Jimmy Finegan's Funeral

My uncle Jimmy Finegan.

Last weekend I went back to Birmingham to attend my uncle Jimmy Finegan's funeral. He died at the age of 89, just about a week short of his 90th birthday.

I flew in on Saturday and flew out on Tuesday morning. The service and burial were on Monday morning in Birmingham.

It was a nice service. One of his sons, my cousin Brendan, spoke for a few moments, and then two of his grandchildren related memories of their grandfather. Then we went to the cemetery. After that, we went to the Emerald for food and drink.

This might sound odd, but I had a nice time. Yes, the service and funeral are a bit sad. But afterwards, there was a very good vibe. I met several of his nieces and nephews from the Finegan side. My cousins had put pictures of Jimmy on the walls and they told me some stories about him. And I had a nice chat with my cousins and Aunt Kathleen, Jimmy's wife, which would require singing every now and then. My singing was put to shame by my cousins, but then those of you who have heard me sing would not be surprised by that.

Like another cousin of mine said once, hatches, matches, and dispatches bring people together.