Dear Mum, First and foremost I want to thank God for allowing me the privilege of being your son. It’s been an honour to have had the close relationship we had. It’s largely because of you that I am the man I am to-day – far from perfect but striving to be a better person. We haven’t always seen eye to eye; we’ve clashed and fallen out many times along the way but through it all the love has remained. It has always been me and you ‘ah batter batter from me eye deh ah me knee and Moses was a bwoy’ right up until the very end. Where do I start? Do I start by telling you how proud I am of you or how much I love you? Or do I recount the many memories we’ve shared over the years, both the happy and sad ones? I honestly don’t know where to begin, but what I do know is now that you’re gone the world seems to be a slightly duller place. Your easy going humble nature, your smile and infectious laughter have impacted many of us and we’ll never forget you. You fought hard and came back from death’s door so many times we were starting to think you were invincible, but you eventually became tired and God decided to give you a sweet rest from your labour. The void left behind will be impossible to fill, but I know you wouldn’t want us to cry – you’d want us to give thanks and rejoice. Even on your sickbed you continued to encourage me and anyone who came to visit with your steadfast faith and trust in God which never seemed to waiver, no matter what you were going through. Both doctors and nurses fell in love with the ‘smiling miracle lady’ and all who knew you were blessed by you. We’ve had some REAL good times over the years Rubes, but I’m sure you’re relieved to finally get away from me telling you to eat more, exercise more or to go to your bed early and stop falling asleep in front the telly! You’ve been an AMAZING mum, a friend, a counsellor, a storyteller, a confidant and much more. I think it very fitting that today I share my birthday with a woman who sacrificed everything for me. You may have gone physically mum, but your presence and legacy will live on in us all. I often say the true value of a man’s life is the impact it leaves when he’s gone. If that’s the case your life was pure platinum! Missing you like crazy mum, but you’d want me to stay strong for the children so I won’t let you down. Sorry for any hurt I may have caused you, love you forever and a day. Your son, Michael P.S. I bet you’re skinning teet and laughing at me getting all emotional and teary eyed!