Hi Mum,
Dad, Lucy and I have just been to see you at the Chapel of Rest. You looked lovely in your dress and jacket and new scarf but we know you're not there any more. I've seen you already in rainbows and robins and heard you in the wind in the trees. I'm glad you're not suffering any more and that you're not in pain.
You've been the best Mum, the best ever, my adored, precious beautiful, funny Mum. I miss you so much and you can be sure that we'll all be keeping alive your memory in so many different ways. You watch! You were the best of us, always the best with your sense of fairness, compassion, your strong moral compass and your love for all of your family.
Your wicked sense of humour will always be with me. Do you remember that time when we went swimming at Eastleigh and I accidently hit that chap with my wayward front crawl? I was apologising profusely to him and looked up to see you at the other end of the pool, doubled up with laughter.
I was so proud to take you to Wimbledon and to let you have my ticket when you went with Lucy. You and Lucy had the best day ever, seeing all of the top stars and you both came back full of your day.
Some of my most precious memories are of Benorth, of Nan and Grandad on the farm, the warmth of the fire in the kitchen, the feeling of being loved and safe and the delicious home booked meals. In the winter you would dress me up to cross the fields in coats and hats and gloves with hot water bottles tucked into my coat to keep me warm. It was a long walk for a little girl but I felt so safe and secure.
Do you remember that night you had to pick Dad up from Bodmin Road station in the blizzrd? You were so scared. Phil and I were in the back in thick coats and blankets with hot water bottles while you battled through the thick snow. You were so brave and so relieved when Dad arrived on time to drive us home. That was you Mum, always up for a challenge, always brave and always looking after your family.
The day you had Simon you came into the lounge and said " I'm just off to have the baby dear" and off you went with Simon appearing later that afternoon. While you were in hospital Phil and I had to clean the walls (still no idea why!) as Dad said it was important. Dad also made the best pasty he'd ever made and couldn't remember what he'd done differently. I know he took it into you as that's what you asked for.
When Simon was 2 or 3, the three of us went on the bus to Wimborne market but we missed the one back and we decided to walk the four miles back homoe. Si was very happy in his push chair and we had loaded it up with loads of fruit from the market which we then proceeded to eat all the way home, literally pounds of strawberries, cherries and raspberries.
Even though you have not been well these last few years you were still essentially you with your love for family and your sense of humour. How we laughed on those Sunday mornings when you said Dad was talking too much! Hats off to Dad though. The love and care he has given you over the past few years has been nothing short of heroic and you knew that. The love between you shone out even at the same time you were telling each other off!
I'm proud to be your daughter Mum. I hope you know how much you are loved and will always be loved. You've touched us all deeply, fully and completely. I'm glad you're reunited with Nan and Grandad (you said you'd seen them in the last week) and I know they will be overjoyed to see you. Love to them and to Auntie Marjorie and Uncle Frank. See you when it's time Mum, I will love you forever and will find endless ways to honour you and remember you. You are the best!
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