Jo you were never just a friend, you were my safe place, my laughter on the hard days, and the person who knew me without explanation. Life feels quieter without you here, like the world has lost some of its colour.
Thank you for the memories that still make me smile through tears. The late nights, the inside jokes no one else will ever understand, the moments when you stood beside me without needing to say a word. You saw me at my best and my worst and loved me through all of it.
I miss the sound of your voice. I miss the way you made everything feel lighter, even when things were heavy. I miss knowing I could always turn to you. Your absence hurts in ways words can’t fully explain, but your presence in my life will always matter more than the pain of losing you.
You changed me, and because of you I am better, braver, kinder and stronger. That’s something death can never take away. You live on in my heart, in my memories, and in the parts of me you helped shape.
I’ll carry you with me always.
Until we meet again, my friend.
You are loved. You are missed. You will never be forgotten.
Cheryl Hawkins
21/01/2026
