First Burial of Ashes
I assisted at my first burial of ashes last week - an unexpectedly thought-provoking occasion as the deceased was a trans woman. She had been one of the oldest people in the UK to transition through surgery in her seventies, and she had remained married to her wife who had been a faithful and supportive companion throughout the process. Her widow was present at the graveside and she seemed so kind and warm. Together the couple had had two children, both of whom were also there, along with a young grandson looking very earnest and smart in a shirt and tie. The lady's transition journey had provoked mixed reactions in this family, some responding comfortably, others struggling - but it didn't stop them coming together for the occasion and they seemed a lovely, united family as they huddled together with their arms round each other under umbrellas. It was a huge privilege to stand there in the midst of this family which had worked through this process together, and to offer prayer