Dear Mother,  on the anniversary of your passing from this world, I'm reflecting ... reflecting on the presence that you were, the helpless feeling when I visited you in the hospital, the words I said then, about not worrying any more, and of the happiness that would endure with me and the kids.  It was wonderful to have the support of your friends in Nottingham and around the world, and helped me appreciate more the varied life that you led, and how you touched so many along the way.  As I look at your photo on our mantel now, smiling with your binoculars and backpack, on a green hillside somewhere,  I reflect on the energy with which you lived your life, striving for ideals, never quite completely satisfied.  You were quite exhausting at times ... but somehow we needed that energy, and miss it now.  We try our best, and I hope it's enough.   With love, your son, Ted

Thinking if you on your birthday , you may not be here in person , but you are in spirit , I’ll always think of you when I’m watching birds flying High, 
and today a male Swan protecting his mate on a nest , a great crested Grebe fishing on the Marina . All the things we enjoyed seeing together , 
missing you , love Irene x x x

To my only aunt. To tell the truth I was always a little bit scared of you. Such a strong woman hugely travelled and absolutely sure of everything. My first memory is the trip into London when you took me to see the ballet Swan Lake. You parked on double yellow lines and told me not to speak if the ticket inspector came, so you could plead innocence in French! Thank you for all the trips down under (six in all) to meet my new family and watch my children grow. I shall miss the postcards from your adventures. Vale Doreen.