One for Sorrow, Two for Joy - A Story

Introduction to "One for Sorrow and Two for Joy"

Grief has a way of bringing memories to the surface, unbidden and vivid. Years ago, at the funeral for a friend, I found myself thinking not just about loss, but about the many moments of kindness and laughter shared. This story was written shortly after the funeral as a way for me to process the grief, and I recently stumbled upon it in my back catalogue. 

It's a tribute to a life that continues to inspire me, a story that holds onto those cherished memories and the hope that even in sorrow, there is always joy.

Reading this story again after all these years brought back many memories and smiles and I thought I would share it here.

One for Sorrow and Two for Joy

by

Geoffrey G. N. Harrison

friend died and I paid my respects at his funeral. My friend was known to many and loved by many more. His generosity was boundless and effortless.

When it was his funeral, it was attended by more people than could fit into the church. ‘It was standing room only at the back,’ said one awe-struck attendant. Actually, it was standing room only in the church foyer too.

As I stood there listening to the minister celebrate my friend’s life, memories I had of him sought my attention. My first memory of my friend was of him dropping his daughter off for a date she and I were having.

I was waiting at the bus station when he pulled up in his car right in front of me. I wasn’t sure who he was until I spotted his daughter smiling at me through window of the passenger door in the back of the car.

He greeted me cordially as if I were already his friend. That greeting put me right at ease and I confidently assured him I would look after his daughter.

The next memory seeking to be centre of attention was a kind of collage of all the trips I was lucky enough to have been invited to join where my friend did all the driving. We’d be going to the theatre, a folk club or a trip just because.

The words of the minister were once again present in my conscious thought as she mentioned the next hymn to be sung. She mentioned that the hymn choice was that of my friend and more memories came rushing back. It was typical of my friend to have arranged his own funeral service and totally expected. He was still looking after people even now.

The hymn being sung now was one I had never heard before I met my friend but was now one of my favourites. In fact my friend had chosen very well for all the hymns were amongst my favourites.

After the hymn, the minister went on to tell how my friend had managed church outings and meetings after he had retired from being a teacher. I could see in my mind’s eye my friend and his wife running meetings and organising coffee mornings.

The minister mentioned the many shows and performances my friend was involved in and I was reminded of the only pantomime I saw him in. I don’t remember a lot about the pantomime, but I do remember having a lot of fun.

I listened some more to the minister and while I listened, I imagined I could see my friend. He was walking around the room smiling at everyone. He placed a hand on the shoulders of his two daughters and I could feel the love pouring from him. He moved to his wife and looked at her with sad eyes. My imagining of him was so real I thought he was about to hug everyone.

He turned and walked away a little and then stopped and turned back. Surveying the congregation he smiled a warm and happy smile. I thought I saw him wave. And then he turned again and walked on.

Through the window I could see a tree. As he passed the tree a solo magpie landed on one of the branches.

‘One for sorrow,’ I thought.

And then another landed on the branch bedside it.

I smiled and my sorrow seemed to be lifted. ‘Two for joy,’ I thought. ‘How apt.’

After the service my friend’s family passed by me. When his daughter, the one I dated all those years ago, saw me she smiled and hugged me.

‘Don’t ever forget him,’ she said.

‘Never!’ I replied as I hugged her back.

So that everyone would not forget him, I decided to write a story about all the memories he gave me. Especially all those that made me smile and feel happy.