Much love and fond memories to all of you. One of the things Lizzie talked about in her final time was Sue taking her to see the Watts Chapel near Farnham, the beauty of it; she'd read about it, but had not seen pictures, so she was knocked out, chattering away to me when you and I got back from our trip to Portsmouth Naval Yard and the visit to the Victory.
Mike et al, very good to hear from you in the midst of you being absorbed by making all the arrangements for one of many stages of farewell. I continue to have strong emotional ties to England, and English place names, so reading the place names on Ben's card, and thinking about Sue, and with my Lizzie much on my mind, it really tears me up - both pronunciations! Ben's card, with his drawing, is wonderful. How Sue must have loved getting his bird drawings. The wood warbler is amazing, and did he hand letter the text? Certainly looks that way. All so beautiful.
I saw that Ben had guidance in the announcement card about a gift in lieu of flowers, but I've gone ahead and arranged for a small bouquet of Freesia to be delivered to the Roebuck Inn. Lizzie loved them, loved their scent, and I'm sure you'll have a photo of Sue there that the flowers/vase can be beside. We'll be thinking of you tomorrow.
Mike, I'm overwhelmed by your deeply felt email and the Order of Service you all crafted; so much love in them. The choice of that final childhood photo of Sue is a knockout, as are her in your embrace, and the two of you with the floral background
As I scrolled through the photo compilation you sent, Mike, I had 'thought comments' on almost every photo, or questions. It's a real history of your family, of Sue's devotion to her children and grandchildren, and yours. Loved that photo with her look-a-like sister next to her and the one showing Sue lying on a rocky beach with Lucy's head and hers bookended together. It's very evident from the photos that you and Sue went way beyond 'coping'. Such a blessing that Ben, Melissa, and Lucy and the grandkids were always close by. Also, for me, it was the first time seeing Sue in the throes of MS. Also, thought provoking seeing her with her Mom, knowing that she too was struck and taken away by MS. A heart-breaking condition but such resilience from Sue, and the photos are a great part of a joy-filled send-off.
Antoine Maloney
13th March 2023