I conducted a funeral today of someone I never knew. It's sometimes difficult, but often easier. Funerals of folk I loved and cared for in ministry can be emotional, even in the 'professionalism' which clergy ought to have, and I often feel that my eulogy misses stuff out, because there was a lot of loving and living done before my ministry to them. I emphasise 'my' bits and perhaps put less stress on stuff that was important to others.

Much deeper research has to go into preparing a eulogy to an unknown person, and I tend to get a wider vision of that life from different sources and from listening to their stories.

Today we said "goodbye" to Ruby, who was the sort of person I'd have loved to know. Listening to others, I was perhaps able to put it all together more easily, and she was obviously a caring and kind individual who sure knew how to let her hair down! By the time I'd heard all the stories, I had a fairly rounded appreciation of a life I would have loved to know and share in. I hope today we did her justice!

Rest in peace, Ruby. You deserve to!