35years ago, my clever, funny, loving, creative, amazing Dad was finally able to rest peacefully after years of living with Parkinson’s Disease and, in later years, the final stages involving dementia. I can still remember the phone ringing that morning, mum answering and then coming upstairs to sit on my bed, calling Sarah in and telling us he was gone. I was both devastated and relieved, but most of all lost.
It has been a journey coming to terms with his final years and my memories of that time. I was still so young and did not really know what to think or do when he became ill. I made some decisions at the time that I later regretted…the power of hindsight. What I do now know though is that he was my rock and mentor growing up, and I wish I had had more time to share with him. He is the reason I live life in the moment as we just don’t know what will be around the corner. Dad I love you and miss you so much. Thank you for the fun and joy when we were young and the knowledge and wisdom you so generously shared with me, my siblings and all those you taught. I hope I would have made you proud if you could have met my five amazing boys and husband who shares this day with you as it is also his birthday. Thank you for being you and, with mum, giving us the very best childhood.xxxxx