32 years ago on 2nd October life changed forever, you were born, with a small amount of drama, you had to be rushed away quickly, but you were soon back. A healthy boy, 7lbs 12, blond hair and the most beautiful, smooth skin.

An awful lot’s happened in those 32 years, it’s a long time! Amazing how quickly those years have flown by though. 10 years ago in July the very worst thing in life happened, an accident in Thailand and you my darling boy didn’t survive. Just 21, you lived a lot of life in those years, I’d be lying if I said you didn’t cause a whole load of angst at times. But you were starting to put your troublesome years behind you and life was really just starting to take off for you.
Thailand was ‘your place’
I was thinking earlier about your sister and brother, Alex and Jake and what hopes and dreams I may have or have had as a mother for all 3 of my children. The only hope I really have is that they’re both happy, Alex is making an amazing life in Paris, she’s a strong, independent young woman, and Jake is a Father to 3 beautiful little boys. You’d be proud of both of them and wow you’d love Ronnie, Vinnie and Ralph.
Pre-School was great fun!
Losing you means any hope and dreams, any future disappeared on July 14th 2009, there will be no new photos, no news of a girlfriend, a wife, children. That all went.

That first year after losing you went by in a blur, I don’t remember too much about it, but, we all survived.
They say life goes on, and it certainly does, but it takes a certain attitude and a lot of determination. I found this quote – it’s apt.
You have to take the good with the bad. Smile when you’re sad
Love what you’ve got and remember what you’ve had
Always forgive, never forget. Learn from mistakes but never regret
People change, things go wrong, but remember, life goes on
When I moved into this house, I noticed I only had photos of you up, that was very wrong of me, and it’s been changed, there are still plenty of you, but also photos of the rest of the family. Alex, Jake, Peter and Kerry and the little boys too of course!
Life is for the living and for making memories, I live my life to the full, in your memory to a great degree, I hope you’d approve. Even though I know you’d never understand my love for cricket! That has become my biggest passion after the family, it’s been a life saver.

Tomorrow I’ll be celebrating your birthday which you shared with Uncle Les, we lost him a year ago. I’m meeting Sarah and Kate, we’ll set the world to rights and talk about you both. I will always, always love you, and there will always be tears. But my smile is genuine and life is good, I hope that would make you happy too. (Although I am shocked that my son would’ve been 32!
Poignant read Debbie. You’re making and Alex,Jake, Peter, Kerry and the boys are blessed with such a positive outlook that you have. I know that there are times of sadness and reflection but you let that happen and be a force for good. Xxx
LikeLike
I just felt the need, thank you, they’ve all had a lot to contend with. I’ve had some tears again this morning, people’s kindness can be my undoing, but that’s all ok too xx
LikeLiked by 1 person
Wonderful words Deb. My thoughts are with you today and remember the early days when all the relaxation group met with our babies and toddlers for a chat and laugh at their young ways. Be strong as I know you are, Luke will be watching you 😀 big hugs xx
LikeLike
Thanks Sue, such happy days, and now we have our own grandchildren the definition of love changed again xx
LikeLike
That’s so sweet, you always seem to find such lovely words Debbie. Today will be sad and happy for you and your family. Celebrate the day Luke was born! xxx
LikeLike
Thanks Sue, we’ll have a lovely lunch, then some madness with the boys hopefully xx
LikeLike
Debbie
I don’t really know you well… met you the once with my best friend at Headingley …and realised you were the fellow Essex follower from FB.
I’d sort of read between the lines about Luke … never really knew ; too personal to ask …
always very sorry for your loss.. way too early ..
But your words here; the tribute is just lovely…
Colin (Oxford)
LikeLike
Thanks Colin, it’s something I’m happy to talk about. Thanks for reading x
LikeLike
Lovely words – reminds us that memories are so important x
LikeLike
Thank you, they really are the most important thing x
LikeLike