My earlier memories of mum include LBC chuntering away, Barbapapa and Bungie cakes, Antiques Roadshow, Ally Pally fairs, Wimbledon, the endless to-ing and fro-ing in the car, making sure we were where we needed to be, Bekonscot, the best Christmas stockings, Saturday spag bol and ice cream, cucumber scaled salmon masterpieces, boiling pants on the hob and being overwhelmed by a laundry mountain.
 
One of my most precious memories was when it was just you and I in Loom Lane.  In the afternoon you would encourage me to have a snooze.  I was allowed to go in your and dad’s bed and we’d hold hands ‘til I dropped off.  However, I would always wake alone and wondered how you had managed to get up without me knowing.  Now as a parent, I understand what this routine was about and I hope I gave you a few precious moments of p&q to enjoy your special ‘milky’ coffee - who knew you’d pioneered the original Baileys coffee?
 
My children couldn’t have wished for a better Granny Gru.  Naunton plays a big part in their memories; pooh-sticking, egg collection and days out at the Cotswold Farm Park.  Olly, I think of you and Granny watching The Jungle Book, singing all the classics.  Jonny, in Granny’s more challenging years you were her special ‘winchman’ and entertained her with your guitar.  And Luminita, I remember the laughs you both had watching Miranda together.  Sadly, much of your time knowing Granny, was with her ‘stupid pixilated disease’, but I am so proud of how the three of you shared your home over these years, never complaining of the compromises this caused.
 
Even as the Frontotemporal Dementia took hold, you never failed to keep your humour, humility and kindness.  You especially enjoyed it when we got clonked by your equipment, which you always found highly entertaining.  Trips out in ‘Granny’s Personal Unit’ gave you joy, as did strolls in your chair for a cuppa and Frasier provided our morning uplift.  Our mini break to Eastbourne was very special.
 
People keep saying how amazing Jo and I were in the way we cared for you, mum.  For me it was not amazing.  Yes, it came with obvious struggles and sacrifices, but it was testament to the values and selflessness that you instilled in us and was a role I was so proud to have embraced throughout this cruel and unfair disease.
 
I’ll end as I started, as we’ve come full circle and I held your hand ‘til you left us.  Night night, sleep tight, don’t let the buh buh buhs.