Dear Mum...

Here we are ~ a whole year since you passed away.  A whole year of "first since...": your birthday, all our birthdays, your's and Dad's wedding anniversary, Christmas, Mother's Day.  I'll be honest, these last twelve months have gone by just as fast as time usually flows; time doesn't slow down at all, even when someone we love is no longer with us.

Of course we all miss you, and miss sharing what's going on in our lives, but I think I speak for us all in saying that we knew it was the right time for you to leave us, that life was becoming more and more difficult for you, and that you were simply just worn out by all your struggles.

Amanda and Liz brought Dad up here to stay with Adrian and I over Christmas.  He's coping remarkably well, Mum, and just keeps plodding on.  He's very pragmatic, as you know, and has often told me that you and he had discussed what would happen when one or the other of you passed away.  He said that you both agreed that life has to go on for whoever is left behind, and it's better to adapt to your new reality than to try to fight against it.  So he's doing just that: pottering about keeping the house and garden looked after, going out to various events in the village, taking himself out for lunch a few times a week.  

I'm sure you'll be pleased to know that Amanda and I have got a routine going where we Komp with him regularly each week, and she comes down to see him every few weeks, too.

Of course, Dad misses you terribly ~ after all, you were together for such a long time.  But he is a practical man and realised that he had to carry on regardless, so that's why he's made such an effort to ensure that he has a life for himself.

I miss sharing with you what's going on in my life, but especially the trials and tribulations of my garden!  I know that you always enjoyed seeing the photos of all that Adrian and I had been doing out there, and chatting about our latest changes.  Dad takes an interest, though, and it's nice to share these things with him too.

Sam and Beverly are both fine, with their lives as busy as ever.  And guess what? Sam actually moved away from Hitchin last year and is now living in Leeds!

Amanda and I are, as always, there for each other;  I'm so glad to I have a sister that I am close to.

I know we weren't a "letter writing" family, and to be honest this is probably the first, and will be the last letter, I have written to you.  I just wanted to check in and let you know that although we miss you, we are fine and you can continue on with your new adventure without having to worry about any of us.

Love you, Mum

Sharon

xxx