MAGGIE EDWARDS BIRD

Today, I attended the funeral of my dearest friend Maggie. She and I shared many interests but especially we both had breast cancer. She lost her fight after the cancer migrated to her liver, four days after her 60th birthday. I was proud to stand with several hundred people, me in uniform, to remember her life in the way she would have wanted. I proudly stood in the honour guard. I allowed most of the people to enter and stood out side listening. I smiled at the choice of music and spoken word because her taste was mine, California Dreaming, Love Changes Everything, Islands in the Stream (Comic Relief version) Well she was Welsh. We shared many happy hours of classical music while working on our research. Maggie was diagnosed almost a year to the day that I was, we talked and she allowed me the privilege to hold her when she cried, as I had cried...in fear a fear that is shared by sufferers and their families...but it was our moment. At the end of her funeral I entered the venue, I walked up to her coffin and saluted my friend one more time, touched the coffin and said goodbye my dear friend, a personal and private moment.

In the service it was mentioned that Maggie loved the rain, and it rained and as her son George spoke of the sun casting shadows, the sun came out brilliant and bright. My tears were sharp and personal.

Life is short - we have a small time on the earth so live your life the fullest way you can. Don't apologise for yourself, you are you - be happy.

Granny xxxx

FASHION WORDS

Once again I tip my hat to 'You' magazine because once again they have my taste just right and I believe that it is worth sharing.

But before I start, I raise my glass to Biba the fashion out let of my youth...coming out of the shadows and making it to the silver screen.

On 28/06/2009 page 16 Style Notes page... they focus on yellow a favourite colour, especially in my view the shift dress by Giles. Granny

TRIBUTE

Why should a woman die because she wears the muslim veil. Standing in court where she should have been safe, giving evidence against her abuser...his actions were surely a 'guilty plea' Marw Sherbini aged 31 died in Germany in front of her 3 year old stabbed 18 times. Women really have to stand together, I may not agree with the veil but I will defend the right of women to do so if the freely choose. I do demand that religion and men uphold womens civil/human rights. Granny

ANOTHER TRIBUTE

Euan Williamson died fighting a fire in Edinburgh, saving lives....love Granny

TRIBUTE

They died together as they had lived Daniel, Joseph, William the youngest to die thus far, Jonathon and James (also Lee the same day) in Afganistan - my heart is with their families and friends.....Granny

For every death my husband plays the Royal Scots Dragoon Guards version on their award winning CD, They Shall not grow old as we that are left grow old. Valid across the years. Granny