Saturday 21 February 2009

Remembering

This has been a sad week. On Sunday 15th February Andy's Dad, Ian, died. We went up to Edinburgh for his funeral which took place yesterday in St Giles' Cathedral. It is hard to know what to write apart from that I loved him, as I love all of Andy's family, and I feel lucky to have known him. There are many things I have been remembering about Ian this week but I am not going to make a big list. Just a few things. He was an amazing gardener and always inspired me to have a go myself. In the garden in Edinburgh there are lots of snowdrops and aconites appearing. This little group are in our garden in London.
Andy's parents have always had cats and all of the cats absolutely worship Ian. Here is George being transported around one Christmas some years ago.

Ever since I have known them I have always been really touched and impressed by the strength of Jean and Ian's marriage.
Ian and Andy on a Scottish country walk. Ian always looked smart and stylish whatever the occasion.
This is Ian and Dougal, his nephew, who spoke yesterday at the funeral.
Another plant in my garden-a hellebore-I discovered these in Ian's garden.
As I said it has been a very sad week. I feel very sad for Andy and his family and for myself too. I will miss you Ian.
Sarah xxxx

14 comments:

eb said...

sending you love and care from over here - your post is so touching - thank you for touching me with your kindness and love...

remembering Doreen - my Mother-in-law...

xox - eb.

ps - beautiful flowers - and I feel fortunate to have made Ian's acquaintance here - thank you again

Shell said...

I'm sorry for your father-in-law's passing. Death is never easy. Your tribute to him was really sweet. You and Andy take good care of yourselves.

Anonymous said...

Sarah,

I am so sorry to hear about the passing of Andy's father. I hope that you are both doing well. We lost Bryan's Dad 7 years ago and it still isn't easy some days.

This was a lovely tribute to him.

Candace said...

Sarah, as long as you and Andy live, Ian will never die. This was a lovely and loving tribute. I feel that I knew him a bit just by reading this lovely post and seeing the photos.
My kindest thoughts to Andy and yourself.
Your Friend
Candace

Janine said...

Oh Sarah, my heart goes out to you and to Andy! Ian sounds like a wonderful person and I am sorry for your familys' loss! It sounds as if you have so many wonderful memories!

He lives on in your hearts!

Brother Tobias said...

Thanks for these photos. I wish I made it St Giles. I'll miss him.

Deirdra Doan said...

What a beautiful post...such a lovely family and man..and such dear photo's!

Lynne said...

So sorry to hear about Ian. He sounds a wonderful man, and you've paid him a lovely tribute.
Love to you and Andy at this difficult time.
Lynne

Anairam said...

I am so sorry, Sarah. It was so lovely to see your tribute to your father-in-law and to look at the photos you shared with us. I am reminded of a quote, I can't remember by who, nor the exact wording, but it basically says that we all die twice, once in the flesh and again when we are remembered by no one any more. It has prompted me to make an offrenda once a year for my parents who both died a few years ago. It is a small ritual, but it keeps them alive for a little longer ...

Laume said...

My love and condolences to all of you. Yes, you created a simple but beautiful tribute to Ian, you made me wish I'd had a chance to meet him. My father passed away several decades ago. I was so afraid that our relationship would start to fade at his death, it's such a gift to still feel his love all these many years later. I'm sure Ian will continue to be in your family's life as well.

kendalee said...

Sarah, I have not commented her before and am almost hesitant to intrude in this moment of sadness but I just wanted to echo what others have said about what a beautiful and touching tribute this is. The love is so evident. I trust that the raw sadness will pass on but the warm memories and the love will remain... I wish this for you and your family.

LOVE STITCHING RED said...

Hi Sarah, I'm sorry to hear your news and my thoughts are with you. It is nice that you have so many beautiful memories of your father-in-law and treasure the importance of family

Very best wishes to you
Carolyn

Anonymous said...

Dear Sarah - I'm so sorry for your and Andy's loss - it is so very painful to lose loved ones. Al the pictures were wonderful - they look like such lovely people.

Warmest thoughts.

Sarah

Helen McCookerybook said...

These are lovely photos of Dad and words about him, Sarah, and the plants are very him! Its lovely that he inspired you as a gardener!
love Helen xx:)