“Thank you all for coming.  She is happy to see your caring and loving faces here together I’m sure.

Although she was unwell and clearly rounding off her life, our preparation for this was in place yet incomplete.  The desire for her suffering to come to an end is fulfilled, although not in quite the way we’d hoped.

Many of you had very little idea how ill she really was, and so did not realise how much she needed your company.  At least you are here now, for one final visit.  We all loved her, we just sometimes showed it in ways that didn’t always quite get the message across, myself included.

How could you not love such an exquisite being?  She developed her deforming arthritis at the sensitive age of 12, enduring curious glances from those around her from then on, as her body twisted more and more.

It bent her hands to the extent that straightening them were not an option.  Yet she made childrens toys, sewed clothing and could drive.  She was a copy artist and played amateur league pool.  She raised two children, changed nappies and smacked bottoms.  A soul who shared with all the angel’s voice within.

You will be happy to know that she enjoyed what she knew was her last birthday.  Her last Christmas after that brought her great happiness too.  Being a part of ‘Twang’, the band, was a highlight in her life, and enjoying my 25th birthday with me and my friends was something I’m honoured to have shared with her.  She was one of my best friends and I’m going to miss that.

Mommy, now you can do somersaults and even drive a Ferarri if you want to!  I love you.  Goodbye.

20 October 2001