My first tangi experience

Even though we were half expecting the call, it still came as a shock to hear that Aunty Shirley had passed away. We went to visit and see how everyone was doing on Thursday evening. I couldn't believe how many people were there. Downstairs was a hub of activity - ladies in the kitchen preparing food, tables laden with a huge spread and people everywhere, inside and out. Shirley was lying upstairs and she looked so beautiful - hair, make up and nails all immaculate. It was so great to see her like that! I was a little nervous about going upstairs to see her but am glad that I did. We went up with Ricky (my FIL) and it was lovely and quiet up in the lounge. We stayed a few hours and took Friday off work to spend with the family.
Friday was amazing. People came and went all day. The ladies in the kitchen just kept on churning out food - glorious food! Shirley had so many visitors and was so obviously loved by so many people. I spent a lot of time upstairs on Friday, not huge blocks of time but went up regularly, just to sit in the lounge. On Friday night everybody came upstairs and sat around Shirley. Her sister started the evening off by sharing a couple of stories about their childhood. A few other people shared stories too. There was a lot of laughing and some crying. It was such a happy sharing time - really lovely. Most people slept in the lounge on Friday night but we came home because of the animals.
We got up early on Saturday and headed straight back to the house. A lot of people had gone home for showers when we arrived, but those who were there were all busy. The morning passed quickly and soon it was time to go upstairs. People sat around talking quietly and all of Shirley's brothers and sisters sat around her coffin. The kids put some pictures and poems in with her and before we knew it the undertaker was there. The Kaumatua said a prayer and they put the top of the coffin on. The men carried her outside, down the steps and put her in the hearse.
The funeral itself was beautiful. It was such a lovely service. People who knew Shirley well spoke, and some of the stories they shared were the same as we'd heard the night before. Shirley had joined a support group when she'd first been diagnosed and had written her life story. An exert from this was read during the service. This was so lovely, and so special. Afterwards they released some doves outside the chapel. It was just beautiful :)
We went to the private cremation and that was probably the hardest part.
When we got back to the house the Kaumatua said a prayer and then we all went inside for the tramping. I'd never done this before and it was a nice feeling walking through the house, touching all the walls.
This was the best funeral I have ever been to, and I think it was probably everything Shirley would have wanted. The strength and love shown by her family is just amazing.
Rest in peace Shirley