Hardest speech ever

As you know I have done a lot of public speaking in my time. My most nervous moment was probably addressing the chair in front of 20,000 people in Nebraska. However that paled into insignificance when I stood up to say a final goodbye to my Dad at his funeral yesterday.

I think I was quite fortunate to have had plenty of time to say goodbye to him, but it was still a very difficult moment. I had a sheet of notes to read from, or if needed for somebody else to read from, but it wasn't necessary in the end. I couldn't see them anyway! Anyhow with the speech carefully delivered I could relax and contemplate my Dad's life. I'll never forget the last time we spoke, as I said goodbye he gave me his trademark smile and wink of the eye. A nice way to remember him. The following day he was in a very poor way and we stayed with him right through to his final moments, we knew it wouldn't be long but it's really agonising going through that. My thoughts will always go out to those that have to experiance the same thing.

Surprise of the day at the funeral was when my old drinking buddy turned up with his mum, after having read the announcement in the local newspaper. We were great friends and his mum treated me like a son so it was really touching to see them. It sent us all into tears.

Any how, now that's over I am going to take a break and spend some time with my family before returning to work proper towards the end of the month. I look forward to returning with batteries fully charged.