It's a very long time not to have seen my sister. Today is her anniversary and I wanted her to know how the family are doing. Posting here seemed a better place than any other social media so here goes. And I'm writing this as if I were talking to my sister.
We lost mum almost two years ago. She fought and struggled to the end in her true indomitable style. A lifetime of her British bulldog spirit, her dignity and her faith kept her going through a lifetime of bitter loss. You would never have known. She never felt sorry for herself and wanted to keep going for those of us left. She died with our children around her. At her funeral, you would have been so proud of your daughter. I wrote the eulogy but knew I couldn't deliver it but your daughter did us all proud on the day, as did your niece, my youngest daughter, who also spoke. They have their granny's traits! It was a difficult service as the priest had suffered his own bereavement that very morning and as difficult as it was, I know mum would have understood his faltering delivery of her last service. Only could happen in our family!
We have a new generation in the family; our grandchildren. Amazing little human beings all growing up far too fast but they all get told about their granny and great auntie so you live on in their memories.
Oh, and you know what a small family we had growing up with two parents as only children? And that mum never knew her dad? Well, I traced him. Although long gone himself, we have an aunt and cousins and as our paternal grandfather was one of 20, a very large extended family! Haven't met them as our aunt is elderly and unaware of the fact she had a sister, and nieces! My intention was only ever to know what mum hadn't, not to disturb another family and I know lots, which is do interesting. We always thought dad had the interesting family but mum's paternal line is amazing and traced back to 1400's. I'm just really sorry that mum never knew all this before she died.
Our aunt, younger than our mother by two years, is very similar in looks. It's a little eerie seeing her picture but I love looking at it. One of our very distant cousins has helped me fill in so many gaps. Mum looks just like her dad as I've pictures of him too. And I look just like our great grandmother, yes, pictures of her also!
Oh, and I got married. I think you'd like him.
I'm not much of a believer but I hope you, our other sister, and mum and dad are all together and meeting all these wonderful ancestors. I hope you are just as bloody argumentative as you always were and causing a little agitation in the family!
Well, lots more to say but that's all for now. I look forward to seeing you all again although please understand I hope it's not for a very, very long time yet. Till then, I try and live life for both of us and hope you're with me on my journey. You went far too soon and I've walked this earth very alone at times. Thinking of you this day, my dear. My love always xx