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Paisley family reveal how rosebud brought them much pleasure

Paisley family reveal how rosebud brought them much pleasure

THE Family of Ian Paisley have revealed how a rosebud, which was left outside their home within hours of the former church leader and politician passing away, brought them “much pleasure” in their grief.

Details of how the bud had opened into a beautiful flower are included in a message of thanks from Baroness Eileen Paisley and the Family to everyone who had contacted them following Lord Bannside’s death. 

The former preacher and DUP leader passed away on September 12, aged 88.

Heartfelt Thanks

In the message, Baroness Paisley said: “My family and I wish to express our sincere and heartfelt thanks to all who have in the weeks since Ian’s Homegoing, sent letters, cards, emails and floral gifts. We do not have words sufficient to express our gratitude and we regret that it would not be possible to reply to each of you individually. Your thoughtfulness and prayerfulness have been a source of comfort to us all.”

Precious Ladies

The family also expressed their “indebtedness” to the members of Lord Bannside’s Care Team who had “worked alongside us to ensure his comfort and wellbeing”. Adding: “These precious Ladies will forever hold a special place in our hearts.”

Medical staff were also thanked by the family who went on to express their gratitude to Rev. Dr. David McIlveen for “his pastoral ministry to us all throughout Ian’s illness and since.”

Rosebud

The rosebud which was taped to the gates of the family home by an anonymous passer-by comes in for particular mention.

“We brought it in and put it in water”, said the family, “The next morning it had opened into a beautiful cerise rose. It was placed on Ian’s coffin until the morning of his funeral and brought us all much pleasure.”

The family’s statement ends with the message: “We view each expression made to us in the same way we viewed that rosebud. They are all beautiful and their fragrance has been part of the rainbow in our valley of tears.”

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