A Celebration of Love

“CLOSURE comes to us from within. It comes when we accept that letting go and moving forward is more important than remaining stuck in a situation that is no longer us …“

Yesterday, we had a service at St. Andrew’s Church to celebrate love and to give thanks for the life of Darcy.

It meant a whole lot to us that many of our friends joined us at the service.

And it was especially meaningful for Mum that two of her godchildren had made such an effort to be there too.

You may remember we had that special Afternoon Tea back in August when Mum had all her godchildren and us altogether at The Belmond Cadogan. None of us knew it then but it was to be the last time Edgar (Big Tyke) would see Darcy.

So, yesterday, in a gesture that meant so much to Mum, he flew in from Lisbon to say his goodbyes.

And to complete the “family gathering”, Robert, Freya’s dad came to join us after he had finished broadcasting at ITN.

Their presence made Mum’s heart swelled with gratitude.

Darcy had been very much a part of Edgar’s family. Darcy had her first Christmas at their home and we often stopped over in Dusseldorf whenever we travelled through Europe. And yesterday, Edgar’s sister, Katja, who lives in London, represented the family in sharing memories of Darcy.

And Little Tyke was back for his exeat weekend. With wonderful composure, he too shared his memories of growing up with Darcy.

The vicar gave a message about hope.

At the end of the service, we played this video compiled by Dasha Hugg. In the early years, Dasha made a few beautiful videos for Mum and she made another for this service.

I couldn’t help my heart racing when I saw Darcy up on the screen – it made me sad to be reminded that she is no longer with us.

Today, we wanted to say goodbye for now. Until we meet again in the After Life.

May’s comment: I asked Reverend Paul Dawson, the Vicar of St.Andrews Parish, the church across the street from where we live, if he would conduct a service to celebrate love and to give thanks – not just for Darcy’s life but for one of the best gifts God gave to us humans.  

It was an unusual request and it’s never been done before, but out of compassion and kindness, Paul agreed to do it for us.

This for me was an important moment of closure, to sit with friends who also felt the loss, both Darcy’s and the many loving companions in their lives who have passed over the years, and to say goodbye.

Thank you Reverend Paul Dawson, for understanding that special bond between humans and animals, and for recognising the need for me to find closure in this way.

Thank you to all who came to share this special service with us.

Thank you Dasha, for coming out of “retirement” to put together our last video.

What happens now?

In three words – life goes on.

But I am forever grateful to be able to have this beautiful send off for the irreplaceable, the darling girl, my Darcy.

“One of the most courageous decisions you’ll ever make is to finally let go of what is hurting your heart and soul.” Brigitte Nicole