I won't go into too much detail in order to protect the family's privacy, but they seemed very flattered I came. I did indeed manage to get flowers - a bunch of white roses, as requested - and a card. I didn't put everyone's names in because I couldn't fit them all in and I don't want them Googling us, but I did put in a bit about how many people I know will also miss him. The service was nice, mostly attended by locals. Some interesting anecdotes, some good singing by the school choir and one of his friends, and a recording of him reading one of his poems. Being "happy" I went would probably be inappropriate since, y'know, it was a memorial, but I'm glad I was able to go.

Here I am on the other side of the Atlantic. I really, really wish I could go. So yeah, if you do attend and bring a flower in my name, that would be wonderful. Any flower will do. If I were to choose, I'd say a rose, because, you know. It's Redwall.

...I won't be able to get there myself, but thank you so much for offering this, Laburnum. If you could bring a little stone or something for me, that would be wonderful, and go a long way towards being able to pay my respects.

I'd like to be there, buit I live all the way across the pond (as they say), and can't make it.

...So yeah, bring a flower in my name, please. Any color will do.

I'd love to go, but I won't get away from work till four p.m. and even after that I'd be struggling with transport. So yeah, if you could take a flower along in my name, that would be fantastic.

but alas, I don't have the money for the plane ticket. Do you think a white or pink rose would be appropriate for me to request?