April 9, 2021
April 9, 2021
I must admit, I have delayed writing this because it is difficult to put into a few paragraphs the impact that Celie had on my life, the life of my siblings, and on our parents. She didn’t just mean a lot to us; she meant everything. Since we moved to Cardiff when I was a young child, Celie and the Thomas’ have been a permanent and close feature in our lives. When we were younger Rhys used to appear in our house most days of the week which resulted in Celie also being there frequently, having cappuccinos and a good chat with mum and dad.
I remember fondly our family adventures together, especially our half term breaks at Alton Towers. On one visit, I remember feeling like an absolute boss when she bought me a t-shirt from a photo shoot that made me look like I was skiing and, honestly, I kept it for years afterwards. This is just a small example of Celie’s generosity. Another example I remember is at Emma’s hen and, being aware that me and my sisters were students at the time, she absolutely refused to let us buy our own lunch, to the point where she ended up throwing a Euro note across the table at my face! This seems like a funny little anecdote to remember but I also think it sums Celie up so well- absolutely committed to looking after others, and giving that commitment with *110%* always.
Celie was very much the nucleus of family life, with her and Rog’s house being a central point for family gatherings and big celebrations. It’s the type of home where, if the light is on, you’re guaranteed to be welcomed in, sat at the kitchen table, offered a cup of tea, and just greeted with general warmth and enthusiasm. We’ve spent more birthdays, Christmases, life events (even the millennium!) there than I can count. Now I wish I hadn’t taken these moments for granted so much.
Celie’s caring nature was coupled with absolute pragmatism. She was also the person who made sure I pushed the doctors for referrals for my eldest son when he wasn’t walking at 18 months. This kicked off a series of support interventions, ultimately leading to an Autism diagnosis at a relatively young age. I wonder how long we would have been chasing that diagnosis without Celie’s initial push.
I could go on and on with these little anecdotes of Celie’s influence on our lives but hopefully the above demonstrates that the influence was profound. I’m so very sad but I’m also so very grateful to have had such a brilliant person in my life. I’ll miss you always Celie. Love you loads. xxxx
I remember fondly our family adventures together, especially our half term breaks at Alton Towers. On one visit, I remember feeling like an absolute boss when she bought me a t-shirt from a photo shoot that made me look like I was skiing and, honestly, I kept it for years afterwards. This is just a small example of Celie’s generosity. Another example I remember is at Emma’s hen and, being aware that me and my sisters were students at the time, she absolutely refused to let us buy our own lunch, to the point where she ended up throwing a Euro note across the table at my face! This seems like a funny little anecdote to remember but I also think it sums Celie up so well- absolutely committed to looking after others, and giving that commitment with *110%* always.
Celie was very much the nucleus of family life, with her and Rog’s house being a central point for family gatherings and big celebrations. It’s the type of home where, if the light is on, you’re guaranteed to be welcomed in, sat at the kitchen table, offered a cup of tea, and just greeted with general warmth and enthusiasm. We’ve spent more birthdays, Christmases, life events (even the millennium!) there than I can count. Now I wish I hadn’t taken these moments for granted so much.
Celie’s caring nature was coupled with absolute pragmatism. She was also the person who made sure I pushed the doctors for referrals for my eldest son when he wasn’t walking at 18 months. This kicked off a series of support interventions, ultimately leading to an Autism diagnosis at a relatively young age. I wonder how long we would have been chasing that diagnosis without Celie’s initial push.
I could go on and on with these little anecdotes of Celie’s influence on our lives but hopefully the above demonstrates that the influence was profound. I’m so very sad but I’m also so very grateful to have had such a brilliant person in my life. I’ll miss you always Celie. Love you loads. xxxx