A few weeks ago, I wrote this post about the silver jubilee anniversary of my Dad dying.
I got a lot of lovely messages from lots of people, but I also got this from my cousin, Neil.
I have not seen or spoken to my cousin since my Mum’s funeral, back in 2015.
Not because of any drama or scandal … just because these things happen, especially when you move countries every few years.
But that day, he wrote to me and I was thrilled.
Not just because that was lovely, but because of how he remembered – and how he will forever be connected – to Dad.
Which, to me, was exemplified by his very last sentence … because anyone who knew him would remember Dad doing exactly that sort of thing.
Except me.
Because I’d forgotten.
So Neil’s note let me feel my Dad’s cheeky mischief again.
Something that in the loss of him, I’d somehow lost.
Which let me feel he was close again despite it being 25 long years.
And what a warm and wonderful feeling that was.
What a gift.
So thank you cuz. And thank you Dad.
A positive reason to remember the silver jubilee.