My Dearest Mum Today I have to say my goodbyes, I just couldn’t have imagined how hard this would be. I loved you so dearly, my heart was touched in so many ways. Being there when you needed me but most of all, being there when I needed you, not just as a mum but as a friend too. The memories we have made together, I will always treasure. A big part was when you opened and we ran the shop ‘Needles’ together, working alongside you for nearly eight years. Sadly, ill-health got in the way, along with the recession and the shop closed in 1991. The skills and life experiences I gained from you during this time, I thank you for, as this was the beginning for me to work from home whilst bringing up Becky and Helen. We had many cruising holidays together with Angie, this was something you loved. You were a stickler for routine and punctuality, even on holiday. When it became too much for Angie and I, we would have the saying ‘Get in the box’, this became a tradition every time we went away. The Royal Albert Hall became a tradition every Christmas, joining in the Christmas carol service, unfortunately because of Covid it stopped. Last December you celebrated your 80th birthday. A special moment for Angie and I was to treat you to go back to the Royal Albert Hall. We wanted to treat you like a queen, we were above the Queens Box, you were wined and dined and waited on throughout. You were so delighted and thoroughly enjoyed the weekend. You were a lady with great determination, whatever life threw at you, you found a way to continue, especially through times of illness. Your mum brought you into this world making sure you were loved and to appreciate life for what it was. Your love, generosity and encouragement was unconditional, which you passed down through generations, as far as your great grandchildren. Life began with you having me close and holding my hand. Life ended with me having you close and holding your hand.