Dear Johnny, another year has gone by without you here, so much has happened in that time, yet it feels like only a short time since you've been gone. We know that you are truly not gone, as you still join us from spirit on occasion and you are busy being in The Gambia with your beloved wife, Linda. I think about you every time I see the spring flowers. Five years ago, on 9th April, it hit home to me that you would not be here to see the beautiful flowers that had come out, just as the weather had became warmer. The sign of new life beginnings, that you were not here to see, it was so unfair and I cannot lose that feeling still, although I know that you are doing okay and I do believe you see the flowers. There is another friend whom I will also think about always at the same time, a dear friend, Carl. You know him, he sadly left the earth, leaving behind a devastated family. Carl's funeral was yesterday. At this time, we are making history, as we have a dreadful virus pandemic which hitting the world by storm and many thousands of people are being taken to spirit after becoming very ill. At this moment in time, we are in week three of a 'lockdown' of the country. This brings many difficulties, but is necessary to save human lives as much as is possible. Carl's funeral was just a handful of people as we are not allowed to be with other people in a confined space. This meant that only immediate family could attend the ceremony. This did not deter the great many people who cared, as we all took to the streets, to pay respects by lining the entire road from Carl's house to Beccles Crematorium. We all stood at least 2 meters apart and watched as the undertaker walked in front of Carl and the family for at least a mile. It was amazing and what a wonderful send off, it was so special and respectful and one which will never be forgotten.
On a happy note, I am sure you already know that David and I have become grandparents to baby Mia who is 6 weeks old. Izzy had a baby! Both doing great, sadly we cannot see them at this time due to the lockdown, thank heavens for FaceTime! Jessica is doing well, she is in year 4 of her medical degree. Not long now till she is a qualified doctor Johnny, you always called her 'Doc' and next year it will be her real title, haha! At the moment Jessica has been drafted in to the Norfolk and Norwich hospital to help, as NHS staff are under enormous strain and are falling sick due to the virus - named COVID-19. All senior medical students have been given the opportunity to work with the ward doctors and she volunteered and is loving it! 'Little' Sam is 18 now and is now taking his final exam for college. Schools are closed and most exams have been cancelled for this academic year, but as Sam's work is project based he was set a 14 week exam - he only has 4 weeks left now to make the grade. He is doing Spatial Design and enjoys it and has made many friends. He likes a pint or two Johnny, and would love to have bought you one, I am sure!
Your old mate Dave is keeping busy, as always, we were speaking of you a lot yesterday, and of course of Carl. Two top men, gone to soon, but never, ever forgotten. Love you Johnny and until we meet again, I shall write to you here and think of you often. Much love from all of us xxx