Beryl Reynolds (27 Feb 1931 - 22 Feb 2019)

In loving memory of Beryl Reynolds who sadly passed away on 22nd February 2019

The reading I spoke at mum's funeral on 1 March 2019

Caring for a mum with brain damage amongst other health issues over the last two years has been challenging, rewarding, and an extremely humbling experience. I have absolutely no regrets in my decision to look after her, to love her and keep her safe during this time.

But for a minute or so I would like to focus on the lady that was our mum before her illness. A lady that sadly you didn’t know. Mum lived in London through the 2nd world war, left school at 14 and worked in the print by day and sang in the clubs at night. She gave up her job and her singing to become a wife and our mum and she always put others first. As well as being a good mum, and my best friend she was a talented lady. She painted and had written work published. I remember when one of her stories was read on the radio how proud we all were. I have a lifetime of memories that cannot be erased. Mum was our rock. Always there for us regardless throughout our lives.

But two years ago this changed and mum suffered a life altering seizure, and our roles reversed. We lost our rock and we became her support. I chose to care for mum at home and during this time you have all become part of that valuable support system for mum and for us. From the bottom of my heart I would like to thank everyone of you for your support, in whatever role you have played. But I must say a special thank you to Katie, Ros and Anita for supporting me in mum’s day to day care. We have had our moments, our ups and downs and our difficult times, but we have also had such laughs with mum so please remember those times and smile when you think of them, as I know I will.

The Beryl you have all known has, until quite recently, still possessed that bright smile and wonderful sense of humour. And this is the Beryl I would like you all to remember, the little lady with the big heart. There was barely a day that went by that she didn’t thank one of us for caring for her and barely a bedtime where she didn’t say ‘I love you’. I will miss you so much mum but I truly hope you are at peace now and free from pain.

A few years ago mum wrote the following words and asked they be read at her funeral when that time came:

Try not to cry when I have gone
Instead look forward and be strong
Let feelings go, let joy be rife
My love for you was shown in life
Think happy thoughts of things we shared
Let a smile transform your face
So just for me, head up, walk tall
As you leave this holy place
Weep if you must, parting is hell
But life goes on, so sing as well.