We are remembering my Grandad. An amazing trombone player in his day as well as a terrifically talented joiner. My Grandad was like a built in best friend. So funny, his smile and laugh just lit up the entire room. And I would always feel safe and secure whenever he was near, he just had a calming presence. He always reassured you that you would be fine and give you a big squeeze and you would instantly feel better. My grandad was so determined, this showed when he had a stroke when I was younger and he had to learn how to read, write and speak again and he did. He passed away two years ago now from falling on a rainy day and after all he had achieved recovering from those traumas, it left such a hole in our lives for him to be suddenly taken when he was so healthy. Our lives are definitely different without him as he was such a light and a joy. Everyone who met him says the same, he was just a force of nature. The best husband, father and grandad in the world.
We are also remembering my Granny (Grandad’s wife) unfortunately she passed when I was a baby so I didn’t get much time with her, which really upsets me but when I hear all the wonderful and also funny stories about her I truly feel like I know her so well. She was so kind, so creative, also a force of nature. She was very determined, she ran a restaurant whilst taking care of her family and just had so many feathers to her cap! She had an eye for detail. I wish I could have spent years on end with her, going around antique shops which she so dearly loved. She was a treasured wife, mother and Granny.
We are also remembering my Auntie Bridget. When my granny passed away Auntie Bridget sort of took on the role of Granny duties. And to this day , I can say she truly shaped who I am. She was so kind, so delicate, always fair. Auntie Bridget loved church and keeping her rosary beads close to her (which is something I like to do now because of her), everything in her home was perfect and beautiful. Some of the best memories of my childhood are school holidays at my Auntie Bridget’s. And walking through her front door and getting a whiff of her homemade chicken soup that she was cooking. Everyone who knew her, held a special place in their hearts for Auntie Bridget and that’s a fact. We miss her everyday.

And finally we are remembering my Granny Flynn (Auntie Bridget’s sister and my Mums Granny) she too passed when I was baby so I don’t have any memories with her and I so wish I did because of the stories I hear she was such a kind and wonderful person to know. I have one picture of her holding me when I was just born, I’m asleep in her lap and she is looking down at me just like an angel and she is so very gently holding my tiny hand with the tips of her fingers, the picture is so beautiful and special because although I never knew her that picture shows how much she loved me and how many memories we would have made together , the memories would have been wonderful. My mum describes her as so elegant and very much “a lady” and she was a huge part of my mum’s growing up, almost everyday they would see her, she was like a “second mum”. It just shows how treasured she was.

Forever in our hearts

Whilst Dad didn't use the hospice in his lifetime he had many relatives that did and he was a big supporter of St Barnabas being a local lad. After such a tough year he will be missed at Christmas and we think this is a lovely way to remember him.

I still miss you so much my dear John, even though it’s several years since I lost you.

In loving memory of such a wonderful Dad x

Keith; I love you now, I love you always. Thank you for loving me! My heart is broken, but I'm so thankful to have known you. You are missed every single day. All my love, Victoria xxx

Shine on, Martin
Love always xxx

Our first Christmas without Dad and what would have been his 80th Birthday on Boxing Day.
Daddy Sharman we miss you every day. You will always be loved and never forgotten.
All our love,
Dan and Gem xxxxx

The first Christmas without you both, but I'm sure you have found your way to each other and are dancing in the stars this Christmas. Love you xxx

Always in my thoughts at this time of year xx

Both loved and missed by all the family.

Stuart, you are missed every day, the world isn't the same without you in it. Love always, Alistair x

Merry Christmas Mum, I can’t believe its nearly been 3 years already, I miss you everyday, you’ll always be the brightest star in the sky, Love you forever❤️❤️

Sending you love and prayers this Christmas, Dad x x x

Kav you are deeply missed by all your family, you loved Christmas time, you bought such love and fun into our lives, Christmas will never be the same, loving you always, mum and dad xx

Loved Always, Never Forgotten.
Jean, Sue, Ian and families.
xxx

Missing you this Xmas
As we look up to the stars
And see the brightest one
We know it’s where you are looking down on us xx

We love you forever Nana, love Sam & Lily, Jack, Poppy, Max, Kit & Wilf xxxxxxxx

Have some wonderful memories of are christmas together. Love and miss you ❤️❤️❤️

Missing my mam and dad, as both passed away at Christmastime

My heart is still so broken each day I miss you my Butchie. You didn’t deserve what happened to you, but you took it all that was thrown at you with such grace never complaining. I would walk a million miles to see your face one more time or to talk and laugh with you. You will always be in my heart till we meet again. Love Maggie xxxxx

Spending quality time during the Christmas period. Laughing and smiling.
Always thought about and loved dearly xx

You will always be part of me…

Life's too short

At Christmas time you are missed the most. We love you