Early springs of emotions due to my Da – Neil Edwards

In memory of those gone but not forgotten, loved and not lost

Today is 2 months to the day since my lovely father passed away and though I think often of him miss him and feel and know that he is no longer here – I do so in what I feel to be a fond farewell light and positive imprint of him on my mind and soul.

Some people I know are horrified by the death of a love one or terrorised by no longer having a loved one in their life or fear when others lose people close to them too and keep their distance from people who have recently lost or are bereaving. Depending on the circumstances of a death, I know it can be brutal to lose someone that you deeply love.

But I don’t feel we should use our own self suffering as a barometer to how much we loved someone or even how much they are now missed. There are many joys to life and being alive and living in the moment are things which my father enjoyed to do in life himself and he would wish for me in some way I’m sure to appreciate the experience of being alive and not be tied up in knots due to his death or the death of other who were loved and lost.

Years ago in university during what was possibly a sociology class I remember a lecture announcing to us that when we cry we only cry for ourselves and for what those tears mean to us. We have no empthy and emotions for others whatsoever. I was instantly enraged and engaged in this opinion and perspective and that is exactly what the lecture wanted us to do to challenge him to engage with him and ultimately gain an emotional reaction on what his statement said. To this day I have often still wondered about the concept of crying for other s or simply crying for our selves and was the lecturer trying in some way to express a simple truth of his or get us to engage in emotive intellectual debate. Who knows? What I do know is that idea still remains with me some 30 years later.

I suppose the debate will always rage, do we cry for ourselves? or for others? What we have lost or for those whom were taken away or maybe from knowing that we will one day be in the same situation sitting in a coffin ourselves and before that day comes for us crying or morning that day getting closer and closer for us as with each day that passes as well as those others that we love and have in our lives that we will one day lose. Why do we hurt for what was taken away or for what we might yet lose?

Dad, my brother Andy and my Mum at Andy’s passing out parade at his official graduation ceremony following the completion of his course at Culdrose Cornwall.

I sat down to write this as a way of saying I’m ok and hello and its also ok to not be ok. But it appears to be more and deeper than that as the words flow out. What I’m trying to say is to me I want to love those that I have lost, appreciate them in this living alive world and show little signs of respect and love for those I care about where I can by how I live, whether that’s by being a little kinder at times, older and wiser at others but definitely not feeling sad for sadness sake or hurt for the sake of being heartbroken sake.

The people that I have and love in this life I have enjoyed their company at their highs and lows and mostly enjoyed being with them at their highs when they too enjoyed their life. I aspire to enjoy my life and honour theirs.

Simon & Garfunkel – The Sounds of Silence

Sláinte & Happy Paddy’s Day Dad

This time last year me and Dad were on holiday in Ireland for St Patricks day, thanks to a bet that I won on the horse the day after Christmas 2023. It was an unexpected win for a number of reasons and so when the bet paid out I shared some of the money with my mum and dad as the money did not really feel like mine anyway.

Dad said that rather than have the cash he wanted to go on holiday to Ireland and so that is exactly what we did. I paid for the accommodation and flights and we shared the costs of the meals and drinks. It was so much fun and went to some new places that I had not visited before as well as some tried and tested places. We initially got a ferry over from south Wales, which very nearly did not happen to County Wexford, then stayed in lovely hotel there and then travelled to Cork where dads Nan was from. We then went up to Limerick and onto Galway where we spent a weekend and was in St Patricks day for the Sunday. Finally we headed back to Dublin for a few days and then caught a flight back home. I love Ireland; I love my family and feel like although I am missing my Dad now that he is no longer with us I am very grateful for the time we shared together.

I feel like I am counting my blessings at present rather than counting my curses and there are many blessings. Though I hoped and thought he would live longer the time we all shared with him was special and I feel honoured to have known him and had him as part of my life.

Dear friends and family of Neil Edwards

So we said fairwell to Dad on Friday 7^th March, his family would just like to say a huge thank you to all of you that have shown how much you care for him and us. Me, Shamen and mum have been so grateful for the love and support offered to us at this difficult time. It’s sometimes hard to make a call or show people, if you care due to already full up and busy lives, there is always something else in life to distract you that steels your time away. With that said it has been so very heart-warming and reassuring to know that in our time of need you were able to offer us your love and support.

Whether that was in the way of a kind word or thought, or a call or text to see how we are or for those that made time for us and also for those that were able to see us and Dad in Spreyton on the day we just can’t thank you all enough.

With the decisions to hold the ceremony in Spreyton Village Hall and have the burial at crossways site in Cheriton Bishop, I was a little nervous prior to the day, as to whether we had chosen the right words, locations, hymn and ideas for the day. But with all of those that attended and helped us I do believe we did dad proud and showed him how much he was loved. The whole day and event was a wonderful celebration of Dads life and thank all so much for the time you spared for us prior to the service and also on the day and evening too.

I also want to share Dads poem for those that might want to see it again and also for those that could not make it on the day.

Love the ones you Love by Neil Edwards

Love the ones you love. Don't assume they're fine,
because you haven't heard from them in a while.
Assume they're not - and call them.

Make sure they know you love them.
That can be difficult to say,
but tell them, in whatever words,
in your funny old way.

Take every chance that comes
to do an act of lovingkindness
for those who live in your heart.
These things are powerful voodoo,
because they work for them as well as you.

The only thing we know is true,
is that we don't know what's to come.
Don't just keep them in your heart.
Turn up, and talk, and be with them.

Thank you, dear God, for this good life,
and forgive us if we do not love it enough.
And forgive us if we forget to love the ones we love.

P.S. Don’t beat yourself up. Even if you do all these things, some of us will slip away.

We are good actors and take great pains to keep you off the scent. It’s nothing you did or failed to do. Don’t beat yourself up.

Keywords across site

Quotes for our time – Victor-Marie Hugo

Victor-Marie Hugo, vicomte Hugo was a French Romantic author, poet, essayist, playwright, and politician. During a literary career that spanned more than sixty years, he wrote in a variety of genres and forms. His most famous works are the novels The Hunchback of Notre-Dame and Les Misérables

‘The paradise of the rich is made out of the hell of the poor’, There had been in modern times an attempt to help people out of poverty through the wealth of others trickling down to the poor – I fear if Trump has his ways there won’t be much wealth actively tricking to the poor or to anyone else for that matter. With the stopping of aid across the US and internationally and calling out aid projects as wasteful, fraudulent and corrupt, that the US must somehow be saved from and free of, whilst increasing tax breaks for the most wealthy does not bode well for the poor across the globe. The poorer and more desperate you make people the harder they will fight to reach your shores and to break all rules of laws to survive.

There seem to be a considerable swell of people speaking out at present, like I have never seen before against President Trump not so much from politicians or the mainstream mass media but more so on a grass roots level – I hope it’s not too little too late.

The human soul can endure what is real and live through many forms of reality in the hope and sometimes expectation of something better and something pure.

Also heaven does not reward the wicked

Trump’s War on the Poor – The Rest Is Politics

Turning a blind eye to reality

President Trump demonstrates a clear lack of interest in treating people with love, respect, or dignity, and he does not adhere to the law as he claims. While he positions himself as the law of the land, the reality is quite different.

Saving lives requires investment, and those who identify as Christians yet continue to support Trump’s worldview must consider one critical question: What would the poor, immigrant Jesus do? Do they truly follow His teachings, or do they prioritize Trump’s version of patriotism?

Many supporters may believe they are voting to “save babies” from abortion, but Trump’s policies could lead to far greater suffering and loss of life globally. Do they think Jesus cares only for the lives of U.S. citizens?

This is not about saving money; it’s about an immoral agenda that reflects how little one man cares and the immense damage he can inflict while claiming to act in the public’s best interest. Ultimately, his actions serve only his interests and those of his billionaire backers. The United States has moved from a challenging situation into an even worse one; it’s more like stepping out of the frying pan into the fire and brimstone.

Senator Bernie Sanders States MAGA billionaire Elon Musk and his so-called “Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE)” and reveals that what they’re doing is actually “illegal.”

“Nothing wrong with looking for waste in the kinds of bureaucracy that exist. I think we can do a whole lot to get rid of the waste, the fraud, the excessive bureaucracy that exists in government — especially, by the way, in the Defense Department,” Sanders said on CNN.

Notably, Musk and his minions have not been going after the Pentagon — a move that would enrage the military-industrial complex that funnels so much money into Musk’s companies — but have instead focused on gutting things like AIDs prevention programs and support for the global poor.

“What is wrong right now is one simple reality: What Musk is doing is illegal and unconstitutional,” said Sanders.

Senator Sanders is absolutely correct. Musk and his DOGE minions have been rummaging through the Treasury Department’s payment systems without proper clearance or Congressional oversight.

On top of that, they have moved to lock federal employees out of the U.S. Agency for International Development, a blatantly illegal move since USAID is funded by appropriations from Congress. Musk is directly violating the balance of power between the branches of government.

“You cannot go into an agency like USAID and essentially fire everybody and get rid of that agency,” stated Sanders. “That’s an agency that was created by Congress.”

“They want to get rid of USAID? Fine. Come to the Congress. Make your case. You can’t do it unilaterally,” he continued.

“You tell me whether or not we are living in an oligarchy,” Sanders added. “And I think the function of government under Trump, under Elon Musk, will not be to serve ordinary people, but to make the very richest people in this country even richer.”

Donald Trump and Elon Musk are stripping our government for parts. We can either sit back and watch as our country crumbles or we can demand immediate action.

Nina Simone – Sinnerman

A Service of Celebration

Funeral plans for Neil Edwards – 1 PM Friday, 7th March 2025

Thank you all for the kind words and messages provided to me, Shamen, and Lindsay at this time. It comforts us all to know just how loved Neil was, and I am very grateful for the support that we have received during his brief illness and since his passing. We now have further details for Dad’s funeral, which will take place at 1 PM on Friday, 7th March, at the Village Hall in Spreyton.

https://spreytonparishcouncil.co.uk/spreyton-village…/

This is a celebration of Dad’s life, and so we ask that you wear what you feel comfortable in. For those going to the burial site, we also recommend weather-appropriate clothing and shoes on the day.

Neil will be taken from the hall by car to a woodland burial site in Cheriton Bishop called Crossways; they provide an environmentally friendly burial. We have already made provisions to ensure he has his pipe, tobacco, and matches with him when he is laid to rest. https://crosswayswoodlandburials.co.uk/

Instead of flowers we are asking if people could donate to the Blue Cross there will be a collection on the day or if you would prefer you can donate online with further details below.

If people do not wish to go to the burial site there will be refreshments available at the village hall. Teas, coffees and a bar will be available in the hall which will open once we set of to the burial site. When the burial has taken place we will head straight back to the village hall where some food will then be served.

After this some family and friends will be making their way to the Tom Cobley Tavern in Spreyton.

https://www.tomcobleytavern.co.uk/

All who knew Dad are welcome and if you would like to be with us on the day please let us know by sending us a message so we have an idea of number of attendees on the day. I have also set up a just giving page for the Blue Cross in memory of Neil to find out more click the link below https://www.justgiving.com/page/huw-edwards-2

Eva Cassidy – Who Knows Where The Time Goes

Goodnight and God bless you Dad

Is this year nearly over yet! So sadly on Friday 31^st January my father sadly passed away in hospital after a short battle with cancer and other complications in his body he was just 73 which feels still so young. He was very ill in his last month of life although it was a pleasure and honour to spend time around him even at this difficult time. I was trying to do a little bit of everything, visit him in hospital, continue to work and also look after myself.

January was a tough month and more so for my Dad than anyone of us. In his time in hospital he also had a bleed on the brain which led to confusion and considerable forgetfulness, which made communication difficult at times. We hoped he could be cured of the diagnosed cancer but also had a considerable fear that this he was dying.

One of the most heartfelt and warm, comforting things Dad has ever said to me was, while he was lying on his hospital bed he said after I told him that I was trying to do a little bit of everything and failing to do them all well. He told me that I had failed at nothing, which was just so beautiful and in his moment of need and support he was their supporting me and making me feel so very proud of him being my Dad.

I was able to let many people know on Facebook that he had passed away and the love and support people have posted has been a huge comfort for which me, mum and Shamen are very grateful for.

Me and his partner Shamen will be meeting with the funeral director tomorrow and we have hopes and plans for what we would like to do for my Dads funeral. Which I will update more information on here as and when it has been planed or taken place.

The Parting Glass – Cara Dillon

Tyrant Trump an evil President in waiting

When a political leader boasts of his plans to expand his own nations land by acquiring through military or economic means against the will of the people who already live or own it in the name of ‘the protection of the free world’ – well your world is no longer going to be free.

Donald Trump is threatening and warning other nations not to stand in his way as he moves to acquire Canada as the 51^st state, Greenland as an island of national interest and the panama canal becoming owned by the US.

Trump talks a lot of hostile nonsense as fact and he does it so often it risks becoming fact. If Britain turned around and said that Ireland should now become a nation of the UK or vice-versa there would be uproar and outrage quite rightly but Trump announces which parts of the world he has decided to govern and the world does not blink an eye.

The man is dangerous and for someone that does not use the word evil lightly I would also describe him as a bad and evil man this is not trash talk, this is fact. Based on words, actions and deeds. I don’t know why someone can have the gall to call themselves a Christian either Catholic or other and support, defend or rally around the policies of this president elect. He has a one way ticket to hell when his maker calls time on his life and I hope he does not drag many others there through his strength of will and convictions to.

Chris Rea – The Road To Hell 1989 Full Version

A picture of Christmas 2024

Our family get together for Christmas 2024 with my Mum, my Dad and my Dad’s partner Shamen – we always try and get together for a Christmas meal as close to Christmas day as possible and this year we all turned up at my mums for a festive meal enjoyed by us all on Christmas day.

It’s strange I started writing this at 4:42am on the Monday 30^th December after not much sleep thinking about what Christmas means to me and what the future might hold in 2025. Christmas means different things to different people. Whether it’s a religious festival for the birth of the son of god and your messiah, a chance to have a holiday and relax at a cold and bleak time of the year, a chance to reflect on what just happened in the year that has just taken place and plan or prepare for what might happen in 2025. Or a chance to catch up and spend time with family, for me it’s a mixture of many of those listed above.

I’m thinking alot about the time at the moment, the time we have, times that are special, times that change and when there is no time left at all.

Well its new years eve already tomorrow, doesn’t time just fly

Auld Lang Syne by Robert Hecht and Betsy Phillips

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