[Sundae]

When my maternal grandmother died, my Mum went to their bungalow to check on what Grandad had to wear for the funeral. After all he hadn't managed his own clothes in his life - East End Mums did that for their sons and wives took over when they married.

There in the wardrobe was his "good" black suit, still in a bag from the dry cleaner. In a carrier bag on the same hanger was a new plastic wrapped white shirt from Marks & Spencer, and a pair of brand new black M&S Wool Rich socks.

Nan obviously realised in the weeks before she went into hospital that there was a chance she was on her final approach and sorted everything ahead of time. That moved me quite profoundly.

Sorry to hear you also missed out on the material side of the family memories CF. But as you say, it seems to be the way some people prepare for death and we wouldn't take that comfort from them given the choice.