[Mid] HRH Jafar's funeral

I went to the funeral today. Here is my description.

Just reached home a few moments ago from attending HRH Jafar funeral. Sadness
was very prevalent in saying good bye to such a noble man. I believe that
family members and funeral home personnel were astonished by the turn out.
>From what I over heard.....not written or verified.....approximately 500
attended the service. My friend Maeve and I arrived at the Indianapolis
funeral home approximately at 10 minutes until 10 am. Standing there quietly,
hugging and softly speaking were many people. Some had red and white ribbons
pinned to their bosoms, I even saw a necklace of red, white and black, black
backgrounded ribbons with streamers of red, white, green and a touch of gold
on some. Gold necklaces blended with mourning clothes, silver necklaces
graced some necks. The crowd grew larger--no one was allowed into the
facility as the entire lower floor was filled approximately 250 seats on the
main floor. The doors opened a short time later and silently people filed
into the facility and up the stairs to the second floor. Chairs lined about
15 -20 wide and probably about 15 -20 rows filling the 2nd floor room. Then
came the standing room. People lined the room quietly conversing among
themselves, then the single speaker crackled and the service had begun.
Everyone became as quiet as possible and listened. Prayers, scripture
readings, remembrances, music....... strains of "His Eyes are on the Sparrow"
was sung very emotionally and tears flowed. We were asked to silently read
the obituary that was printed inside the programs. Moonwulf of Rivenstar
played and sang "The Last Hero" I understand from what Moonwulf said, it was a
favorite of HRH Jafar. Tears flowed freely as we grieved our loss The eulogy
was very nice.

When it was over, we filed out to vehicles and participated in one of the
longest funeral corteges that I have ever seen. I would not be surprised to
find that it was over 2 miles long. At one point, I looked out my windshield
and as far as I could see down a hill and beyond were vehicles with flashing
blinker lights then I looked in my rearview mirror and behind me as far as I
could see the same thing headlights and flasher lights. People stopped and
paid respect...some did not People stopped and stared....one of my thoughts
was if this is the respect and love shown to this 29 year old man......imagine
with his personality, joy of life, attitude what it would have been had he
been 60 years old and all those additional years in the SCA and life. One
gentle at the cemetary commented to me that we (the cortege) almost stopped
the traffic on I-465. ;-) I understand that is almost unheard of....

At the small cemetary, vehicles filed in and people converged on a green tent
over HRH Jafar's resting place. Somber people stood and listened....I don't
know what was said because we couldn't hear, but we stood in respect to our
Prince.

Silently, people began threading their way through the crowd giving flowers to
people red carnations, white carnations, gladiolas, daisies. Hugs helped
people, more tears flowed. Silent vigils were noticed by individuals as they
stood and stared at the green tent. I stood all I could (bad leg, knee, and
heel spurs) then Maeve and I began slowly making our way back to my vehicle.
Eventually, the vehicles moved and people made their way back to the SCA
Memorial held at St. Pius X Church/School.

We only stayed a short time. Mega amounts of food and drink were laid out. A
table on the stage had pictures of HRH Jafar. People congregated in small
groups ... some smiles were present and many hugs were observed. Also noted
on lapels and bosoms were an assortment of salamanders. What a nice tribute.

Remember the flashing plane lights.......Fly high HRH Jafar.....

Beitiris of Rivenstar ***********************
        Judi Chadwell JChadw4210@aol.com ************************
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From: JChadw4210 <JChadw4210@aol.com>
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Received on Sun Jan 4 01:45:40 1998