I can’t believe a year ago at 7.50am to be precise, we said our final goodbyes to you dad. I am so grateful that I was able to hold your hand and was able to tell you what Pip promised me I would tell you as you slipped away.
I try my hardest to keep all of the amazing memories we made alive in my head, including your voice and your mannerisms but the one memory I wish was never made was your last words to us before you left “help me”. It plays over in my head again and again and I am trying to change its meaning into one of ‘letting you go’ rather than you being in distress but it is hard. I promise I will keep on trying.
You would be so proud of the boys, both smashing it with their very different jobs and both having very high standards and putting in 100% effort and recognising their own achievements.
Music lives on for you in me and Andy. We are going to so many concerts and have lots planned for next year. Yes we didn’t get to see ELO for you this year as planned but I can assure you that the music of ELO lives on pretty much on a daily basis, if it isn’t Evan listening to it, it’s Pip texting to tell me what song has just come on and if it isn’t Pip it’s Frankie having a sing song to his favourite tracks.
I feel I had a bit of an epiphany lately about you dad. I texted Pip because it suddenly occurred to me that we have a member of the family that has so many characteristics of you….our beautiful, feisty Arabella or Boo to you. I sent this to Pip:
‘So it suddenly occurred to me today….. I truly believe dad lives on in Arabella. Her feisty and strong character matches dad and his belief that he was always right regardless of opinion and evidence. She knows exactly what she wants, keeps everyone on their toes and lights up the room whenever she is around. You have done dad proud in giving us Arabella, like you said yesterday, she keeps you going (and so does dad). I know this will make you cry, it has me writing it but needed to let you know and I hope it
Sam
20/11/2025
