. As I pulled up at the church doors, so did Bryan Funk, our favourite funeral director. In fact, he beat me by seconds to the spot under the loading roof. So I asked him, and learned that yes, Joyce had died and her funeral was at 2 pm.

“Today?” I asked, even as I saw him unloading and starting to set up in the foyer.

So Dad and I hurried home, had a quick lunch, changed and headed back in time.

I know there were many people closer to Joyce, but I appreciated hearing all the lovely things said about her. I discovered things I didn’t know. Her birthday is today, August 24. She was a year and almost a month younger than I. She was an Elvis fan. She had a very articulate sister-in-law and niece, who told interesting stories of her. So did her loving sister, Linda. She’d even had a career as a child figure-skater.

I wonder what kind of birthday party is being thrown for Joyce today in Heaven!