'She loved us all dearly'

"We are born to love. It is the principle of existence and its only end."

Benjamin Disraeli

Daphne Estelle Wedderburn, 19 November 1933 - 3 July 1993
Our mother and grandmother. Much loved by all who knew her.

Dad's letter to his children, their spouses, grandchildren and even future grandchildren.

Mom and Shawni both have November birth dates. As we prepare for Shawni's 30th birthday, my mother has been on my mind. I would have loved her to witness the times we live in now.

She died of cancer 21 years ago.

I have this letter from Dad neatly folded in my box, the outside says 'Letter to my family', dated 12 July 1993, from Warner Beach, nine days after Mom died.

I have been reading Dad's letters and notes these past months and I realise that he is able to share his emotions and thoughts so well in letters, much more so than he does verbally. He can seem reserved and stoic but he feels deeply.

The letter is addressed to his 'Dearest Kids', 
I love the way he has put 'to be' next to the married couples. Doreen he has not yet visualised married with children, even though her relationship with Barry Philip starts soon after Mom's death.

It is a beautiful letter. 'I say without reserve that the love and respect that we had for Mom and also for each other has made it more bearable for us all.'

These family values still define us and how we interact with each other.

Dad you are correct when you wrote 'I'm sure she will always be with us.' She is.