#Funeral Services North Shore

[scotianostra]

Tragedy struck on 8th December 1959 the lifeboat RNLB Mona, based at Broughty Ferry, capsize in a storm in St Andrews Bay with the loss of all eight crew.

The lifeboat had been called to assist the North Carr lightship which had broken from its mooring and was believed adrift in St Andrews Bay. The conditions when the lifeboat was launched at 3.13 a.m. were atrocious. The last radio message was received from the Mona at 4.48 a.m. As the boat rounded the headland she capsized. No matter how long ago this tragedy occurred the sacrifice of the men involved is not forgotten far and wide but especially in Broughty Ferry.

The lost crew were coxswain Ronald Grant, 28, acting second coxswain George Smith, 53, bowman George Watson, 38, motor mechanic John Grieve, 56, second mechanic James Ferrier, 43, John J Grieve, 22, Alexander Gall, 56, and David Anderson, 42.

The Mona was washed up on Carnousite beach, a body, that of John J Grieve was found nearby,  later five more bodies were found on the lifeboat, Bowman George Watson’s body was never found.

All the crew of the North Carr  were rescued.

In 11 years of operating the Mona and her crew had saved 118 lives.

According to a letter to the Dundee Evening Telegraph, in January 2006, “Among some seamen, it was believed the vessel was tainted with evil, and they resolved to exorcise the boat in a ‘viking ritual’”. The Mona was taken to Cockenzie harbour on the river Forth in the dead of night, stripped of anything of value, chained to the sea wall, and burnt. The burning was done with the knowledge and permission of Lord Saltoun, the chairman of the Scottish Lifeboat Council. Questions were however raised in the House of Commons about the destruction of a lifeboat built with public subscription, sailors are a very superstitious lot though.

Before the Mona was burnt extensive tests were carried out and no faults could be found with the engine or indeed sea worthiness of the lightboat, it was established it had merely capsized.

A service was later held at St James’ Church, the Fisherman’s Kirk at Broughty Ferry. They joined the many hundreds of people from all walks of life who went to the memorial service. The Church only seats 450 and the service was relayed to another 300 in the church Hall and to hundreds who stood in Fort Street on a cold windy, wet forenoon.  People started to queue outside the church doors an hour before the service began, but few of them were able to get in.

Soon after the service ended the first of the funerals of the seven men whose bodies have been recovered took place. Small crowds gathered outside the homes of the six Broughty Ferry men who perished. Hundreds attended the funerals of all the men.

The report of the burning of the Mona reads:

“Mona, the Broughty Ferry disaster lifeboat in which eight men died, was burned secretly on a dark beach at 4.30 a.m.  Only a handful of men saw the Lifeboat – “perfectly sound and seaworthy”, destroyed on confidential orders phoned direct from London by a senior R.N.L.I. official. Few people in the Port Seaton holiday resort on the Forth Estuary near Edinburgh knew about it. Flames crackled as families slept in a tenement only 50 yards away – unaware of the funeral pyre

They only learned about it when they saw the smoking ruin on the rocks at daybreak. After dark on Thursday night the Mona was taken across the harbour basin and moored just inside the protection wall. Then about 4 am she was moved round the sea wall secured by two chains and left to settle on the rock-strewn foreshore as the tide ebbed.

She was set alight and by daybreak all that was left was part of the stern and superstructure – twisted charred metal, still smoking. Four men stripped the last of her metal fittings in the afternoon. And inquisitive youngsters were curtly told to leave the shore. In his office overlooking the harbour. Mr Bruce Jones of the ship repair-firm, said he could not discuss the matter.

The R.N.L.I. officials in London did not want it publicised. I got all my instructions verbally. I must honour the request. Was it really a funeral pyre “well it is not uncommon for this to happen after a disaster” said the senior Lifeboat official in London, “It would be rather unpleasant to put a new crew in a disaster”

[wutbju]

Peggy Hilliard Nabors, 88, died peacefully in her sleep on July 10, 2023.

Peggy was born to Price and Annie Lou Hilliard in Raleigh, North Carolina. Upon graduating from Bob Jones University, she began teaching high school in Portsmouth, Virginia. One Sunday morning a tall, handsome visitor walked into church carrying a Bible. Peggy and her roommate invited this young Tennessean to their apartment for a home cooked meal. That lunch must have been good, because Peggy cooked for David for the next 49 years.

After moving to Chattanooga as a newlywed, Peggy taught at Lakeside Elementary until she retired from teaching to be a stay-at-home mother. When David retired, together they traveled and lived in Eastern Europe to share the good news of Jesus with teachers through the International School Project. Following David's death, Peggy stayed active spending time with family, friends and neighbors. She was involved at her church, North Shore Fellowship, mentoring young moms. Her Thursday morning Ladies' Bible Study was the highlight of her week…studying God's word with precious friends.

Peggy was preceded in death by her parents, her husband David Nabors, and sister Virginia Sue Jones. She is survived by her children: Robbin Henon (Kirk), Stephen Nabors (Billenda), and Joseph Nabors (Marti). Grandchildren: Teal Nabors Gibson (Zane), Dr. Macall Nabors Wirz (Jacob), Kai Nabors, Blake Sparks, Patrick Sparks (Mariana), Amber Barnes (Josh), Audra Guerrero (Keith Franzen), and Andrew Guerrero. Great grandchildren: Hutch Gibson, Ivan Sparks, Patrick Sparks, Addie Sparks, Emma Sparks, Jensen Barnes, Hazel Barnes and Lotus Guerrero. Sisters-in-law Aprille Quinn, Jo Pelham, and a bevy of nieces and nephews.

A memorial service will be at 11:00 am on Saturday, July 22, 2023 in the funeral home chapel of Hamilton Funeral Home. The family will receive friends from 4:00 pm until 7:00 pm on Friday, July 21, 2023 and from 9:30 am until time of service Saturday at the funeral home.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to The Mary Ellen Locher Foundation (melfoundation.org) or North Shore Fellowship (nsfellowship.org)

The family thanks Everlan of Hixson, Dominion Senior Living, and Hearth Hospice for the excellent, loving care you gave to Peggy.

[inatelescopelens]

london 9th december

We remanded ourselves to the over-eager tourist brigade early again this morning, alighting at St James’s Park station and joining the queue outside Westminster Abbey which seemed to be mostly comprised of holidaying Italians. When it opened its doors for the half-past-nine slot of pre-booked tickets, we were some of the first inside. We began our trek around the familiar chapels and tombs, not bothering with the Abbey audioguide as we had on previous visits. There’s more than enough interest in simply walking about and taking in the history that presents itself around every corner. Again I spent a good deal of time parsing the Latin of various inscriptions, building a photobank of epitaphs I could sit down with properly to analyse when I had some peace and quiet and a good dictionary.

As well as entrance to the Abbey we had paid the few extra pounds to climb its steps up to the galleries, where an exhibition of its historic treasures was being displayed in wings that overlooked the great hall. Many of these artefacts were very interesting—also a bit macabre in the case of the mannequin-like funeral effigies of Stuart kings—and I especially liked seeing their luridly illustrated prayer books created by the Abbey’s monks centuries ago. The real value of the exhibit though was its location, which gave the opportunity to take in that famous view down the heart of Westminster from above. Perhaps for the alleged health and safety reasons and perhaps partially to preserve the sanctity of this remarkable view, no photos were allowed, so it remains captured only in our memories and on several million postcards available where all good London souvenirs are sold.

The sun had finally emerged from behind the clouds by the time we finished our tour, and we hurried away across the Thames onto the south bank just in time to escape a very large soviet of union strikers and socialists who were being bussed into the square for the day’s demonstration. It was by now lunchtime and we made our way to the shopping alley behind Waterloo Station to pick up something to eat. I finally had the chance to try a national staple that had occupied my fascination for a while—a Greggs sausage roll, by its own description Britain’s favourite. Conventional in appearance, it was certainly a step above an Australian service station stale offering: freshly baked in-store, with flaky buttery pastry and flavoursome filling. Costing just over a pound, it was easy to see what made this humble roll such a favourite with the working blokes and tradesmen of Britain on whose territory I rather felt I was trespassing as I waited in line for my turn to order.

We then began a long and roundabout route home along Southbank, passing the Globe Theatre and a near-endless parade of cheap Christmas market stalls. For the first time in my life I stepped inside the towering industrial walls of the Tate Modern, and we spent a little time wandering the studio galleries which contain works of modern artists both iconic and emerging. I was surprised by how many of the artworks I recognised and connected to, though I know little about modern art. We plan to return to the Tate Modern later in our trip to see more, hopefully not too gallery-fatigued by then.

Our passage across Tower Bridge to return to the Thames’ north shore and the direction of home was forestalled by the arrival of a navy ship—we think it may have been from the Netherlands. This spectacle involved the opening up of the bridge and a lot of people had gathered to witness it, only adding to the ensuing pedestrian traffic jam once the boatload of waving uniformed Dutchmen had carried on its way. Eventually we made it onto the opposite bank, walking in the shadow of the Tower of London as the sun began to disappear. Our last brief stop was a tiny, tucked away place of ruin in the heart of the busy district—the church garden of St Dunstan in the East, which grows within the empty walls of what was once a place of worship. Despite the winter bareness it was still very beautiful, and close to Monument from where we walked the underpass to Bank and took the Central line home.

For dinner we ended up returning to much the same part of the city, eating at a vegetarian restaurant called Bubala in Spitalfields. They offered a simple and rich Middle-Eastern set menu—all good, but the highlights were the generous labneh and hummus plates with fresh flatbread, the crispy confit potato latkes and, for dessert, a scoop of date and tahini-flavoured ice cream. Their drinks were also so delicious, my favourite being the lemon and lavender spritz that was luxuriously light and sweet. It was a busy little spot more popular with a younger local crowd than tourist—a lucky find on my part, thanks to the influence of social media. We left and walked through the realm of energetic London nightlife late on a Friday to the walls of the Tower of London once more, where the Circle line train waited to take us on its roundabout route home in the dark.

[blessedfuneral]

Show Details of a Memorial Service For the Day of Loss From Just 3 Hours Ago

When planning a memorial funeral service, it is very important to choose a location that is dignified and respectful. The location you choose will affect the mood of attendees. Trust is clearly their primary concern and they specialize in standard custom funerals, easy cremation, memorial services, grief recovery, flag selection, and military memorials that includes burial flags. Their work is not limited to these items and many other services can be arranged by them as well. They are knowledgeable and friendly professionals who are ready to assist you in every step of the way.

If you would like to have a memorial funeral service for your loved one, trust us. There are many steps to take to ensure a successful and beautiful celebration of life. Many individuals do not want to make any changes to the funeral service, but the most difficult decision to make is what type of memorial or funeral flowers you would like. Let us assist you in choosing the proper memorial tributes for your loved one.

There are many alternatives to the traditional funeral. You may decide on a viewing or wake service instead of a traditional funeral. This alternative provides flexibility for time and location. Also, there are no officiating fees or officinator needed. It also allows more time to focus on the cherished memories of your loved one, rather than stressing over the funeral arrangements.

What if I did not want a traditional funeral? Should I opt for the same funeral service held weeks, months or even years ago? How would I go about planning a tribute using an alternative format? The answer to this question is simple, you would plan a memorial service utilizing a photo album or photo display.

Photo albums or photo displays are gaining popularity with memorial providers due to their flexibility. They provide a way to capture highlights of the deceased life. These photos are kept in digital format which can be viewed in a computer or displayed within a wooden or acrylic frame. You can view these photos within minutes after the service has ended. Depending on the format of the photo album or display, you may be able to view them immediately upon arriving at your loved one's home. If you have additional time, it is suggested that you review them and/or add notes to memories in order to create a true memorial to your loved one.

If your loved one was a beloved spouse, parent, child, grandparent, sibling or friend, you may choose to hold a service at a church or place of worship. You may wish to contact support groups in the area to learn of other choices. They may be able to provide you with a resource list when you contact them several hours or days before the service. In addition, if a traditional funeral is held weeks or months after the death, many churches offer memorial programs that feature photographs and written hymns.

If you hold a memorial service in the days or months following a death, you may want to consider creating a video. It is important to show details of the deceased life from childhood until death to help attendees cope with their loss. Since video footage is often hard to store, you will most likely want to share the memorial service with a family member or close friend when it is practical for you to share it.

Video tributes are very popular due to their flexibility. Many individuals choose to record their loved one with a video camera during the days before his/her death. They then take the video to a local home funeral services where the entire service is held. Many homes offer this service for $25 per hour. If you wish to share the video with family members or friends while traveling, it would be wise to show details of the service from three hours ago home or from a location that has video equipment so others can see your tribute in action.

[ghostgothgeek]

Map of Amity Park

So I did a bunch of research and traced over the map the GIW had in DCMH and extended it to try and build a map of Amity Park. I also paid close attention to locations and places named in canon. I am by no means an artist, map maker, photoshop pro, or civil engineer; I just wanted a general reference map for the phandom to use. 

Here is where I place Amity Park. We know AP isn’t in Michigan or Wisconsin, but is most likely a day drive away from Madison (Bitter Reunions). AP is a decent sized city of itself, so I can see it being an outskirt of a large city like Chicago. Lancer mentions the Northwestern Testing, and Northwestern University is in Evanston, IL, which is why I placed it where it is.

LIST OF PLACES (in great detail): 

Every city needs it’s basic services: energy supply, water supply, sewage, and trash/recycling. These of course are located more on the edge of the city, as they need a large amount of space and are typically isolated.

I placed a local airport in the city as well. Typically you would fly out of one of Chicago’s airports anyway, but private planes (Vlad, Mansons, etc.) can take off and land here. 

University of Amity Park is located at the north side of the city, and is home to a Nasty Burger location, an LGBT Center, and is probably near a gas station. The blocks surrounding the campus are more student housing. 

Near the University, we have the Science Center, Axion Labs, a Mental Institute, and the Museum, as a lot of research from the University would go into those places. 

In the more isolated areas, we have the Penitentiary, the abandoned North Mercy Hospital, and the GIW Headquarters. 

The Zoo is located on the north side of the park and is also close to the University for research purposes.

The Observatory is also located in a more isolated area, so you can actually see the stars without a bunch of light pollution.

Going into the center of town, where most things are actually located:

A community college, which is near the internet cafe where Danny and Tucker play games, a gas station, a liquor store, a thrift shop, a Planned Parenthood, Java Jive (the coffee shop), a tech store, and a gym. 

We also have a shoe store, the hunting goods store and Guitar Palace that Skulker and Ember take over in Reign Storm, the U-Ship Box Store the Box Ghost takes over, a barber and a hardware store.

There is a hair salon, tanning salon, and nail salon, where Paulina frequents. There is also Elmer’s Pharmacy, a dentist office, a law office, the TV repair store, butcher shop, and pet store (which we see next to each other in an episode), a toy store, and a vet office.

Government buildings include City Hall, a public library, a court house, a DMV, a bus station (for all mass transit in the city), a community center (likely where town halls are located and other smaller events; Ida plays bingo here every week), and a retirement home. 

There is also the post office, Amity Park Fire Department, a bank, the 24K Jewelry shop, a nearby ice cream shop, and another Nasty Burger location (this is the one right by Casper High that the trio usually hangs at). Also an animal shelter, a grocery store, and a pizza joint.

Education: there is a preschool and daycare, the elementary school, a playground/park, the middle school (yes, a Beetlejuice reference), and Casper High. Casper High campus also has the track, a fieldhouse, and the football field. 

Moving towards Amity Park Mall:

Bucky’s Music Mega Store, an apartment complex, Amity Park Police Department, a bookstore, doctor clinic, gas station, a Denny’s (where Phight Club happens), Material Grill restaurant, the mini golf course and bowling alley, Freddy Fazbear’s (which is actually a horror video game, but here it’s a kids pizza place like Chuck E. Cheese), a furniture store, a party supply store, and the movie theater (which is Marmel’s Multiplex 22, Amity Park Multiplex, and Googolplex Cinemas...it seems that they go to the same movie theater throughout the series and the names just change, or these could also be other movie theaters in the area (like near the college campus). I just picked Multiplex 22 cause it sounded very mall-y).

Along the interstate, there’s a pawn shop, a publishing house (which somehow prints all 5 of Amity Park’s newspapers), a homeless shelter, the diner, Safe House Motel, a laundromat, the 89¢ Store (a nod to Fanning the Flames), and the car dealership.

Also near the mall is Amity Arena, which hosts concerts, sports events, and other large entertainment events. There is a hotel near both the arena and the hospital (the one that isn’t abandoned and haunted). Towards the outskirts of the hospital, there’s a trailer park; north a few blocks is the TV station, where News 4 is headquartered. There’s also a construction site near Amity Arena, but that kinda went out the window when Undergrowth hit. 

On the other side of town, we have:

A-Mart, a convenience store. I named it like this because it can be like an offshoot of KMart, but A for Amity! 

Floody Waters, right off the interstate.

North of Floody Waters, East of Casper High, we have the main residences: the Foley household and only a couple blocks away is Fenton Works. 

There’s also another gas station and the Amity Park Radio Station nearby. There’s also a private school near ultra posh Polter Heights, but the A-Listers attend Casper High because the private school doesn’t have a football or cheerleading team.

Moving into Polter Heights and the surrounding area:

The Polter Heights Golf Course and Country Club are exclusive to those in the neighborhood, as well as their private neighborhood pool; members only. 

The Mayor’s Mansion (eventually Vlad’s) is located in here too.

All of the A-Listers’ houses are of course in this neighborhood, as well as Val’s previous residence and the Fenton’s temporary mansion from Living Large (which is of course right next door to Vlad, but with some distance, because the rich are always socially distancing with their big houses).

Polter Heights is adjacent to a bunch of farmland (this is the midwest, we like cows and stuff), and there is a church close by as well.

Just outside Polter Heights is the Manson Mansion (with Sam’s greenhouse). Lucky for Sam, the Skulk and Lurk Books and an occult shop are just down the street. The Manson residence is also near a funeral home and graveyard (how did Sam get so lucky? Oh, because I love her), a synagogue, Mario’s restaurant, and a dry cleaners. 

We get more spacious as we get away from the center of town! 

Along the shore of Lake Eerie, there are the docks which are home to many warehouses, including the mattress factory.

Also along the shoreline, there is a pier which doubles as an amusement park (think kinda like Navy Pier in Chicago in comparison) and alongside the pier is the public beach area. 

Camp Skull and Crossbones is located on the other side of Lake Eerie, and the fishing area is more on the north side of the lake. Lake Eerie is not one of the Great Lakes, it’s just its own thing in Amity Park. 

Back towards the park, we have event grounds space, which is where Circus Gothica is located, as well as the Meet Swap and flea market. Basically whatever rotating event hits town, it comes right here. Just next door is a theatre (for music, opera, Broadway, etc.). There is also the third and final Nasty Burger location in AP.

This is all surrounding the actual park Amity Park, which has a pond, a big fountain, and also hosts that really big hill that overlooks City Hall.

On the south side, across the bridge and over the interstate is Elmerton, where Val currently is resided. 

All the other blocks are filled with more office buildings, apartment complexes, houses, and businesses, but all of the main places are already listed and placed. 

Finally, yes, I did name some places for myself and my friends because they’re great and they deserve it. These include Steph’s (mine) Occult Shoppe, Nick’s Liquor Emporium (@ecto-american), Lexx R Us Toystore (@lexosaurus and appropriately named after the Lexxpocalypse), Laz’s Law Offices LLC (@kinglazrus), Dee’s Dentistry (@qlinq-qhost​), Lily’s Looks Thrift Store (@dannyphantomisameme​), Ceci’s Funeral Home (@ceciliaspen​), Vic’s Amusement Park (@babypop-phantom​), and Reverie Books (@wastefulreverie​). 

[mattwinthewoods]

A North Shore Story:

There are days during the winter in Minnesota when the sun doesn’t shine.  It’s still there, but a grey haze envelopes the sky and seemingly the world, leaving one to feel as though they’re in some sort of melancholy snow-globe.  It was one of those days and I decided to drive up to the North Shore past Duluth from where I lived in the Twin Cities, hike a state park and spend the night in Grand Marais, just to get away for a little while.

I was not working, as I have always had an aversion to work. I enjoyed the thrill of being chosen and hired, but lacked the fortitude that one must have to withstand the withering numbness of tedium I would feel after weeks or months; not feeling creatively or personally fulfilled by employment that was necessity rather than for pursuit of happiness.  Besides, for the time being I was not worried for money as my beloved Uncle had left an inheritance to me after passing away just months earlier.  Not wanting to stay in town, I headed up the freeway towards some escape and adventure on an otherwise unremarkable Winter’s day.

Driving up 35, coming over the hill and looking down over Duluth and seeing Lake Superior is a sight I fell in love with the first time I saw and still evokes a sense of wonder and opportunity for me.  Soon traveling up the two lane highway of lore Highway 61, I had decided to stop at Gooseberry Falls State Park, hiked awhile slipping around on the trails, admired the work of the CCC crews and took some photos.  Getting back to my car around lunchtime, I headed farther up Hwy. 61 to a small charming town set along the shore, Beaver Bay,  which has a restaurant that I was familiar with.  

I was the only patron that particular gloomy day besides one other person in the place who soon left and I was still considering what I felt like doing for the rest of the day.  Was I going to go to another park?  There were several world-class parks not far.   Would I go get a room in Grand Marais and see what kind of interesting things there would be to be found?  Should I keep driving and go all the way to Grand Portage on the Canadian border?  As I sat there eating I wondered what I might do and that’s when the song came on, “What a Wonderful World” by Louie Armstrong.  That song, now…?

When my Uncle had been diagnosed with lung cancer, I visited him in the hospital one day and talked.  “You know my Dad doesn’t want a tombstone or grave marker?” I told him, “He said that he wants people to gather, say a couple remembrances and play a song by his favorite group,” a certain soft rock group that has a hit about a hotel out west.  “Well, I would like ‘What a Wonderful World’ played at my funeral,” he told me and grinned.  He had been a very cheerful guy and it fit him and his outlook on life.  It was one of the song included in the video montage at his service.  

Eating my lunch on that gloomy day with no sunshine outside just the grey bleakness of winter, alone in a quiet restaurant that song began to play and I felt a shudder deep within myself.  It wasn’t a pain nor was it discomfort, but a feeling of extreme isolation as though I had never been farther away, in body or spirit, from all those I had ever loved or ever cared for, even though they were literally only hours away, I had the overwhelming sensation of being alone and adrift amongst the world, a million miles from them and had the sense of urgency to see them, speak with them and tell them I loved them.  My grief of losing my Uncle Gregg, who had been a surrogate Father to my elder sisters and I, who I had counted on and taken granted all my life, who had taken me fishing and shown interest in me that a biological Father is meant to and mine had not, who I had seen expire in a hospital room months earlier, it seemed to flood in, that horrific introspective despair.  That song….   singing of the celebration of life.

“What was I doing up here?  What was I doing with my life?  Why did I continue to perpetuate a lifestyle that gave me very little happiness outside of inebriation when I would feel less malcontent?”  I should be challenging myself and I wasn’t; I hadn’t.  “I’m afraid you’re floundering,” my Mother had told me, “You’re not pushing yourself…  I see you pulling back and becoming more isolated and it’s not healthy Matthew.”  What will be my fate, Universe?  I’ve given you permission in depths of self-loathing to take me away, into the dark.  To slowly see the face in the mirror grow older before me.  What disappointment I felt in myself.  What a wonderful world….  singing of hope springing eternally.

I had grown old enough now to have experienced loss in my life; family and friends.  There is the understanding you come to realize that when someone leaves your life, whether it be in loss of life or loss of love, a hole is left within you.  A hole that cannot be filled in, not fully, by anything but time.  Though you’ll yearn and feel the sadness and longing fill your being, there is no remedy but time.  There seems to be those certain ghosts that revisit often, wanted or not.  

Those lyrics, sung with Armstrong’s signature smoky voice, played slowly and dreamily through the speakers, seeming to fill the room and myself with a stinging sadness of those things that I had passed through with age, things I would never get back, those I would never see again, all the regrets that I would find myself thinking on in the early morning hours, the aimlessness accompanying me through my frustrations.  That song….

I paid my bill and headed south down the highway towards home.  I couldn’t imagine going to Grand Marais and sitting in a hotel room all alone looking at Superior, hearing the wind rush outside the window like some sort of lonesome wail; I couldn’t do that.  Back, back to the place I’ve known and called home. To what end?

After that day, I would like to say that I raced back and expressed my love to my family, turned my life around and found happiness to quell that which inside me was in unrest, and I wish that all of that was true.  The real truth of it all is that I still am trying to find meaning in this life and trying to see the sunshine behind the clouds, that I’m still affected and striving to be better, but this was just a North Shore story.

-Matthew Wennerstrom

[therandomfics]

Three Days: 2

The sound of the shower starting drew you from your slumber and dropped you back into the bitter reality of what was happening. For a moment you were disoriented - had it really happened that way? But within a few moments, you’d rolled over and checked your phone to see the myriad of missed calls and text messages with condolences and prayer promises. 

Sonny poked his head out of the bathroom and offered you a half smile. “Good morning, beautiful. Come join me?” 

You nodded meekly and padded over to him, embracing his half clothed form. Pressing your face against his bare chest, you sighed heavily and squeezed him close to you. “We have a lot to get done today. Aunt Judy doesn’t want us wasting any time.” 

He kissed the top of your head and pulled you into the bathroom, shutting the door behind you. “Let’s take it one step at a time.” 

The halls of Mass Gen were quiet, surprisingly, for such a depressing ward. Your father’s room was midway down the hall, and the door was wide open as you approached. Your eyes fell upon your father as you saw his fragile existence, barely holding on to what was left of his life. 

“Oh Dad,” you said with a shaky sigh, closing the gap between you and placing your hand on his. “I’m so sorry, I didn’t know you were sick.” 

“He didn’t, either,” your brother promised you, hovering in the doorway. 

Sonny stood a few feet away from you, hands in his pockets awkwardly. Surely he was out of place. He dealt with murder and assault all the time, but seeing his father in law on his death bed was a new type of trauma for the seasoned detective turned lawyer. 

“What’s happened to him?” you asked, barely looking up as a nurse entered the room and checked vitals, jotting notes on the tablet that was your father’s chart. 

She sighed. “Your father’s been diagnosed with stage 4 terminal cancer.” 

“What kind?” you inquired, brushing your finger over the back of your father’s hand.

“Lung,” she explained, gesturing to the oxygen that your father was currently depending on to survive. “He came in yesterday complaining about breathing concerns and once the doctor took a closer look, we could only confirm the worst. I’m so sorry for your trouble.” The nurse nodded with a frown and left the room, leaving you alone with your thoughts at your father’s bedside. 

“I wish I would have known, I could have moved back here and taken care of you, Dad. I would have done anything. Maybe there’s still a chance, though? They’re not always right, and you’re a fighter. Maybe it’s just a misdiagnosis?” you wondered aloud, tears welling in your eyes. 

As you dabbed at your eyes with the back of your hand, you felt the air in the room change. Suddenly, there was noise that filled the room, rushing of nurses and doctors screaming for you and your family to leave the room, physically pushing you out of the way. You collided with your brother and tumbled out of the way, finding yourself in the hall with Sonny finally emerging from the room. 

Several long minutes passed as you heard the calls for “clear” and “more oxygen” from the hallway. You slumped down against the wall and sat on the floor, pulling your knees close to your chest, trying to disappear from the hospital and back to a place that wasn’t full of misery. 

“Y/N,” you heard Sonny saying, realizing the silence was back and the overbearing noise of resuscitation was gone. 

You shook your head and pushed yourself up to your feet, refusing to hear whatever awful news that Sonny was about to give you. Your brother reached out to grab your arm but you shrugged him away, marching straight into your father’s hospital room. 

It was too late. 

“I know that we have a lot to do today, but I want to make sure that you eat. Your brother was telling me about a place a few blocks down that opened up recently. Let’s go there, then we can meet up with everyone else,” Sonny was saying, washing his hair with his head tipped back and his eyes closed. 

“That’s a good idea.” You washed off the remainder of the soap on your body and then kissed his jaw. “You’re the best thing in the world to ever happen to me.” 

“Mutual,” he said with a small shrug, stepping back as you pulled the curtain to get out of the shower. 

Over a breakfast of blueberry pancakes and coffee, you mapped the day out with Sonny. After breakfast, you’d head back to your father’s home, where everyone would be waiting. His last wishes were to be buried at his family plot, with a simple service that highlighted his life’s accomplishments and how proud he was of his children and grandchildren. After coordinating and contacting the funeral home, you’d have to order flowers, plan the meal situation for the service, and make sure that you met with your father’s lawyer to confirm any final details regarding his burial. 

It was a lot, you had to admit, but knowing that Sonny was there made things seem so much more simple. 

As you sat at a window table with your husband, you couldn’t help but thank God that you’d been given the best gift in the world. In between bites he caught you staring and reached out to grasp your hand in his. “It’s gonna be alright. I’m here. We’re gonna get through this together.” 

When you walked back into your father’s house, you were immediately greeted by two rambunctious and excited little boys - your nephews. They embraced you and spoke over one another trying to get the most of your attention as possible, that is until they saw Sonny. They ran to him and jumped into his arms, hugging him and starting the process all over. Your sister in law came around the corner and folded her arms, crossly observing her children’s behavior. 

“Let them be happy. Someone needs to be,” you said, lips pulling into a frown. 

“Well, they’re my kids, so I think I get the final say in how they’re raised,” she retorted and yelled at her children to get down and go back to the living room. “They need to learn their place. They’ve been getting on my nerves all day and there isn’t a single thing for them to do in this house.” 

“Yeah. Kinda like my Dad didn’t have any young children living here, so he decorated how he saw fit.” You shrugged and brushed past her, heading into the living room where the rest of your family was stationed. 

“Sonny and I will handle food and flowers,” you announced and stood in the doorway to the living room. Sonny came to stand beside you and smiled at your family, the family that he’d only met once at the wedding. “I really appreciate you all coming together for this. Aunt Judy, I know that due to your health concerns you’d like this as orderly and speedy as possible. I respect that. So I’d like to finalize plans today. Dad will be prepared for burial by tomorrow, so I’d like to make sure that we respect each other’s time and do this together, efficiently.” 

“We’ll get with the funeral home,” your brother offered, glancing at his wife who merely shrugged. “Dad already had everything paid for and picked out, so we just need to confirm that they’ll be able to accommodate us.” 

“Great. You guys are more than welcome to stay here and visit with one another. We’re going to go ahead and get started on everything.” You felt Sonny place his hand on the small of your back and guide you closer to him, where you naturally fit under his shoulder. 

“Thank you guys for being here. I know it means a lot to Y/N and myself. I left my cell number on the fridge if you guys need anything while we’re out,” he concluded, and gently but confidently guided you from the living room and back towards the entrance to the house. 

“Are you sure you’re ready?” he asked, cupping your chin in his hand to bring your gaze back to his eyes. 

You nodded and met his eyes. “I’ve gotta get it done.” 

He leaned in and pressed his lips to yours for a long moment. “At anytime you need a break, you tell me. You don’t have to do it all.” 

“I know, thank you. Let’s get as much done as possible. I love my Dad but I’m tired of being in Boston already,” you complained and pulled away from him to leave the house. 

Flowers ordered. Check. Food to feed up to 50 people. Check. Meeting with your father’s lawyer to ensure that his final wishes were being met. Check. 

The only thing left was to get with your brother to see if he had secured a time for the services. 

On the drive back from the North Shore, you stared out the window and fought the urge to break down. Why was there never enough time to grieve? Why was it so sudden? Could you really ever honestly be prepared, even if you knew someone was going to die at a certain time? What would happen when Sonny died? What if you died first, would Sonny be okay? You wanted Sonny to die first so that he wouldn’t have to go through the suffering of losing you and living alone. Try as you might, you found yourself sniffling on the ride back home. 

“Where’d your mind take you?” Sonny asked as he turned onto the street lined with brownstones that your father had called home for so many years. 

“I don’t you to die, but I’d rather you go first so that you don’t have to live without me,” you explained and wiped the tears from your face. 

“If you go first, I’ll never get remarried,” he promised, parking the car and killing the engine. “Come inside with me. I’ll make you some tea, and we can watch Tom and Jerry. Your brother told me that you and your Dad watched it a lot together when you were little. Let’s relive some good memories, huh?” 

“Dad also used to make me grilled cheese sandwiches....” you trailed off and looked at him with a mischievous smile. 

“Alright,” he replied and opened the car door. “But only if you’re good.” 

[the-record-obituaries]

Feb. 26, 2020: Obituaries

Annie Harris, 69

Annie Lou Harris, age 69, of North Wilkesboro, passed away Thursday, February 20, 2020 at her home. She was born April 9, 1950 in Wilkes County to Grover and Margaret Whellington Gentry. Annie was a member of Denny Grove AME Zion Church, where she served as a deaconess, on the usher board; and the treasury board. Mrs. Harris graduated from East Wilkes High School and attended Wilkes Community College with a major in Early Childhood education. Annie had a passion for teaching and spent 30 years in the Woodlawn community preparing preschool children for elementary school. She felt that cultural exposure, discipline and resilience were qualities to equip children with a strong foundation. Mrs. Harris always encouraged children to learn from their mistakes and discouraged them from repeating the same mistakes. Her faith in God was her foundation for life. She was preceded in death by her parents.

Surviving are her husband, Douglas Harris of the home; daughter, Teia Weldon and spouse Dexter of Marietta, Georgia; step-daughters, Nena Gilreath Lucas and spouse Waverly of East Point, Georgia, Hope Gilreath Carter and spouse Allen of Jonesville; step-son, Douglas Harris and spouse Tysole of Ellenwood, Georgia; brothers, John Edward Gentry of Boone, David Gentry of Roaring River; sisters, Lillie Miller of Lancaster, California, Shirley Gentry of Charleston, South Carolina; nieces, DeShanta Richardson, Siah Perez and spouse Francisco, Michelle Gentry; nephews, Kirkland Gentry and Keith Gentry; great nieces, Andrea Richardson and Amiah Richardson; great nephews, Miguel Perez and Liam Perez host of loving cousins and friends.

Funeral service was February 25, at Miller Funeral Chapel with Rev. Michael Gillespie, Rev. Wayne Harris and Rev. Gene Martin officiating. Burial  followed in Mountlawn Memorial Park. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Denny Grove AME Zion Church, P.O.Box 253, Wilkesboro, NC 28697. Miller Funeral Service is in charge of the arrangements.  

  Talmo Holbrook, 84

Talmo Holbrook, age 84, of Traphill, passed away Friday, February 21, 2020 at Woltz Hospice Home in Dobson. Talmo was born October 18, 1935 in Wilkes County to Lester and Ruby Richardson Holbrook. Mr. Holbrook was a retired U.S. Army Veteran and National Guard. He was the best fiddle player in town. Talmo was preceded in death by his parents; and his wife, Rosemarie Schumann Holbrook.

Surviving are his daughters, Angela Wyatt and fiancé Scotty Church of North Wilkesboro, Jeannette Goss and spouse Rick of Traphill, Debbie Woodie of North Wilkesboro; son, Benny Holbrook and spouse Libby of North Wilkesboro; grandchildren, Brittany Luffman and spouse Austin, Brad Brown, Tyler Woodie, Brad Eller and spouse Corrina, Jon Rhodes and Traci, Ricky Goss and spouse Samantha; great grandchildren, Jaxton Luffman and Zane Luffman; brothers, Randall Whitley and spouse Ruby of Traphill, Jesse Whitley of Wilkesboro.

A private family memorial service will be held. Flowers will be accepted or memorials may be made to Woltz Hospice Home, 945 Zephyr Road, Dobson, NC 27017. Miller Funeral Service is in charge of the arrangements.  

  Elmer Pearson, 81

Elmer Delano Pearson, age 81, of Boomer, passed away Thursday, February 20, 2020 at his home. Elmer was born October 2, 1938 in Wilkes County to John Philo and Lucinda Goodwin Pearson. Mr. Pearson was a member of Mt. Caramel Baptist Church. He loved to do woodwork and had his own woodworking shop. Elmer loved bird watching, loved raising bees and using his metal detector. He was preceded in death by his parents; and brothers, Robert and Earl Pearson.

Surviving are his wife, Romilda Penley Pearson of the home; his children, Gregory Pearson and spouse Sandra, Barbara Huggins and spouse Hal, Susie Griffith and fiancé Marvin Stamper all of Boomer, Jeffrey Pearson of Mulberry; grandchildren, Stephanie Eller, Jonathan Pearson, Beth Huggins, Shannon Reed, Jessica Huggins, Ronnie Griffith, Misty Howard, Adam Griffith, Corey Ferguson, Mindy Govea, Cassie Pearson; and sixteen great grandchildren.

Memorial service was February 23,   at Miller Funeral Chapel with Rev. Jerry Key and Rev. Billy Moore officiating. Burial will be at a later date in Moravian Falls Cemetery. Memorials may be made to the American Lung Association, PO Box 27985, Raleigh, NC 27611. Miller Funeral Service is in charge of the arrangements.

 Jesse Adams, 95

Jesse "Howard" Adams, age 95, of McGrady, passed away Wednesday, February 19, 2020 at his home. Howard was born May 2, 1924 in Newhall, West Virginia to Jonah and Bertha Wagoner Adams. He was a World War II Army Veteran, where he received the Eame Service Medal with 3 Bronze Service Stars, Good Conduct Medal, World War II Victory Medal, and Distinguished Unit Badge. He was proud to serve his country. Mr. Adams was a craftsman with woodworking. He enjoyed fishing, gardening, feeding the birds and flowers. He loved his family and his dogs. Howard was preceded in death by his parents; his son, James Glenn Adams; several brothers and sisters.

Surviving are his wife, Martha Shew Adams of the home; sons, Howard Junior Adams of McGrady, Ronnie Lee Adams and spouse Traci of Crumpler; daughters, Debra Call of McGrady, Diane Holloway and spouse Ervin of Ronda; seven grandchildren; six great grandchildren; and two great great grandchildren.

Funeral service was February 22,  at Miller Funeral Chapel with Rev. Sammy Taylor and Rev. Billy Shepherd officiating. Burial with military honors by Veterans of Foreign Wars Honor Guard Post 1142  followed in Mountlawn Memorial Park. The family will receive friends at Miller Funeral Service from 6:00 until 8:00 Friday night. Flowers will be accepted. Miller Funeral Service is in charge of the arrangements.  

Roger Petty, 59

Mr. Roger Dale Petty, age 59 of Moravian Falls passed away Tuesday, February 18, 2020 at Wake Forest Baptist-Wilkes Medical Center.

A Service to Honor His Life was February 23,   at Antioch Primitive Baptist Church in Sparta with Brother Hugh Miller officiating. Mr. Petty was born June 25, 1960 in Alleghany County to Juanita Petty Irwin.  Roger was the 1995 class valedictorian in the first Paramedic Class offered at Wilkes Community College.  He started his career at Wilkes EMS and then after several years ended his career as a cardiac catheterization technician at Watauga Medical Center in Boone.  He retired from the Wilkes County Rescue Squad in December 2016 with 38 years of service.

He was preceded in death by his step-father; Eugene Phipps Irwin and a sister; Lisa Edwards.

Mr. Petty is survived by his wife; Annette Hutchens Petty of the home, three daughters; Tara Petty Shore and husband Andy of Wilkesboro, Amanda Petty of Las Vegas, NV, Taylor Petty Johnson and husband Michael of Moravian Falls and one son; Logan Petty of the home, five grandchildren; Brett Shore, Nicolas Zeildon, Isabelle Petty, Isaac Petty and Madison Johnson, one brother; Bobby Edwards and wife Denise of Browns Summit and two step-brothers and their spouses; Mark Irwin and Kate of Mouth of Wilson, VA and Phillip Irwin and Chris of Raleigh.

Flowers will be accepted or memorials may be made to Wilkes Ministry of H.O.P.E., 514 Elkin Highway, North Wilkesboro, NC 28659.

 Peggy Day, 86

Mrs. Peggy Creasman Day, age 86 of North Wilkesboro passed away Tuesday, February 18, 2020 at Wilkes Sr. Village, on what would have been her and Frank's 64th wedding anniversary.  Peggy has relocated yet once again, this time to her eternal home in heaven to be with her Lord and her childhood sweetheart.  

Funeral Services were February 22, at Reins-Sturdivant Chapel with Dr. Bert Young and Dr. Dean Simpson officiating.  Entombment was in Scenic Memorials Gardens Mausoleum.  

Mrs. Day was born April 8, 1933 in Davidson County to Roy L and Pauline Kindley Creasman. She was a member of the First Baptist Church where she was in the Euzelian Sunday School class.  

When Peggy was a teenager she worked for Belk's and Penny's on holidays and weekends.  She graduated from North Wilkesboro High School in 1952 and attended Woman's College in Greensboro (now U.N.C Greensboro) and worked as a secretary in North Wilkesboro at Wilkes Auto Sales from 1953 until 1955 and she also worked at Modern Globe.  

Having met while sledding in the eighth grade, Frank and Peggy quickly became an item; they were inseparable for nearly 60 years. She married the love of her life, Frank Day, in 1956. Peggy did everything with Frank, until he predeceased her nearly a decade ago.  After she married Frank she became a mother and homemaker. Then she went back to work at Nancy King Textiles.  

Nearly thirty years ago, Frank and Peggy Day took the empty Rose's building, once the retail hub of the Wilkesboro's, and turned it into a Victorian themed mini-mall. It was their hangout and a retirement passion after many decades of manufacturing. The Melody Square Mall became an active second hub of the downtown from its inception.  

In the wake of Frank's death, Peggy kept the Mall and her retail store going for many years. For her, the mall and the store were so much more than just a business. Frank and Peggy helped dozens of businesses get their start inside this Victorian village. Most of these new business owners, and their regular customer, became like family to them.  

Likewise, they also enjoyed seeing friends and acquaintances drop in.  It was like the venerable country store where folks came for more than merely shopping and eating.  Many pulled up on a bench to talk, or just sit and watch people go by. Others used the pleasant space to walk laps around the corridors. The mall has changed hands. And now, Peggy has moved on to sled once again with the love of her life.

She loved the Lord, her church and her family with all her heart. She loved and was loved by many friends.  

In addition to her parents she was preceded in death by her husband; Frank G. Day.

She is survived by a daughter; Melody Lynn Rasmussen and husband Gerald of Wilmington, NC and a son; Tim Day and wife Diana of Marietta, GA, four grandchildren; Davis Day, Cameron Day and wife Emily, Alexander Lee Rasmussen and wife Shaina, Nicholas Paul Rasmussen and three step-grandchildren; Joanna Toso, Grace Toso and Jared Toso.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Helping Hands Ministries, POB 5037 Statesville NC, 28687, or http://www.hhmworldmissions.com/ or to Samartians Purse, PO Box 3000, Boone, NC 28607.

Carol Kilby, 80

Mrs. Carol Brown Kilby, age 80 of North Wilkesboro passed away Tuesday, February 18, 2020 at her home.

Funeral services were February 21,   at Mtn. Valley Baptist Church with Rev. Scott Church and Rev. Glenn Dancy, III officiating.  Burial was in the church cemetery.  church.

Mrs. Kilby was born October 2, 1939 in Wilkes County to Roby Hobert and Fannie Isado Vannoy Brown.  She was a member of Mtn. Valley Baptist Church.  

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband; Maurice Kilby.

She is survived by three daughters; Sandra Lambert and husband Allen, Maurica Kilby, Gail Smith and husband Keith all of North Wilkesboro and one son; Alan Kilby and wife Terri of North Wilkesboro, eight grandchildren; Daniel Lambert, David Kilby, Sydney Culler, Grayson Hart, Jaren Smith, Braden Smith, Avery Hart and Seth Culler and four great grandchildren; Baylee Kilby, Lucas Lambert, Kailee Lambert and Jason Kilby, five sisters and one brother.

Flowers will be accepted or memorials may be made to Mount Valley Baptist Church Building Fund, c/o Bobbie Witherspoon, 1420 Cartpath Road, North Wilkesboro, NC 28659.

 Janie Greenwood, 69

Mrs. Janie Childress Greenwood, age 69 of Ronda passed away Sunday, February 16, 2020 at Woltz Hospice Home in Dobson.

Funeral services were February 20,   at Reins-Sturdivant Chapel with Pastor Bert Mathis officiating.  Burial will be in Pleasant Grove Baptist Church Cemetery.  

Mrs. Greenwood was born April 5, 1950 in Iredell County to Lee and Annie Ball Childress.  She was a member of Cherry Grove Baptist Church and she loved corvettes and she loved to travel.

In addition to her parents she was preceded in death by a brother; John Childress.

She is survived by her husband; Alan Greenwood of the home, three sisters; Barbara Sebastian of North Wilkesboro, Merlene Anderson of Cricket and Pat Royall of North Wilkesboro, five brothers; Larry Childress and wife Joyce of Taylorsville, Wayne Childress and wife Judy of Millers Creek, Bill Childress of Wilkesboro, Dennis Childress and wife Dorothy of Ronda and Kim Childress of Hays.

Flowers will be accepted.

 Paul Marley,Sr. 92

Paul Marley, 92 passed away peacefully on February 15, 2020 at his home in Wilkesboro, NC

surrounded by loved ones.  Born in West Jefferson, NC on October 9, 1927 to Coy B Marley and Virginia M Dunn Marley.

 Paul served two terms in the United States Army from May 14, 1946 until April 12, 1947.  

He was inducted near the end of World War II and was stationed at Ft. Sam Houston, Texas where he served in the Medical Corp and later was a Clerk General in the mail room.   Later he was called back to duty in January 24, 1951 for the Korean War and was stationed at Ft. Jackson, South  Carolina. His main duty was processing new recruits, many of the boys were from Wilkes County coming through the lines that later were stationed at other bases for training.

Paul worked for the North Carolina Department of Agriculture as a Poultry Inspector for 40 years before retiring.   He was a member of the Rotary Club and helped them start an annual fundraising horse shows and served as show chairman for many years.  Also, he coached the girls' softball team that the Rotary Club sponsored. He enjoyed fishing, hunting, raising Beagles with his father, music and always had a good joke or story to tell.  After retiring Paul work with Wilkes County Habitat for Humanity raising money and building homes. Also, he traveled with his daughter, Teresa to dog shows all over the United States and a large part of Canada.   Enjoyed spending winters in Florida with his son, Cecil and his wife. Once asked about his children all living so far from Wilkesboro, he answered " If I had known they would all move to great places to visit, I would have had more kids"

He is survived by his wife of 65 years Peggy (Bumgarner), his sister Charlotte Edmiston (George) of Ferguson, his daughter Teresa Marley (Charles Jones) of Indian Wells, California, his son Paul Cecil Marley, Jr (Jennifer Marley) of Palm Bay, Florida, grandson George Bynum of Hudson, NC along with nephews, nieces and countless friends.    He was preceded in death by his parents, bothers Ralph Vernon Marley and James Turner Marley, sisters Pauline Marley and Annie Marley-Funkhouser and daughter Paula Bynum.

The family would like to thank all Paul's wonderful caregivers, staff at Rose Glenn and Wake Forest Care at Home Hospice.  In lieu of flowers, the family request that memorial contributions be made to Parkinson's Foundation at www.parkinson.org, phone 800-473-4636 or  200  SE 1st Street, Suite 800, Miami, FL 33131.

Jackie Gayles, 84

Pastor Jackie Bejerano Gayles, age 84 of Wilkesboro, passed away Friday, February 14. 2020 at University Place Nursing and Rehabilitation Center in Charlotte.

Funeral services will be held 2:00 pm, Saturday, February 22, 2020 at Mt. Carmel TPC Church in Harmony, NC with Bishop Jerome Temoney officiating. Burial will be in the church Cemetery. The family will receive friends at Mt. Carmel TPC from 1:00 until 2:00 pm on Saturday prior to the service.

Mr. Gayles was born April 29, 1935 in New  York to Daisy Gayles. He was a member at Seventh Day Adventist in Wilkesboro. He was employed at Bec Car Printing as a Printer retiring after twenty five years. He loved his family and teaching the word of God. His passions were hunting and reading.

In addition to his mother he was preceded in death by a daughter Cecilia Scott and a son Kim Gayles.

He is survived by his wife JoAnn Gayles of Wilkesboro, a daughter Elena Gayles of Florida; three sons, Marc Misher and wife, April of Huntersville; Don Vito Gayles and wife, Tony of Richmond, VA; Keith Gayles of New York; twelve grandchildren and eleven great grandchildren; a sister Elena Simmons of California; and a brother, Dr. Carlos Gayles M.D. and wife Cynthia of Rochester, MI.

Flowers will be accepted or memorials to the Donor's choice.

Online condolences may be made at www.reinssturdivant.com

[newstfionline]

Headlines

Hacker gained access to 100 million Capital One credit card applications and accounts (CNN) In one of the biggest-ever data breaches, a hacker gained access to more than 100 million Capital One customers’ accounts and credit card applications earlier this year. Paige Thompson is accused of breaking into a Capital One server and gaining access to 140,000 Social Security numbers, 1 million Canadian Social Insurance numbers and 80,000 bank account numbers, in addition to an undisclosed number of people’s names, addresses, credit scores, credit limits, balances, and other information.

On Costliest U.S. Warship Ever, Navy Can’t Get Munitions on Deck (Bloomberg) Only two of 11 elevators needed to lift munitions to the deck of the U.S. Navy’s new $13 billion aircraft carrier have been installed, according to a Navy veteran who serves on a key House committee. “I don’t see an end in sight right now” to getting all the elevators working on the USS Gerald R. Ford, the costliest warship ever, Democratic Representative Elaine Luria of Virginia said in an interview. The shakedown phase has been extended to October and the vessel won’t have all the elevators installed--much less functioning--by then, according to Luria, a 20-year Navy surface warfare officer whose served on two aircraft carriers and as shore maintenance coordinator for a third. “Essentially, the ship can’t deploy,” Luria said. “It can’t carry ammunition.”

Senate fails to overturn Saudi arms sale veto (BBC) The US Senate has failed in its latest bid to block the controversial sale of $8.1bn (£6.5bn) worth of weapons to Saudi Arabia. It fell short of the two-thirds majority needed to overturn President Donald Trump’s veto, used to override resolutions passed by both chambers of Congress preventing the sale. Critics fear the weapons may be used on civilians in the Yemen conflict. Mr Trump argued that blocking the sale would weaken US global competitiveness.

Over 900 Children Separated at U.S. Border Since Policy Halted: ACLU (Reuters) The American Civil Liberties Union on Tuesday asked a federal judge to stop the Trump administration’s ongoing separation of families at the U.S.-Mexico border, saying the government had taken more than 900 children from their parents since the policy officially ended last year.

It’s official: UK broke temperature record during heat wave (AP) Britain has officially had its hottest day on record. Weather agency the Met Office says the temperature reached 38.7 C (101.7 F) at Cambridge University Botanic Garden in eastern England during last week’s heat wave. The previous U.K. record was 38.5 C (101.3 F), set in August 2003. Temperature records fell across Europe last week as a suffocating heat wave swept up from the Sahara.

Greek Lawmakers Vote to Ease Some Taxes From Bailout Era (AP) Lawmakers in Greece have approved measures to ease bailout-era taxes nearly a year after the country ended its final rescue program, but most of the taxes imposed during the crisis will remain in effect.

Blast in Pakistani city Quetta kills five: police (Reuters) Five people including two policemen were killed and 27 injured in a blast near a police station in southwestern Pakistani city of Quetta on Tuesday evening, a week after a similar blast that killed two people, police said.

Sri Lanka Gives Free Visa to Boost Tourism After Bomb Blasts (AP) Sri Lanka says it will give one-month free visa on arrival to visitors from nearly 50 countries in its latest effort to revive the island nation’s lucrative tourism industry that was badly hit by the Easter bomb attacks.

Iran to Reduce Nuclear Deal Commitments More Unless Europe Protects It: Zarif (Reuters) Iran is set to further cut its commitments to its international nuclear deal unless its European partners move to protect it from U.S. sanctions by ensuring it can sell oil and receive income, its foreign minister told state television on Wednesday.

Bangladesh Grapples With Country’s Worst Dengue Outbreak (AP) Bangladesh is facing its worst-ever dengue fever outbreak as hospitals are flooded with patients, putting a severe strain on the country’s poor emergency services.

A drug-resistant strain of malaria is making the disease ‘almost untreatable’ in southeast Asia (Washington Post) Two recent studies have found that the presence of drug-resistant strains of malaria is on the rise in southeast Asia. The research has provoked alarm among scientists who are leading the fight against one of the world’s most stubborn health problems. The disease is “getting close to being untreatable,” said Arjen Dondorp a lead author of one the studies and the head of malaria research at the Mahidol-Oxford Tropical Medicine Research Unit in Thailand.

Top diplomats gather in Bangkok for key Asia-Pacific talks (AP) Top diplomats from the Asia-Pacific region started gathering Tuesday in the Thai capital to discuss issues of concern to the area, including security on the Korean peninsula and China’s territorial claims in the South China Sea. The meetings in Bangkok are hosted by the 10-member Association of Southeast Asian Nations, chaired this year by Thailand. Thai officials say there will be 27 meetings in all through Saturday, and 31 countries and alliances will participate.

North Korea Tests More Missiles Despite Efforts at Diplomatic Solutions (Reuters) North Korea fired two short-range ballistic missiles early on Wednesday, the South Korean military said, only days after it launched two similar missiles intended to pressure South Korea and the United States to stop upcoming military drills.

White House Eyeing Chinese Forces Gathered on Hong Kong Border (Bloomberg) The White House is monitoring what a senior administration official called a congregation of Chinese forces on Hong Kong’s border. Weeks of unrest in the Chinese territory have begun to overwhelm Hong Kong’s police, who have found themselves in violent clashes with protesters. China warned Monday that the civil disorder had gone “far beyond” peaceful protest after police deployed tear gas over the weekend. The nature of the Chinese buildup wasn’t clear; the official said that units of the Chinese military or armed police had gathered at the border with Hong Kong. The official briefed reporters on condition he not be identified.

China celebrates ‘very happy lives’ in Xinjiang, after detaining 1 million Uighurs (Washington Post) The Chinese government Tuesday declared its campaign of control and repression in the majority-Muslim region of Xinjiang to be a resounding success, claiming that almost all those detained in internment camps had been released and were now “living very happy lives.” Signaling the start of a new phase in Xinjiang, officials quoted reams of figures to support their claims that life in Xinjiang had improved remarkably under 70 years of Communist rule and that the government’s “deradicalization” campaign had been effective. The government’s portrayal of the situation in Xinjiang differs sharply from firsthand accounts of life there.

China to Halt Individual Taiwan Tourism Permits for 47 Mainland Cities (Reuters) China will stop issuing individual travel permits for Taiwan to people in 47 mainland cities from Aug. 1, its culture and tourism ministry said on Wednesday, citing the state of ties with the self-ruled island, but gave no details.

Israel Approves New Homes for Settlers, Palestinians in West Bank (Reuters) Israel has approved the construction of 6,000 new homes for Jewish settlers and 700 new homes for Palestinians in an area of the occupied West Bank where it has full control, an Israeli official said on Wednesday.

Suspected Boko Haram fighters kill 65 in attack on funeral in Nigeria (Washington Post) Villagers were walking home from a funeral in northeast Nigeria this weekend when gunmen on motorbikes surrounded them in a graveyard and opened fire. The attack bearing the hallmarks of terrorist group Boko Haram left at least 65 people dead, authorities said Monday, as residents urged the military to ramp up protection in a region gripped by extremist violence.

South Africa says unemployment at highest level in a decade (AP) South Africa says unemployment has reached its highest level in a decade at 29%. It is the latest grim report for Africa’s most developed economy, which in May announced that growth had dropped by the most in a decade during the first quarter. President Cyril Ramaphosa’s administration is under public pressure to turn around the economy and clean up corruption. That dissatisfaction led to the worst election showing in 25 years for Ramaphosa’s ruling African National Congress in May.

[scotianostra]

On October 6th 1918 H.M.S. Otranto sank in Machir Bay off north western Islay after a collision in fog with another ship, HMS Kashmir.

I “posted” this earlier, but fro some reason it has gone missing! 

During a fierce storm off the west coast, the HMS Otranto, an armed merchant vessel, was involved in a collision with another ship in the same convoy, SS Kashmir.

While the tragedy was an immense loss it could have been a lot worse if it had not been for the incredible rescue of 611 men from extreme danger by a Naval commander named Lt. Frances Craven, with his crew on the destroyer, HMS Mounsey.

I usually write, or rewrite these posts as the years pass, this one is almost taken in it’s entirety from the WW100 website as I don’t believe I could do the tragic event justice. Various pics are taken from contemporary sources the colour ones are of the American Monument on the Oa Peninsula on Islay and a ceremony that placed memorials on the seabed where the boat lies......

Following the collision with the Kashmir, the Otranto was fatally damaged and was sinking. It had lost all power and was drifting helplessly in massive seas when the Mounsey arrived from Belfast on convoy escort duty.

There then followed an episode which ranks among the finest in Naval history.

Craven approached the stricken Otranto and signalled to her captain that he was coming in to help. He signalled, “I am coming alongside to take off the American troops.” The Otranto’s captain, Ernest Davidson, replied, “Steer clear, or you will lose your crew and your ship .”Craven responded, “I am coming alongside, if we go down, we go down together.”

The difficulties facing Craven and his crew were immense. His ship was considerably smaller than the Otranto. There was a grave danger that he could fatally damage the Mounsey by colliding with the Otranto. The waves were massive, some estimates had the height at between 12 and 15 metres.

Craven brought his ship alongside the Otranto. As the waves raised his smaller ship, almost to the level of the deck on the Otranto, the US troops were to jump for their lives. This was easier said than done. Most of the US troops on board the Otranto were from inland Georgia. For many of the men aboard the Otranto, the first time they had seen the sea, was when the Otranto had left New York six days before. They had to time their jump from a heaving deck onto the deck of a ship that was sometimes almost level and at other times was 15 metres below them. Sadly, many men did not make it.

A number fell between the two ships and were drowned with some being crushed. Others succeeded in reaching the deck of the Mounsey only to be immediately washed back into the sea by giant waves. Others were seriously injured as they fell, breaking legs or other bones. One unfortunate mis-timed his jump and fell to his death down one of Mounsey’s funnels. The crew of the Mounsey did what they could in appalling circumstances to get the successful jumpers below decks. The Mounsey was in danger of becoming top-heavy with all these men on the deck. Many of the survivors were in a state of shock and were reluctant to go below. Eventually they were ordered below deck at gunpoint

The Otranto’s British crew were marginally more successful at timing their jumps as were most of the crew of a French trawler who had been rammed by the Otranto a couple of nights earlier. The captain of the trawler had a large faithful dog which had been rescued from the trawler with the crew. The trawler captain fell into the sea between the boats and his dog jumped into the sea with him. Both were killed.

Craven made two successful passes alongside the Otranto. The port side of the destroyer had become crumpled by frequent contact with the Otranto. Water was pouring in and the Mounsey’s crew were seriously worried that their ship would founder. Reluctantly Craven left the Otranto and set sail for Belfast. His seamanship during the rescue had been outstanding. His seamanship to get his badly damaged, overloaded and leaking ship to Belfast in huge angry seas was something else. All the time he was on the bridge, Craven stayed calm and looked as though he was relishing the challenge. He met another destroyer on the way and asked them to warn Belfast that he was on his way with many badly injured men. His own radio mast had been a casualty of the rescue. The rescued men on the Mounsey then endured several hours of unremitting misery as they sat up to their knees in seawater. They were awash with vomit from seasickness. Traumatised, cold and terrified, it was only after the Mounsey finally reached Belfast and they were helped onshore and given food and warm dry clothing that they finally began to feel their ordeal was over. Sadly, twelve men were to die in Belfast from their injuries. The Mounsey needed such massive repairs that it did not go out on active service again.

Those left onboard the Otranto knew they were doomed. Within 30 minutes of the Mounsey’s departure the Otranto grounded on ‘Old Woman’s Reef’ about 400 metres off the entrance to Machir Bay. At once the ship began to break up. The order was given, ‘Every man for himself’.

Watching all this were a few local people onshore. More help was sent for and farmers and fishermen from Portnahaven, Port Wemyss and Kilchiaran arrived on the scene. Unfortunately there was very little they could do. Of the roughly 490 men who had been left behind on the Otranto only 21 survived. Sadly, two were to die later.

The report of the disaster written by Police Sgt MacNeill a month later spelt out the bravery of Islay people who were the first on the scene. At some considerable risk to themselves men waded out into the wild sea and helped survivors ashore. David McTaggart, a farmer from Kilchiaran, was joined by Donald McLachlan, a ploughman from Machrie. Together they managed to rescue three men from the waves. Two brothers, John and Donald McPhee from Kilchoman, dashed into the surf to pull out injured and drowning American soldiers. Two soldiers from Port Charlotte, home on leave, Pte Archibald Torrie and Pte Donald McIndeor, bravely jumped across a gully to save an American who had been washed up onto a rock by a huge wave. The handful who survived the catastrophe were taken into the homes of Kilchoman and Kilchiaran people where they were fed, clothed and revived. All attention was now devoted to recovering the bodies – a very difficult task given the amount of wreckage about on the shore and in the gullies.

  The Funerals Begin

By the 11th October, 230 bodies had been gathered. Kilchoman Parish Church and graveyard was used to store them. Coffins were made in batches at Bruichladdich Distillery and sent to Kilchoman. Islay men scoured the coastline going through tons of wreckage looking for bodies. Sgt MacNeill was called upon again to identify the bodies. He also was the point of contact for the many anguished relatives of the victims, desperate for news of the last hours of their loved ones.

The number of dead

Establishing exactly how many died on the Otranto is not straightforward. Spanish flu was reported to have taken some of those on board before the collision. In addition, the exact number of men on board is unclear with different authorities giving different figures. In his excellent book of the sinking, Professor Scott came to a figure of 470 for total loss of life. This included 106 British Crew and 6 French fishermen who had been picked up earlier in the voyage when their ship had sunk. Many bodies were never recovered.

“As other bodies were found, they, too, were brought to the churchyard, examined, and taken to the growing cemetery for burial. Reverend Grant officiated at all of the funerals, sometimes conducting services for six or eight, then three of four, and later for only one at a time, until –– in the end –– 315 American soldiers had found a resting place in the rocky soil of Islay.”https://ww100islay.com/otranto/

[wutbju]

Robert "Bob" Charles Deam, 97, entered into the presence of the Lord on July 17, 2022.

He was born Dec. 17, 1924, in Chicago, to the late Henry and Lois (Alford) Deam.

"Faith is the Victory" was his favorite hymn and his favorite scripture was Proverbs 3:5-6.

Services celebrating his life will be at 6:30 p.m. on Saturday, Aug. 6, at the Watervliet Free Methodist Church. The visitation will be held from 4:30-6:30 p.m. on Friday, Aug. 5, at the Fairplain Chapel of Florin Funeral Service in Benton Township. Military rites will be at 4:30 p.m. on Friday at the Fairplain Chapel. He will be laid to rest beside his wife in North Shore Memory Gardens.

Please share messages or memories at www.florin.net, or cards may be sent to Deb at 5471 Regent Place, Sarasota, FL 34233.

Bob joined the U.S. Army in 1943, and served in World War II until 1946.

He moved to St. Joseph in 1949 and married Joan Tillman on Oct. 4, 1953. He and Joan attended and graduated from Bob Jones University in Greenville, S.C.

He was a mechanical engineering draftsman and spent his career working for VM Corp., Whirlpool and Benton Harbor Malleable. Following his last 20 years with Auto Specialties, Bob retired in 1988.

For many years, he and Joan performed comic readings and skits at parties, church banquets and other special occasions. He owned many classic cars over the years and was a member of the Southwest Michigan Car Collectors Club.

Bob was very active in Youth for Christ rallies in his earlier years, as well as helping to build their Quiz Boxes following his retirement. He then served at Grace Christian School, Child Evangelism Fellowship and Forgotten Man Ministries. He was a member of Bethel Baptist Church in South Haven, where he served as a deacon. He also led congregational singing for many years. He and Joan were more recently members of Watervliet Free Methodist Church until they moved to an ALF, Inspired Living, in Lakewood Ranch, Fla., to be closer to their daughter, Deb.

When Joan passed away in March of 2019, Bob moved in with Deb to the community of Camelot Lakes, Sarasota, Fla. He used to ride his Hoveround scooter to the clubhouse to play pool with the guys and he became quite the pool shark. They called him "Good Shot Bob."

In addition to his parents; Bob is predeceased by his wife, Joan, in 2019; and his only brother, Don, of Watervliet.

Left to cherish his memory is his daughter, Deb Deam, who took such loving care of him over the years. Also surviving is a sister-in-law, Rose (Bob) Tillman; nieces and nephews: Donna (Mike) and Ashlee Langston, Denise (Chuck) Morgan, Kathy (David) Bauer, Kim (Ron) Hoover, Don Jr., (Jeannie) Deam, Dennis Tillman, Randy Tillman and Wayne (Lynn) Tillman.

[fanesavin]

A member of the council is caught unawares and the time of the accusation draws nearer.

[ Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 (x) | (x) Part 4 | Part 5 | Part 6 (x) (x) | Part 7 | Part 8  (x) | Part 9 (x) |Part 10 | Part 11 (x) (x) | Part 12 (x) | Part 13 (x) (x) | Part 14 (x) (x) | Part 15 | Part 16 | Part 17 | Part 18 ]

@bumblingbrujo​ @mayaparker​ @faye-andrews​ @xxtuaharjunaxx​ @ianncardero

Once some of the others had left, Maya downed her entire mug before turning to Annabella to ask for another one. She hoped that soon they would have a new High Raj and that Lord Savin would have the guilty party in chains. Perhaps that would bring at least some temporary peace. Her shoulders sagged, the exhaustion caused by her however inadequate attempts at peacemaking showing just for a half a second before she remembered she was not alone. She straightened her back again and looked to Miguel. “So your brother is king?” she asked.

“Uh, don’t remind me.” Miguel asked for an ale, something heavy and alcoholic. He didn’t want to waste his flask of mead. He just needed to get through this terrible day. And then things would be better. Maybe. There were too many arguing nobles for his tastes. He preferred the sea, or the snow. Though the idea of the North was starting to make him sick. Or maybe that was drinking on top of a hangover.

“I understand,” Tuah nodded once more, not wanting to push the Advisor to give up anything that he wasn’t privy to. He watched as both Lord Pettaline and the Queen exited the room together, before turning his attention towards the Advisor. He watched in amusement of how fast she downed the content of her mug, biting back the comment that was at the tip of his tongue. His gaze focused on the youngest Cardero, who seemed to contend the Advisor on who would get drunk first. “My condolences on the late king’s passing, Lord Cardero.” Tuah dipped his head slightly by way of greeting the other.

Maya found the younger Lord Cardero’s tone interesting, considering what Tuah said was true as well. Iann wouldn’t be king if not for their father’s passing. “Will you both have to return soon for your father’s funeral?” she asked, “I thought I heard your brother mention a return to the Forty Isles?”

Miguel looked up at the tall beautiful man and realized he was allied to the Forty-Isles, but he wasn’t sure of how much loyalty he had for the throne, or for either of the princes. Since Miguel hadn’t spent much time with him, he assumed that he was in Iann’s pocket. “Ah, thank you. Tuah, right?” Tuah who broke his honor for morality’s sake. Miguel didn’t deserve his attention. Tuah had kindness and devotion in his bones, while Miguel only wore the masks. “Yes, Iann plans to leave as soon as the next meeting is over. I will be returning with him.”

Tuah nodded, not bothering to correct Miguel of his title, nor did he care to. His demeanour towards the young Cardero was different from the way he presented himself to Iann, now King of the Forty Isles. Gentler, one could say, even if he was still wary of him, or being among other nobles, given his history. “I’m sure there’s much to be done over at the Forty Isles once this is over, and King Cardero would wish to handle it as swiftly as possible.” He pressed his lips together into a thin line, not wanting to think about the effects it would have on his land once the new king was coronated officially. Instead, he turned his attention towards the young Cardero. “I don’t think I’ve thanked you for the service you provided in uncovering the truth about the murder of the late High Raj. You too, Advisor.” Tuah turned his attention towards the other, a nod to her as well.

Maya nodded when Miguel confirmed that he and Iann would be leaving as soon as the next meeting had completed. They must expect to both be allowed to leave in that case. She shook her head though as Tuah attempted to thank her as well for her part in the investigation. “I’m not sure how useful I’ve truly been. I’ve probably caused the High Inquisitor more trouble than I’ve been useful,” she replied and accepted her new mug from Annabella, “And please, just call me Maya. I haven’t much use for a title.”

“Right,” he agreed with Tuah. “There will be much to do. But I’m sure both Iann and I will remember your shores fondly as we make those changes. We are all aching for peace, Lord Arjuna.” Miguel settled a little more into a friendly mask as Annabella came back with a new mug for him as well. He nodded in return. “Of course, it was the least I could do after the treachery that killed the High Raj…”

He looked back to Maya (aka the Plucky One) and wondered if Iann had offered her marriage or a place on his ships yet. Maybe not, he wouldn’t want to upset Lord Savin. “You were invaluable today, not to mention your help apprehending those Kesleys.”

Ssssnek was agitated. The loud sounds from the hall - raised voices and screeching chairs and banging flagons and fists - had woken it from where it was curled tightly underneath the great round table. It’s long, thin body fitting nicely in a crevice where two pieces of the ornate wood were fitted together. There was less noise now, but it was already halfway from it’s hiding spot, watching the movement of something warm nearby. Perhaps it could pass uninterrupted, back into the room of banners where it had hid earlier, before someone else had disturbed it. Tongue flicking in it’s agitation, it lowered itself onto the stone floor, and slipped forwards bit by bit.

Maya laughed, “I don’t know about today. But I will take credit for hitting one of the Lords Kelsey with a frying pan. That was a good shot.”

Ssssnek drew back, body tensing as the warmth moved suddenly. More sound from above. Perhaps it would not make it by. Perhaps it should give the agitator a warning.

Tuah nodded at Maya’s request. “In private, perhaps. But you should still be addressed as such so others will not dismiss you so quickly.” He waved his hand in the air, generally pointing at where Lord Pettaline had stood. He murmured in agreement at Lord Cardero’s words, though he couldn’t help but comment, “not all of us, it seems. Whoever is behind the murder of the High Raj clearly wants the exact opposite.” Tuah tried to keep his face neutral, though amusement clearly twinkled in his eyes as both Maya and Lord Cardero regaled the story. “Pans. Unsuspecting weapon from an unsuspecting wielder,” he mused, his lips finally curled into a small smile.

Maya couldn’t deny that Tuah was right on that point. With any luck though they would all soon be on their way back to their own lands. Clearly nothing good came out of all these nobles being in the same room. “Well, if we’re lucky they want their own version of peace. One with them as High Raj,” she said. It would be better at least than someone who wanted to plunge the realm back into war. Laughing again, she adjusted how she was sitting, crossing her legs under the table. “It’s not such an unsuspecting weapon in the rooms I’m usually in,” she joked.

Miguel frowned and drank his ale. Tuah was right after all. Whomever was behind the murder… obviously didn’t want the truth to be revealed, and by extension, neither did Miguel. He couldn’t say that though. “I find it’s hard to have desires in these times. Beyond peace. Beyond making it through the day.”

As the subject of the serpent’s attention moved again, this time in a way that had the snake fearing it was about to be stomped upon, it had had enough. It tensed it’s body and struck, fast as lightning. It’s fangs hit leather, piercing just enough to hit the skin beneath before it pulled back into a tight coil, ready to strike again if warranted. But the serpent was also cold, and had not fed in a long time. Combined with being milked of much of it’s venom previously, the bite was far less brutal than it might have once been. Enough that death was… not certain.

Maya cursed loudly. She jumped up from the table as well in a display of the most emotion either man had probably ever seen from her. The edges of her vision started to blur while her toes started to tingle. She dropped back into the chair like an anchor. “I’ think I spoke too soon about being lucky,” she managed to say, shaking her head and trying to focus.

Ssssnek struck again at the sudden, violent shifting of it’s aggressor. This time it missed, but the hiss of warning was audible.

Maya’s words didn’t bring peace to his mind. He couldn’t fathom what it would entail if whoever was behind the killing wanted their own version of peace. Tyranny, perhaps. Instilling fear among those who were weak enough to submit willingly and breaking the spirits of those willing to overthrow them until they were left broken and unmended. He had seen it happening too many times when Alexander’s House lorded over his, not wanting to repeat the cruel past once more. “One can only hope that you’re right. Lord Cardero.” He gave the other a small smile, wanting more than anything else for it to be true. Tuah stood quickly when Maya cursed, his hand ready to catch her and guided her to her chair. His confidante moved in swiftly, sword ready in hand, and quickly cut the snake into two. He then turned to Tuah. “Are you alright, your Majesty?” Tuah dismissed his concern with a wave of his hand, focusing on Maya. “Somebody get help,” he barked the order to the servants nearby, which scurried away trying to do as ordered.

Fane had needed a chance to step away for a little while. Needing to gather his thoughts in his present state of restlessness, his walk had done little to ease the present worry that weighed heavy on his mind and he pressed a hand to his head as he felt the precursor to another migraine coming on. He’d been about to sit down when a familiar cry for help went up, a wash of adrenaline shot through him his hand on the hilt of his blade as he took up a sprint towards whatever was going on. “Tuah?” his voice carried ahead of him, and when he arrived to see the scene unfolding his eyes widened as he moved over to where Tuah was supporting Maya’s weight and moving her to a chair. His eyes flickered to the snake but it seemed Tuah’s confidante had that particular situation in hand, “gods.”

Tuah couldn’t help but feel relieved when a familiar face approached them. “Lord Inquisitor,” he greeted Fane briefly, “the Advisor’s been bitten. You don’t happen to carry a cure, would you?”

Miguel started moving without thinking. He knelt by Maya’s leg, pulled off her left boot, ripped the hem off his coat, and used it to wrap around her calf tightly, cutting off circulation. Too many people had died. He was tired of it. There was no doubt in his mind the snake was venomous, that was just their luck. This castle was a tomb, all who entered it were already cursed.

Fane eyes lit angrily at the well-meaning question posed by his friend unfortunately recent circumstances had left his typical patience considerably frayed “because I carry antivenom on me everywhere I go…” Thankfully Miguel was moving in and for now his concern was on Maya’s well-being. “What do you need for her?”

Maya shook her head. She was not okay. She could feel it. Around her there was lot of motion. A servant, a flash of steel, someone tying her leg, Lord Savin entering the room. “At least it’s a different snake, seeing as I’m not already dead,” she said in a not convincing attempt at levity. Both her leg and her vision were getting worse. “What snakes did.ummm…to…um…” focusing was becoming difficult, “For the venom and…”

Ssssnek died in a spasm of blood and foul-smelling feces… it’s already glazed eyes staring sightlessly out at the chaos.

Miguel glanced up at Fane. “She may have to lose the leg. For now we keep that tight and see how she reacts. Give her water, lots of it. Hey body will try to process the venom, and she will need to be hydrated for that to happen.” The ale probably wasn’t helping. “Keep her upright. Gravity will help.”

“Thought I’d ask,” Tuah quipped, brushing off the irate reply with ease of familiarity. “No, you’re not. But you’ll be in a worse situation if we don’t do something about it.” Seeing that Miguel had taken care of the source of the bite, he moved to check Maya’s pulse, placing his index and middle finger on her wrist and examined Maya’s eyes, worrying when her gaze was unfocused. “I don’t think that’s necessary,” he interjected, “though we do need to get you an antivenom as fast as possible.”

Faye had heard the commotion on her way back from her own walk to clear her head. She frowned, and when she entered the Great Hall, the commotion gave her pause. It took a moment, but once she realized what had happened… “Gods above…” Faye said to herself, moving towards the crowd. She startled at the dead serpent lying in a pool of it’s own fluids, but quickly regained her composure. “Is she bit?”

“Faye!” She would know what to do. Miguel had no cures, only preventatives. “Yes. The venom has been slowed, but we need your help.”

Fane momentarily forgot about wars and peace and everything else. Still, he barked at a nearby servant for water and whatever else was necessary. Then he moved over to help support Maya, pushing her hair back out of her face. “You’re going to be fine,” he had no clue if it was the truth but as Faye arrived he felt a little better about the situation. “Help her…” no order to his tone just a plea for help.

Maya tried her best to shake her head when Miguel said she might have to lose a leg. “No, I want my leg,” she said in a breathless voice. Her limbs felt heavy, especially the bitten leg. It was too late anyway if her vision was blurring and her breath coming mostly in gasps. Cutting of her leg wouldn’t save her now. She turned enough to gave Fane as he brushed her hair out of her face. “Because I’m pretty?” she asked when he told her that she was going to be fine. It made sense. In the moment.

“I…” Faye swallowed, before coming over to see what had happened. She wasn’t sure she could do anything other than what had already been done. The snake was, at least, one of the lesser venomous serpents she’d read of. She turned back to Maya after a glance at Miguel and Fane. “Tell me what you’re feeling… and try your best to breathe slowly…”

Tuah looked up, nodding his greetings towards Lady Lacroy. He took a step back and let her examined Maya, though when she seemed to have no inclination as to how to treat Maya either, Tuah couldn’t help but clenched his jaw tightly, moving to grab the servant before they scurried away. “Fetch me a healer. Now,” he demanded, the servant stammering a reply and a nod of their head, before letting them go on their way. He then turned his attention briefly to Hassan, muttering his thanks to his confidante before focusing on Maya.

“Bring as much theriac as they have!” Faye called to the servant as they ran off. Whether the healer would have it was a chance they’d have to take.

Maya did her best to focus on what Faye asked of her. She reached for the arm of the chair, but ended up gripping Fane’s arm instead. “Well the breathing, and I’m having trouble with the seeing. And well,” she tried to move her bitten leg. Her brow furrowed as she tried to demand it move with no success. “That leg won’t move and, ummmmmm…” She tried the other one to similar results. “Neither will that one.” Someone set a mug in front of her and she gave them a grateful nod. With much difficulty and a tingling in her arm, she managed to pick up the mug.

“How long has it been since she was bitten?” Faye asked Miguel. “And how many times?”

“Once,” Miguel said. “2 minutes ago maybe.” He reached out a hand to feel Maya’s pulse. It was still strong.

Faye closed her eyes tightly, not sure why she was the one sitting here trying to save this girl’s life. “Alright… thank you…” she told Miguel, trying to think of what else they could do. “This isn’t the serpent that’s venom was on the crown. You’d be dead.” Faye figured Maya already knew that, but said it anyway. “I read that… some venom can paralyze and confuse… make it hard to breathe… but… if you stay calm… it could pass….”

Tuah shifted his look between Maya and the door, tapping his finger on his thigh impatiently. When the servant opened the door bringing the healer, an old man with long beard and a walking stick to help him walk (by the Gods, no wonder it took them so long), Tuah couldn’t help but strode forward and grabbed hold of the old man, almost dragging him towards the small gathering crowd. “She’s bitten by a snake.” He motioned towards the dead snake that was cut in half on the floor, “not too long ago. We don’t think it’s the same one as one that bit the High Raj, so she’s safe for now.” There was a look of horror on the poor healer’s face, but he nodded his head and slowly placed his satchel on the table, his shaking hand slowly taking out the vials he had packed.

When the healer came in, Faye gave Maya an encouraging nod and stepped back, careful not to tread on the dead serpent. She clasped her hands in front of her and watched the grizzled man slowly set out vials before turning to speak softly to Maya.

Fane hovered near Maya’s side, and her comment to him earned a faint ghost of a smile but it was tight and otherwise undermined by his apparent concern. The healer arrived and Fane lingered nearby hoping that he might be able to do something to help her.

The healer had Maya drink a few vials of something that was supposed to help calm her, plus another that was supposed to neutralize what venom was in the bloodstream. Syill another was supposed to help her breathe better. Faye stepped over to where Fane stood watching and chanced to lay a hand on his arm.

Maya fixed Faye with the best approximation a look that she could give at the moment. “I’d love to stay calm, but I can’t feel either of my legs,” she said. But her breathing had slowed a little bit. The drink was helping. She did her best to look at the healer as he asked her the same question Faye had. She answered as best she could. When he handed her things to drink, she did so. It couldn’t really make anything worse at this point. “If I die by the way, I’m haunting everyone in this castle,” she said, voice soft but less breathless.

While Maya was being seen too, Annabella, one of the servants who she had grown relatively close to, tugged on Miguel’s arm. Annabella didn’t see a better way to get his attention with all the commotion. “Please milord, there must be something more we can do for her,” she pleaded.

“Try not to talk, child,” the healer said as he sent for stretcher to transport Maya to her room.

“You won’t die…” Faye said, her voice wavering. “You’re too stubborn.” But Faye didn’t know that for sure.

Tuah watched as the healer administered… whatever it was in the vials, into Maya, absentmindedly following Lady Lacroy’s movement through the corner of his eyes before focusing on Maya. he couldn’t help but huffed at the woman’s comment, shaking his head slightly. “What are you going to do? Hitting unsuspecting nobles with a ghost pan with your haunting?” his said in his most deadpanned voice.

Fane’s eyes remained fixed on Maya. Even as Faye moved to his side and touched his arm the tension remained in his form. He didn’t speak for he had nothing to say that he felt might help the situation at hand.

Maya laughed weakly, “I knew my mouth was going to get me into trouble one of these days.” Another attempt at a laugh had her coughing. She took another sip of her drink before saying, “You do have a good point Lady Lacroy, but so does Lord Arjuna, so I think I’m going to have to weigh my options on that one.” She dissolved into a coughing fit. “I’m done, I’m done,” she tried to wave a hand at the healer who was no doubt annoyed with her for continuing to speak and so much too.

Faye could only give Maya a look that was part worry, part exasperation. “You need your rest… we’ll talk about the other things when you’re better, hm?”

Iann returned to see everyone gathered in a cluster of what seemed to be concern. “Is everything alright?” he asked, slightly alarmed by the atmosphere in the Chamber.

Whatever the healer had given her was probably starting to settle in. Just like her limbs, Maya’s eyes were starting to get heavy. “I got bit by a sneeeeeeeeeek,” she answered Iann before attempting to laugh at her pronunciation of snake.

Iann looked at the Advisor, then up at the others. “A snakebite, in the Castle?!” he said in horror. “Is…she going to be alright? She sounds terrible.”

“The snake is not the same one that we suspect was used to murder the Raj. It’s bite was… not a full dose, from what I can tell.” This was said to the Prince. “It was that one there.” Faye pointed to the dead snake on the floor.

Iann raised an eyebrow at the young girl. “So…is this more like heavy wine drinking? Or smoking spiceleaf from the Auldshire?”

Maya frowned, not entirely understanding the question at the moment. “I can’t move my legs and my arms aren’t entirely cooperating either,” she said. She managed to lift her wrist to point at Faye, “But she says I’m not allowed to die, so I guess I’m going to be fine.”

 “Poor little thing. A snake, of all things.” Iann stared at the creature, baffled by its existence in the Castle. “So your mind is sound then, it’s merely difficulty with your limbs?”

“A bit more than that, Your Grace,” the healer warbled in his creaky, aged voice. “But if the bite was weak enough… there will be only a few negative side effects. If she can remain breathing… she should recover quite well…”

“If she can remain breathing…” That didn’t sound ominous, if strangely amusing, since at least the Advisor didn’t seem worried. “We shall keep her away from all pillows, cushions, and wax seals then.”

The Healer peered at Maya again, pulling down her eyelids to check the pinkness of her conjunctiva. “Eh, the eh… paralysis of the limbs is often eh… followed by the paralysis of the eh… lungs. Hence…” He gestured towards Maya. “… breathing.”

Maya was forgetting something. she knew she was forgetting something. Something she needed to tell Lord Savin about. “Fane, Fane,” she said, trying to wave him over although it wasn’t a particularly successful gesture and he was already standing fairly close. She tried to flinch away as the Healer jabbed at her eyelids.

“Careful, healer. She isn’t one of your corpses you enjoy poking and prodding,” Iann warned the man. He looked around for the Inquisitor, since Maya seemed to suddenly need him. That she called him ‘Fane’ was certainly telling, in another way.

The healer nodded. “Of course eh… Your Grace…”

Fane had been standing by Faye, quiet in the shadows from which his observed. Yet, as Maya spoke his name he broke away and moved closer. “Aye?” the drawl of his accent was a touch thicker in his concern for the young woman, less thought given to allowing others to understand him.

Maya tried to remember what she had wanted to tell him. It had seemed important at the time, but had slipped out of her mind like smoke. The Healer’s drugs were at least remarkable in their strength. For a long moment, she just tried to think, brow furrowed, but almost in a child’s recreation of intense concentration. “I forgot,” she said before her face lit up, “Something about that wild man from the North. It doesn’t have anything to do with the investigation, but I seem to be the bearer of bad news for you of late. I just…can’t remember what it was.”

Fane shifted to one knee so that he was of more of a height to Maya rather than standing over her. Her mention of a wild man from the North earned a slight cock of his head only one name coming to mind fitting such a description. “Lord Balcaster?” But her claim to it being unrelated to the investigation before claiming to being the bearer of bad news caused Fane to muster a faint smile. “Then I think it can wait, hm? Though I don’t think having you sat here is a good idea… Perhaps you should be taken up to your chambers? I fear rest is the best thing for you presently.”

Maya nodded. He was probably right. Sitting here, unable to remember half the day at the present moment, wasn’t going to do anyone any good. She made a valiant effort to stand on her own two feet, but still couldn’t get her legs to work. Although dulled by the healer’s vials and draughts, she feared that she had lost use of them permanently. “That’s probably a good idea. But I still can’t feel my legs,” she informed him as if he couldn’t tell.

The healer reached for Maya, patting her arm. “Don’t exert yourself, child. The feeling is temporary. Unless… well.” He gestured vaguely, but tried to give her a smile. “If the Lord is satisfied, we’ll see the lady to um… her chambers?” He turned to Fane as he spoke.

Maya did her best to sit up. “Woah, hold up, temporary unless what?” she asked.

“Well…” the healer said, “Unless you succumb to the eh… venom. Which… doesn’t seem likely. But we should still be cautious.”

Fane gave a small nod in answer to the healer’s question about taking Maya up figuring they would take a stretcher. “Would you stay with her? I’d feel better knowing she was being monitored.”

The healer nodded. “Of course, my lord. I will have someone with her at all times.”

“So is he gonna carry me or…?” Maya asked, having not yet noticed the stretcher if it had arrived.

“I think the stretcher will suffice,” Fane commented with a small huff at Maya’s addled state, “now let’s get you on it.” With the help of a few guards they managed to get Maya lifted from the chair onto the stretcher so that she might be carried up to the chambers.

Maya allowed herself to be moved onto the stretcher although she wasn’t happy about it. For most of her life she had taken care of herself. And now thanks to one small creature, she literally couldn’t stand on her own two feet. Still she gave the few gathered a thumbs up as they carried her off. “When you tell everyone, tell them I was a jester until the end,” she said. Once they were out of the room, she turned to the healer and said in tone that brokered no disagreement, “Yeah, you can go. You’re not staying with me.” The healer looked as though he would protest then bowed his head and left. As the servants carried her up the stairs to her room, Maya fell peacefully and soundly asleep.

[blessedfuneral]

How to Arrange Funeral Services

If you're planning to organize a funeral service for a loved one, you'll need to know the cost of the goods and services. You'll also need to pay for services, which are typically listed on a Statement of Goods and Services (SGS). The funeral home will also pay for cemetery charges, honoraria, obituary listings, and certified copies of death certificates. The next step is to prepare the body for placement.

Visitation

While attending a visitation during a funeral service in Hills District may be nerve-racking, the members of the immediate family are grateful for your support. Your presence is an expression of concern for the family and respect for the deceased. The funeral home staff can answer any questions and offer guidance, as well as explain the funeral etiquette for visitors. Here are some general rules to keep in mind. To begin, always be respectful of the surroundings.

While the concept of visiting the deceased is relatively modern, it predates the introduction of the profession of morticians, undertakers, and funeral directors. In ancient times, people held vigils for the dead, perhaps in an attempt to appease the gods. Some of these traditions were rooted in superstitions about death, corpses, and evil spirits. Nowadays, visitations take place at the funeral home or other locations where family members can visit their loved one.

Graveside service

A graveside service is a ceremony held at a cemetery or memorial garden. There are several differences between a traditional funeral service and a graveside service. A graveside service is less formal and more intimate. The deceased's wishes may be honored with a small ceremony. It is also appropriate to hold a eulogy. A eulogy is a short speech delivered by a close family member in honor of the deceased's legacy. These speeches can be prepared in advance.

A graveside service is typically short and simple, and does not include much decor or food. In some instances, the family will lay a special wreath on the casket. Sometimes, the graveside service will include a eulogy. Some graveside services may end with a reception, which adds to the costs. Whether a graveside service is appropriate for a deceased's wishes depends on the circumstances.

Traditional funeral

Traditionally, funeral services include a visitation, funeral ceremony, and memorial service. While these elements are commonly included, families can choose to have one or several visitations, or combine a funeral ceremony and committal service. Whether you choose to have a funeral service or a memorial service, there are many ways to customize the funeral service to reflect your loved one's wishes. Traditional funeral services can also be arranged to include a religious service if the deceased person adhered to a particular faith.

A traditional funeral service typically features readings from the Bible, scriptures, and a homily delivered by a priest. These readings are a form of religious service in which a priest explains their meaning and relates them to the deceased person. The funeral service leader will also likely have close family members or friends read scripture and offer prayers. The ceremony will usually conclude with a eulogy, which is a short speech written by a family member or friend about the life of the deceased.

Direct burial

There are several benefits to choosing a direct burial funeral service for a loved one. This type of burial is much less formal than a traditional funeral, and you can choose the time, location, and format of the memorial service. Regardless of whether you want a simple service or an elaborate one, you'll likely work with the cemetery and funeral home you've chosen to arrange the service. In either case, you'll have more time to plan the funeral of your loved one.

A direct burial service is also significantly less expensive than a traditional funeral service. In contrast to a traditional funeral service, a direct burial involves the removal of the body from the place of death and placing it in a casket at a facility. This option does not require embalming, which is only an optional service. After all the necessary documents have been filed, the body is transported to the cemetery. Afterward, the surviving family can arrange a memorial service for the deceased, or a small funeral service after the burial.

Celebration of life

In many cases, a celebration of life at a funeral service can be the best way to pay tribute to the deceased. Unlike a traditional funeral, a celebration of life doesn't have to conform to social conventions or formalities. The focus is on the person who passed away, his or her family and friends, and their connections with each other. Guests can express their gratitude and share fond memories. In this type of celebration, people can break traditions and make mistakes, such as giving a flower or misbehaving.

You can use your loved one's favorite songs to create an emotional atmosphere. Consider hiring a local musician to perform a special selection for the event, or putting together a playlist with favorite songs. You can also include food that he or she liked to prepare. A potluck is an excellent way to honor this life. Or, if you have no food-related skills, hire a local chef to cater the event.

[listener-blue]

Guidance: Contains images some may find distressing. 

 It is the whisky-making Scottish island, world famous for its peaty single malts and warm hospitality.

But the isle of Islay, in the Inner Hebrides, is now being recognised for an almost forgotten example of huge courage and humanity.

A hundred years ago, Islay was on the frontline in the battle at sea during World War One.The island coped with mass casualties from two major troopship disasters just eight months apart.

Between them, the sinkings of the SS Tuscania in February and HMS Otranto in October, claimed the lives of about 700 men in the last year of the war.

Both will be officially commemorated on Islay this week.

A century ago, the island was enduring considerable pain. It had already lost about 150 sons on the Western front, from a population of just 6,000. Every household grieved for someone killed in a far away field. And then the carnage of war came to them.

The Tuscania had almost completed its transatlantic voyage, carrying US troops, among a convoy of ships. As it turned into the north channel between Scotland and Ireland on 5 February 1918, danger lurked beneath the waves.

A German U-boat stalked the convoy, got the Tuscania in its sights and fired two torpedoes - one of which ripped a huge gash in its side. It was a fatal blow. The former luxury liner, converted for the war effort, would soon be on the seabed.

The Tuscania was carrying almost 2,500 US soldiers and British crew. Incredibly, most were rescued by the Royal Navy. But some of those who made it into lifeboats were not so lucky. They were swept towards the cliffs and rocks of Islay's Oa peninsula and shipwrecked for a second time.

Private Arthur Siplon was thrown into the sea when his lifeboat capsized.

"He thought he was going to die," his youngest son Bob told me.

"But at last he grabbed hold of a rock and when the sea receded he managed to hang on and climbed to the shore."

Private Siplon was rescued by one of two Islay farmers who risked their own lives pulling men to safety.

Pictured - Arthur Sipton 

Robert Morrison and Duncan Campbell gave food and shelter to dozens of survivors and were later awarded the OBE.

Bob Siplon knows that he and his family would not exist if his father had not found help on Islay.

"It's like the actions of those people 100 years ago ripples through time to affect me 100 years later.

"It tells me that what we do makes a difference" he said.

This was a massive disaster for a small island to manage. In 1918, Islay had no electricity, no air service and few motor vehicles.

The funeral on Islay of 199 American soldiers who were victims of the Ontranto disaster

The civil authority on this almost crime-free island was a police sergeant on a bicycle, called Malcolm MacNeill. Sgt MacNeill and his three constables had to recover, identify and bury the remains of almost 200.

His grandson - former Nato secretary general, Lord Robertson - considers their task on a scale comparable with recent terrorist attacks.

"This is like Lockerbie (air disaster) or 7/7 or even 9/11 occurring in a small community.

"A huge event taking place with deaths, bodies, survivors - the calamity that was involved".

Despite their trauma, the islanders worked tirelessly to bury the dead with dignity.

They did not have an American flag for the funerals, so a small group of locals hand-stitched one from the materials they had - working late into the night.

That flag has been preserved by the Smithsonian Institution in Washington DC, which is sending it home on loan to Islay for the centenary.

The Smithsonian's Jennifer Jones is impressed by the care the islanders showed for the American soldiers washed up on their shores.

"It was very heartfelt, that people went out of their way to respect those who had recently lost their lives" she said.

Islanders pulled together to respond to the Tuscania sinking.

What they could not know is that this was only a preparation for a much bigger disaster to come.

Like the Tuscania, HMS Otranto was carrying US troops across the Atlantic in a convoy when disaster struck.

But it wasn't an act of war that sank the Otranto on 6 October 1918, within weeks of the armistice. It was a navigational error in a storm.

As the convoy approached the west coast of Scotland in near hurricane conditions, there was confusion over their exact position.

The Otranto was rammed by another ship in the convoy - HMS Kashmir - which ripped its steel hull wide open.

The Kashmir and the rest of the convoy sailed on, under orders not to give assistance for fear of U-boat attack.

Despite the ferocious weather, the Royal Navy destroyer, HMS Mounsey came to the rescue under the command of Lieutenant Francis Craven.

"In my viewpoint, Captain Craven was a real hero. Perhaps the real hero of the event" said Chuck Freedman, whose grandfather, Sam Levy, was on the Otranto.

Lieutenant Levy was among almost 600 soldiers who successfully jumped for their lives on to the deck of the Mounsey.

Funeral for the victims of the Ontranto at Kilchoman on Islay

Many others tried and failed and were crushed to death between the two ships. By the time the Mounsey left the scene there were still hundreds of men aboard the sinking Otranto.

Their best hope was to be swept towards one of the beaches on Islay's Atlantic coast. But that wasn't to be.

The Otranto was lifted by a huge wave and dumped down onto a reef that broke its back and tore the ship to pieces.

Only 21 men made it ashore alive.

Some were pulled from the sea by members of Donald-James McPhee's family.

They were shepherds and used their crooks to reach survivors - the length of their staffs, the distance between life and death.

But this was largely a recovery operation with bodies piling up along the coast.

"It must have been so sad for them to see that" said Mr McPhee.

"Waking up in the morning to a normal day's work and hundreds of dead bodies by the evening. It must have been horrendous."

Sergeant MacNeill painstakingly recorded the details of every body washed ashore, in a notebook which now has pride of place in the Museum of Islay life.

Many of the victims were from the US state of Georgia, which is planning its own commemorations later this year.

Some of the 700 victims of the Otranto and Tuscania disasters were never found.

The majority were buried on Islay.

After the war, the remains of the American soldiers were exhumed and returned home.

In 1918, the Tuscania disaster represented the biggest single loss of US military lives since the American civil war. The sinking of the Otranto accounted for some of America's heaviest losses at sea during the 1914-18 war. Yet the stories of these ships are not well known - lost perhaps in a century of Islay mist.

There is a large lighthouse-shaped memorial on Islay's bleak Mull of Oa.

But when I was growing up on the island, the troopships were rarely talked about. That's changing. Today, every child at my old school - Bowmore primary - is learning about them.

On Friday 4 May, Princess Anne will lead commemorations on Islay to mark the centenary of these twin tragedies. These events will honour those who lost their lives and honour what the people of Islay did for those in peril on their shores a hundred years ago.

[northshorememorialcgs-blog]

Tribute Video Ideas From A Funeral Home

There are many ways to honor a loved one when you work with a funeral home, even if you want to adhere to the Jewish law and the traditions that surround it. While you will want to keep the services simple, there’s no reason why you can’t customize things in some unique manners. After all, your loved one was special and there was no one quite like them. The Jewish customs symbolize that everyone is equal in death. That is why the deceased are buried in simple caskets and in plain, white shrouds. However, part of the point of a final service is to remember how your loved one was when they were alive and give yourself and others a chance to say goodbye. One intriguing way to do just that is to create a tribute video.

Your family probably takes hundreds, if not thousands, of pictures every year. Taking photos is easier than ever before with cameras getting better by the second. There are likely plenty of photos of your loved one, both from recent years and from the past. It can be therapeutic to go through their old photo albums and pull pictures from their high school days, their wedding, family vacations, and other important events. You are able to go through their life and remember all of their best experiences. And you can then choose some of the best pictures to place together in a tribute video.

It is also a good idea to involve family members in this process. Not everyone is going to have all of the same photos and you want a variety of items so those in attendance will recognize parts of your loved one’s life. Gathering the photos can be a great way to include as many people as possible in the planning process with the funeral home without asking too much of anyone.

Once you have the photos you want for the tribute video, you can place them in order by age or even at random. Find some moving music to place behind the pictures in the video. You can pick your loved one’s favorite song or hymn or something that would be fitting to the occasion. You can even change music based on what’s happening in the pictures within the video.

This tribute video can be a touching part of a funeral or memorial service. Once the final service is complete, you can give the video to loved ones as a keepsake to memorialize your loved one. Ask your funeral home for more tips on making a tribute video for your loved one when you contact North Shore Memorial Chapel & Graveside Service, Inc. We’re located at 75 Mineola Ave, Roslyn Heights, NY 11577 and our funeral director is happy to speak with you about tribute videos, traditional services, or anything in between. Give us a call at (516) 621-8832 to ask questions or to set up an appointment. We’re here to help in any way we can.

https://goo.gl/maps/Zve9t84WJQF2

[hypeceo1]

#Repost @mrs.mactaggart ・・・ It is with deep sadness to announce the passing of my beloved Mother Marilyn Caul on 8/18. My Mom my best friend, the one who was always proud of my accomplishments big or small. The most caring sweetest woman you would ever know. The absolute best Grandma. Loved by so many. I’m still in shock that she is no longer with us. Please keep my family in your prayers. Services as follows Thursday August 25th 2-4 and 7-9 @Rose’s funeral Home 1705 5th Ave, North Bay Shore NY 11706 Repass August 26th 1pm 💔💔💔💔💔. She gets to be with #angelrylyn😇 from now on! (at Bay Shore, New York) https://www.instagram.com/p/ChfAfw4OwrH/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=