margaret 12 January 2008
Ah, a lovely send off for a lovely lady today. Margaret Shortall’s funeral was as gracious and wonderful as the woman herself. What I didn’t tell you yesterday was what an extraordinary woman she was – and she wore this lightly, I can assure you – she met and fell in love with a man called Frank whose first wife had died leaving him to bring up 6 sons – yes, you read that correctly SIX…she took on the rearing of them, and then she and Frank had another son Gary (my mate). Frank died some years ago when Gary was 15 or so. They rightly adored her and she them. She will be much missed and I know she would have been really proud to see her seven sons today as they stood by her grave, fine men all, roses in hand ready to give their last farewell and salute.
