RIP - my mum :(

[shades]

My condolences.

Hard to lose someone close. Try and think of all the good times you had together over the years, it helps a lot.

[Murley]

Just want to say thank you for all the kind words everyone, the trip over there was intense to say the least, very emotional but it was also a magical experience. I'm really proud of my parents for what they have up there, about 5-6 years ago my mum moved up there and started developing apartments and bars all over the place, my dad moved up maybe 2-3 years ago and they have some successful businesses and it was really cool to see the legacy (and madness) that is my mum's. My dad has a great group of friends up there and I was happy to see that he has a HUGE amount of support in the community. Him being Scottish there is now a huge hole in communications with the Thais that mum used to bridge, so hopefully something can be sorted out there.

For the day of the funeral I became a monk for the day, Mum was buddhist and I did this in her honour. I'm not any sort of religion myself but I figured it was the least I could do. This involved shaving all of my hair off (and I had a lot!) and don the robes for the day. I miss having eyebrows! Dad was dead against it for some reason, tried to convince me not to shave my head but I did it anyway. He was super proud about it afterwards and was glad I (much like my Mum) didn't listen to him

The funeral had at least 1000 attendees and I sat on stage with the other 15 monks for the ceremony. It was soooo hard I had to lead the procession and ended up having to pour ointments over her while she was in the casket as this is traditional for the cremation. Dad and Linda couldn't bring themselves to do it but I felt I just had to. That image will haunt me for the rest of my life.

Dad now has a mountain of loose ends to try and tie up whilst not being able to speak the language (other than being able to order a beer!) and I wish him luck. He's going to stick it out up there, he's sold a bar and will look after the apartments and remaining properties and he'll probably stay up there for good. Good on him I say! You can live up there on peanuts and he's paid off all the debts so he gets to live up there cheaply for the rest of his life (in a nice tropical climate too).

My hair has come back with a vengeance and I'm feeling a little better about the whole thing, though nothing will ever be the same. I haven't done anything drastic yet (i.e. sell up, move away somewhere else, DO something with my life) but feel I may, I dunno. We'll see.

Thanks again everyone for your support, it really means a lot! Take care,

Paul

[karen]

Well done
You did a great thing
It sounds like it was a beautiful traditional ceremony
I'll be interested to see your new hair, and what you find that's 'drastic' to do in the near future, sounds exciting
Keep us posted on that one
All the best, see you soon
K

[Griff]

I think that your Mum would be rightfully proud of your choices and actions Murley.

[Kristy]

Strength of character Murley: you haz it, and so does your dad by the sounds of it.
If you are destined to take another tact, the impetus will build until you'll make the decision to do it and you won't look back...
Sincerest condolences for your loss.

[M|ke]

So sorry to hear that mate, must be horrible

Im sorry for your loss!