Jackie and I have been much heartened by the caring comments on yesterday’s post.
A number of people spoke of the good memories we would have. These have prompted me to provide links to two consecutive posts from 2014;‘Long Day’s Journey Into Night’ and ‘On The Road’, being a recounting of a trip to claim back my French house which I could not have done without Michael’s active support.
This is just one of many.
Nice post Derrick
Thanks very much, Gary
I didn’t comment on your earlier post, Derrick, because I didn’t know what I could possibly add that other people hadn’t already said. I am so sorry about your news. One never expects to outlive one’s children and that in itself is the tragedy. Many warm wishes to you.
Very many thanks, Jane
Beautiful memories. Thinking of you.
Thanks very much, Dad
Lovely memories, Derrick. Thank you for sharing with us.
Thanks very much, Jill
I’m glad you have such lovely memories of Michael, as well as the photo at the top–worth a thousand words in itself.
Very many thanks, Merril
Yes, yes – that photo is touching in so many ways.
I’m pleased you see that, Jodie
It breaks my heart to not have the words to heal you both.
I will go visit the other posts with your memories right now.
Very many thanks, GP
The memories you’ve shared are quite wonderful. Know that we all will be thinking of you in the days ahead, and sharing your grief.
Thank you very much, Linda
I hesitate to write here because I only know of you through others’ blogs but I am truly sorry to hear of the loss of your son. Bloggers are wonderfully supportive and the many who follow and know you well will, I am sure, bring you comfort. Kind regards, Amanda.
Very many thanks, Amanda. Especially for no longer hesitating
Derrick, you and Jackie were the last thought on my mind last night and the first when I woke up this morning. Good memories of our loved ones who have passed on are so precious. May your memories of Michael sustain you both as you grieve. xx
Thank you for such powerful words, Sylvia
That is quite a story! Easy to see how you could not have managed without your son. My heart is heavy for you and your family. Such a terrible loss! So glad you are sharing some of your memories of him. Beloved ones who have passed live through our memories.
Yes, indeed, Laurie. Many thanks
Lovely post, Derrick. I do think the memories help, and you have such a record on your blog. You and Jackie and your family have all been on my mind. Hugs to you.
Very many thanks, Jodie
<3
One of my gloomier times had me reflecting this: For, when you run out of time, all you have is memories. And when you run out of memories, all you have is time, a void divisible in hours, minutes and seconds.
And when I run out of time I’ll be a memory. When I’ll run out of memories I’ll be gone.
Quite so, my friend, Uma. Thank you very much
I’m sorry I hit reply inadvertently…
Some memories never leave me because I never leave them, and I never leave them because I am the memories.
Please tell us more about yourself then, Derrick.
I will do my best, Uma.Many thanks
These are wonderful memories to keep of your son Michael, Derrick. Thank you for sharing them with us. All those good memories help ease the pain.
They do, indeed. Thanks very much, Lavinia
Lovely post x
Thanks very much, Lynn. X
Thank you for sharing these rich memories. I hope they bring you much comfort.
They do indeed, JoAnna. Many thanks
I got lost following the story of the squatters Derrick. I’m sure you have many such stories to tell of Michael being there and supporting you and his family in many ways. It is a great blessing to have a large family who cares for each other and who share so many happy, joyful, meaningful memories. The love never passes, the lost one can still be found in quiet moments and those ties that bind are never broken. No parent should ever bury a child – I believe it is the greatest of losses and such a loss is hard to bear bravely. But you are brave Derrick and such a noble man and you and Jackie will weather this loss together. You all remain in my thoughts with much love xoxo
Very many thanks, Pauline, for getting lost, and for your kind, supportive, words XX
Very sorry, Pauline, not Gwen
Lovely, Pauline. It’s so hard to try to find the words that might help. I think you helped. : )
🙂 Yes
I love you my friend
X Thank you very much, Candy
Thank you for sharing the links. I will go and read them.
Yes, I do believe our loved ones who have passed would want us to focus on the sweet memories. 🙂
You, Jackie, and all of your family are in my thoughts and prayers today.
I wish I could do more.
I just want you to know you are not alone…people love you and care about you…we hurt for you and with you.
((((HUGS)))
Thank you very much for these kind words, Carolyn. X
blockquote, div.yahoo_quoted { margin-left: 0 !important; border-left:1px #715FFA solid !important; padding-left:1ex !important; background-color:white !important; } Dear Michael, he was such a delightful boy when he came to stay at the age of 11, bringing his friend & of course Piper – his dog. He told his teacher he was staying with his Aunty – I was honoured. He has always stayed in my heart – our son’s middle name is after him – & until his marriage ended & he moved away, & I finally lost touch, I never missed his birthday.Michael was kind, fun, strong for others & very direct. He had such enthusiasm & energy. I have often thought of him – & always on his birthday – & I feel shocked & very saddened indeed to think of him gone. His children must be bereft.It is one thing we parents always hold as a dread, losing a child, whatever the age. Michael was far too young to die. Thinking of you Derrick – & Jackie, & for all Michael’s brothers & sisters With love from Carole & Brian xxx
Sent from Yahoo Mail for iPhone
Thank you very much, Carole and Brian, for this fine tribute and your kind wishes. XX
There is nothing to compare with the loss of a child, at any age; nothing is more tragic! I hope and pray that you and Jackie find consolation in these wonderful memories!
We will, Dolly. Thank you very much.
May you be comforted by your memories!
A beautiful post filled with precious memories. You two are cared for by so many people around the world, I hope and pray that knowing this helps you both as you come to terms over the loss of your child.
It is a very great help, Mary. Thank you so much
What a beautiful photo Derrick. Heartfelt thoughts are with you.
Thank you very much, Miriam
You’ve shared so many stories and pictures of your children over the time I followed your blog that I feel I have a tiny window into the richness of memories you can draw on. I wish you the comfort of your extended family in the coming days and weeks.
Very many thanks, Lisa. Much appreciated
With love to you and Jackie.
XX Thanks very much, Clare
We hope you find some comfort from your memories. Thank you for sharing the links.
Very many thanks, LL/PS
Thank you for sharing those links Derrick. I too got lost in the story of the squatters. I guess it happened at a time before I started following you. It’s lovely being able to share those memories. My mother passed long before blogging was even a thing. My sisters and I share our memories of her but each of us remembers things differently. I hope you are comforted by all the support you’re getting family and friends and from the many who follow you.
Much comfort, indeed, Carol. Many thanks