We cannot think of thee as dead Who walk with us no more; Along the path of life we tread They have but gone before. 1882. F.L. Hosmer.

Humour My mum was immensely funny! She was clever, witty and sharp and could find humour and absurdity in many situations. She could use unique and unconventional approaches to search for solutions and help others to find them – humour was just one of her many talents. Using her humour and kindness, she could transform a difficult situation to one that – with her touch – then seemed somehow absurd and therefore, achievable. Many times, she used this skill when working with friends, colleagues, her union and with the local Labour Party but we saw this many, many times with her just being our mum. One of many examples comes to mind: I remember being the archetypal awkward teenager; I was short, had large front teeth, wore spectacles which I hated, and with no female shape at all. These days we would call this bad combination as having “low self esteem”. In those days it didn’t seem to have a name; I just felt self-conscious and out of place. Mom, on the other hand, was tall, beautiful, statuesque and had the stunning, womanly figure that I completely admired. I asked her one day when and if I could ever hope to look like her – wonderful and womanly. She looked me up and down, made me do a slooow spin round to the back and front and then pronounced, “No worry Ma ... you-a-come!” It was such a tiny thing and yet such as massive gesture of the grace, kindness and humour of which Mom was so capable. This was just one of the numerous examples that, to me, epitomised Mom’s humour and her stylish way of making things seem OK. She had the gift of understanding, the sensitivity and perception of knowing how important a topic might be to you, and the humour to convey that – although a problem might seem insurmountable at the time – finding the funny side might just help you to cope with your fears and insecurities.

Grandchild, please don’t mourn me I’m still here, though you don’t see. I’m right by your side each night and day And within your heart I long to stay. ... My body is gone but I’m always near, I’m everything you feel, see or hear. My spirit is free, but I’ll never deaprt As long as you keep me alive in your heart. I’ll never wander out of your sight, I’m the brightest star on a summer night. I’ll never be beyond your reach, I’m the warm moist sand when you’re at the beach. I’m the colorful leaves when Autumn’s around, And the pure white snow that blankets the ground. I’m the beautiful flowers of which you’re so fond, The clear cool water in a quiet pond. I’m the first bright blossom you’ll see in the spring, The first warm raindrop that April will bring. I’m the first ray of light when the sun starts to shine, And you’ll see that the face in the moon is mine. When you start thinking there’s no one to love you, You can talk to Grandma through the Lord above you. I’ll whisper my answer through the leaves on the trees, And you’ll feel my presence in the soft summer breeze. I’m the hot salty tears that flow when you weep, And the beautiful dreams that come while you sleep. I’m the smile you see on a baby’s face. Just look for me, Grandchild, I’m every place!