I wish I could ring your door bell just one more time and stand waiting for forever and a day for you to answer because you we’re having a little nap, it’s ok I won’t tell anyone. I wish you could tell me, just one more time in your not so tactful manner how big my belly looks but that my hair looks lovely so that’s ok. Haha I wish I could just sit with you just one more time to watch Doctors with a cup of tea and a cheeky wispa. I miss you so terribly and I’m so grateful to have had you in my life.

Lal (her five sisters and brother always called her Lal so for me she was always Auntie Lal) was the best Aunt you’d ever wish for : like a second mother when I was small and a good friend when I retired. She was always there with good advice and, above all, a laugh. She saw the funny side of everything and refused to let life get her down. For my mother, her sister Bess, Lal was a rock for her to cling to when she was going through tough patches and, as always a source of happiness and peace. Rest in peace, Lal, you were one in a million.

Dear my darling nan, The nan who taught me how to be strong and to live life to the full, with a smile. I want to knock on your window one last time. I want to knock and wake you up and you spend the next 10 minutes telling me you weren’t asleep... I want to bring you a wispa Chocolate bar and see the smile of your face light up even more. I want you to ask me if I want a cup of tea and I reply ‘no thank you, would you like one?’ and you reply ‘ohh go on then. ‘ I even want you to tell me my fish was so rubbish compared with Terry’s, even though it really wasn’t. It’s an absolute pleasure to read how many people looked up to you and said how much they all loved you... That makes my heart fill with pride... that’s my Nan you are talking about... my Nan who will always be with me no matter what ❤️