Today marks a year since I stood at the side of a hospital bed (invited by his beautiful wife) as incredible man Mike Norris, breathed his last few breaths. I spoke words of comfort and confidence, tears rolling down my face as this all felt so unfair and wrong and I knew I would never see him again. This once vibrant smiling man now so different, his journey was now well on its way.
Mike had fought and won against lung cancer and yet here he was life slowly ebbing away- in those moments so much happens and yet time seems to stand still, family all gathered sharing stories I met many of this wonderful blended family for the first time in a small room. I happened to have the retired head teacher of the local high school with me and as he entered the room silenced and in this their moment of grief so many of them looked to the head for words of wisdom or even a how to fix this.
There's no answers why does someone so full of life beat cancer then end up dying of an infection months later?
Mike died that Monday evening surrounded by love and peace, and we began to plan his service. There's so many people I never meet and yet I sit with their family and plan a service which celebrates the life of the one they have lost and I am known to cry as I listen to stories.
This was different and I'm so pleased I could follow the process through - there were some interesting moments at his service and some smiles along the way - the band he played drums for were desperate to play for Mike( safe to say he made them sound good) so many people wanted to be there, and two of his foster sons were determine to speak - one who despite having some challenges, stood and said well done to his brother. As the whole room cheered and clapped. Time was ticking away and I can remember the tension of trying to get one person who was leading prayers to stop (he did eventually)
We arrived at the crematorium on a late hot friday afternoon, I said the committal, rugby songs played and the curtains closed the final goodbye had happened - after the family had left I was able to go and say my final farewell and maybe also thank you.
Mike was a generous, kind gentleman he had more pairs of shoes than most, his smile will always stay with me, being with families in these moments is always a privilege.
Mikes final journey taught me so much - his strength and dignity and also the way his family wanted him to be remembered was and always will be an inspiration, AND finally even in his final act he managed to raise money for the food bank his wife still so passionately manages.
Norris family thank you for your questions, your smiles for all the stories for being a wonderful blend between blood, step, foster, in law, in love, grandchildren and those who you picked up along the way.
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