My Mum,

Mum would be the first to acknowledge that she wasn’t perfect, but then neither are we who had the privilege of knowing her.

Mum’s one desire was to see her boys succeed in life and be happy even if that meant denying herself happiness and this she did on numerous occasions.

Mum was devoted to family. Given the choice she would have gladly traded her life for one of ours; such was her commitment to her sons, husband and extended family.

As her fourth son, I can reflect on those years of my life when I was very much dependent upon her for all things. Then in more recent times mum was always there to render assistance to both myself and my wife Fiona and my family. Mum did this for all of her son’s. If she could not help materially, she was always rock solid in her faith and would go down on bended knees and pray for each one of us in those times when the way was dark and uncertain.

Mum never ceased trying to lead the family to a better space, always trying to help in any way possible even though she herself was not altogether well and had the task of looking after our dad. She had been described by someone who knew her well as a Trojan mum, who would never give in or give up on family, that is what mattered and that is what kept her going to her last breath.

John 15:13 says, “Greater love has no one than this, that he lay down his life for his friends.” Mum did this for as long as I can remember even when I did not notice.

Yes I will miss my mum’s smile and her never failing faith in all of us. Even though she has left this earth, she remains with all of us since a part of her has made us who we are.

May she have peace and life everlasting, until we meet with her again in glory, mum we love you...