My Mum’s journey through life is a story of love, resilience, and unwavering strength, weaving a tapestry of moments that have left an indelible mark on our hearts

04 October 2022 was the worst day, and 2022 was the worst year of my entire existence

Mum, thank you for the first gift and the greatest present I ever received, from the very first moment, your unconditional love was a constant, unwavering force that shapes my life and moulds me into the person I became, the bond we shared was one that endures, and our relationship defied description

Mum, at the very core of your radiant presence and exceptional nature is a heart that knows no limits when it comes to love, your uniqueness, infectious smiles, and genuine interest in the lives of those around you created a nurturing atmosphere that draws people in, whether it was family, friends, or even strangers, you extends your love generously, showed us all the power of compassion and kindness

Mum, we honour the beautiful truth we have come to carry, you did not say goodbye, because you knew it was not one, and it never will be, you knew we would remember you in memory, in ritual, in love, every single day, and we do, so, 3 years later, we do not say goodbye either, instead, we say, we see you, we hear you, we feel you, and we love you still

The memorial garden is not just a collection of plants and stones, but it stands as a symbol of our enduring connection to my darling Mum, even in her absence, a place where we can continue to feel her presence, in the gentle rustling of the leaves, the warmth of the sun on our faces, or the beauty we have created in her honour, it is our way of keeping her close, even as time moves on, ensuring that the part of the garden she loved so much is forever associated with her

My darling mum, and your beloved colour purple, though you may no longer walk beside us, your spirit lives on in every shade of purple we encounter, and your memory will forever be intertwined with the colour you held dear, as we bask in its beauty, we feel your presence with us, guiding us with your love and light, until we meet again, we know that the radiance of purple always remind us of the love and joy that you brought into our lives

Life often takes unexpected turns, and the promises I made to my darling Mum in moments of love that became both poignant and profound, little did I know that fulfilling my vow would take on a different meaning, as we took her back to the land she was born, spent a significant part of her unique life, and where she would be reunited with my beloved Dad side by side at their final resting place