10 Dec 2009
A Celebration
Yesterday we celebrated Andy’s life and what a celebration!
As we left home all together for the last time there was time to reflect on the wonderful life we had together. I won’t share our memories- we all have our own memories of what Andy meant to us, just to say they will always be very special and stay with me forever.
The service was beautiful. The Church was full. It wasn’t a solemn occasion – yes it was very sad, we were having to say goodbye to someone who meant so much to so many, but we celebrated Andy’s life and what he meant to each and everyone of us. He would have hated being the centre of attention but I think he would have been proud of how we celebrated such a wonderful life. The people, the music from the band, readings, a fitting tribute, two wonderful solos, leadership from Emma and Jenny and our children who so bravely read and shared their memories made it the perfect celebration. I am and I know Andy would be very proud of them. Thank you to everyone who helped make it such a beautiful and memorable day.
Today I went for my first run since the Royal Parks half. It was a hard run not so much because of a lack of recent running but because it was difficult to breathe when memories flooded my mind. There is even more reason to keep running now and I’m sure many will join with Lloyd when he commented on facebook – ‘every time I lace up my running shoes it will be for you’ So Angels put on your running shoes and get training ready for the 2010 race series!
Thank you for the update Sara and for your recent comment on my blog.
I am so sorry I couldn’t make yesterday, I would dearly have loved too but as you know my circumstances are difficult at the moment.
It’s so good to hear though that you all celebrated Andy’s life as you did and in such a beautiful way, the loss is terribly sad for everyone who knew him but particularly for you and your family. Andy was truly ‘one of the good guys’ and he will be sorely missed by many.
Hold your memories close. xxx
gemmak
December 11th, 2009 at 12:11 ampermalink
Running shoes now dried out and ready to go again! I miss our frequent runs – always easier together- but will be very much with you in spirit every time I head out. I’ll try to remember to bring ALL my kit next time!! xx
Shortly
December 11th, 2009 at 12:39 ampermalink
Sara, lovely to meet you on Wednesday. You are a tower of strength, keep on running, as the song goes!! Good luck for the future.
Phil Peake
December 12th, 2009 at 9:44 ampermalink
Sara has described Wednesday perfectly, it was a truly wonderful day. So many friends came to say they had never been to anything like it. We saw Peter at the church yesterday and he estimated that about who 350 people came, so many who loved him. Peter said it had been an honour to share in the service, and we were aware of the love and prayers wrapping us round. Thank you to all who took part.
mum and dad
December 12th, 2009 at 7:32 pmpermalink
Mate – can’t stop thinking about you all – you are an amazing family; so strong; so positive and so loving. What a wonderful celebration of Andy’s life – I know he had his wishes for the day and I’m sure you fulfilled all of them and more – you really did him proud and we are proud of you! Big love to you Sara and to your four very special children! See you again very soon (especially if Tasha and Alex have anything to do with it!) C x
Chez
December 14th, 2009 at 11:30 ampermalink
Thanks for the comments Sara. You did amazingly well – all of you. It has been a privilege to be part of your journey because it has been a family journey and not just for Andy. Your bravery shone through on the day and what a day that was: the place, the music, the passion, the people and all because of one man and his passion for the people around him. Im beaming you all up every evening. Dont think I will join you in the running (!), but you have my best wishes for the future as you all move on – together.
God bless – Jenny
Jenny
December 18th, 2009 at 4:45 pmpermalink
I know its late and meaning to check out Andys bolg, now i see how deep he would right!
And love you soooooo much you will be greatly missed its unreal no one can explain how brave you were you will always be with us hearts and any were we go watching over us we love you nothing will change that love to everyone luff you
Tasha xxx
Tasha smith
January 7th, 2010 at 9:46 pmpermalink
Sorry that message i just sent didnt make any sense what so ever ! lol
What i was trying to say was that And you were 1 in a million and will be greatly missed. It is unreal that you are gone but you will always be in our hearts forever and always. Us Smiths love you to peices and i was trying to send a letter to the Griegs just to find out it was to late but that is why im writting and summing up what i wanted to say that WE LOVE YOU ALL SOOOO MUCH and we are here for all of you any time any day we love you sooo much and see you soon Griegys ! love you again and again and again tasha and Smiths xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
Tasha smith
January 7th, 2010 at 10:09 pmpermalink