I often write about the friends I have made over the last 12 years.
We have come together under such sad and difficult times, all being estranged/alienated from our wonderful, precious grandchildren.
That common ‘living bereavement’ thread runs through us all, we all understand.
During these years there have been and are some extra special people, people that have become dear, dear friends.
Today I heard of the passing of just one of those extra special people.
To her friends she was known as ‘Mani.’
She was a ‘lady’ in every sense of the word.
She was beautiful, caring, compassionate and oh so talented.
She was the sort of person I aspire to, but just not quite getting anywhere near.
Mani, attended all of our meetings from the very early days, until very recently when driving became a bit more difficult.
She always would join us for our ‘jollies’ down at The Windmill in Portishead, be that Christmas or the any excuse to go out for lunch, lunches!
Always she carried a ray of sunshine with her, her gorgeous smile was infectious.
I am so pleased that she was able to join us for one last lunch a few weeks ago.
As when these things happen, you think ‘if only, I had given her one last hug or given her a longer cuddle, but we can’t live our lives with regret and ‘if onlys’.
The void that she has left not only of course to her family, but that void will be felt by so many people today.
Although most of you reading this will not have known her personally, you will know her as she is featured in BGSG video.
It clearly shows better than I can, what a wonderful person she was.
When you look at that video just spend a moment, thanking her for what she did for BGSG.
Mani you will always be in my heart, I will continue to aspire to your way of living, I promise to try and get me ‘affect and effects’ correct, sometimes anyway, thank you for everything, your support and care for Marc and I. I am going to miss you so much.
R.I.P you lovely lady.xxxx