Sorry, folks, but I have to add to this thread as the comments have reminded me of my departed parents, who died 20+ years ago (aged only 52 and 54). My Dad died suddenly of a massive heart attack at 52, but at least he was not in pain (just keeled over in the garden). My Mother died two years later from a stroke (but I believe it was a broken heart, missing her partner of 31 years)
Sorry, just thought - the wife and I have now been married longer than my parents were. This is weird.
Anyway, the reason for this post is to relate the true tale of how my wife was able to say to the postman "Oh, it's the mother-in-law, finally arrived".
My Mum was cremated (by the Co-op) in Ashford, Kent, and as I found out, they don't give you the ashes straight away. They said she would be delivered to our home in Bicester, Oxfordshire a few days later. When she had not arrived by the allotted time, the wife contacted the Royal Mail office in Oxford, to be told that they could not find the package. Much embarrassment later (and two further days) they found her and delivered the same. The postman did not know what he was delivering, hence the humorous quote from the wife. She did not have the heart to point out that the package had been slightly damaged, and my mum was leaking out!
My Dad would have found this amusing at the time (as would my Mum, except that she was the package) as their attitude is that the body is only a vessel for the spirit or person inside - and that is the important part.
Eventually, we buried my Mum in the same plot as my Dad (and his Mum) - saves space and is nice that they are all together.
We are all on this speck of earth for a finite time, and should make the most of it - humour helps, a lot!
p.s. Not too sure I would recommend the Co-op for funerals.
