Funnily enough, when that aunt of mine died (in 2003) she was laid out in her front room in an open coffin. I’d never been to a traditional wake before and I found it absolutely fascinating. My aunt was a very popular woman in her community - she gave free art classes in her own home for many of the local children - and it was lovely to see her coffin surrounded by paintings done specially for her by all the children. She was a real free spirit and I adored her. Her funeral service was conducted (at her request) by a Protestant minister with an accompanying R.C.organist - she was still breaking down barriers in society right to the very end.

The balloon story brought on a fit of asthma - I must get it into our parish magazine!

I really chuckled at your Mom’s remark after the funeral.

Years ago the custom for funerals in our crowded city was to have the viewing in the person’s home . The deceased was on display in the living room and all the family sat in chairs and greeted the friends and neighbors as they came in. My SIL Tessie’s Mom had her friend Prudie die and she wanted to see what time the viewing started so she called the house of the dead friend and asked,”Is Prudie there?” Her son replied.”Well,yeah, she’s here but she can’t come to the phone right now.”

Two years later, Tessie’s Mom died and in the middle of her viewing the telephone rang and Tessie didn’t hesitate a second before saying.”That’s probably Prudie calling.”

When my Mum’s twin sister died, I drove my elderly parents to the funeral service in Norn Ireland. My Mum suffers from dementia and on the way home after the burial, she suddenly announced “I think my sister will be very tired after all that today - I hope she puts her feet up and has a good rest tonight”

What could you say?

GM - I’m an absolute terror for getting a fit of the giggles when in awkward situations. I suspect you and I would be guaranteed trouble!

Out of the mouth of babes… The balloon is great.