Mum – Mary Patricia She meant something to all of us and she certainly touched all of our lives in different ways. Here’s what Mary Patricia meant to me: M – Mum – the very best. Being a mum came naturally to her. She didn’t have to think about it or even try. Her family was her world and we all knew that. As kids, weekends were spent together as a family along with other close family friends, and those times have left us with so many happy memories that we will always cherish. Mum filled our lives with fun and love. A – Amazing – a word I hear so often when anyone talks about mum. She worked full time, ran a busy, hectic family home, spent quality time with us and entertained like there was no tomorrow. Even after discovering she had breast cancer, she carried on, she never complained – she was truly amazing. R – Real – mum never forgot where she came from and she was proud of her roots. She took everything in her stride especially when she married dad and took on the Indian side of our family, which I may add, could fill a small village. She was not pretentious and despite having a husband who would do absolutely anything for her, she never took anything for granted. Y – Youthful – Mum was fun loving and loved life. She never felt old and she certainly never acted old. She loved to socialise and she didn’t like to miss out on any party or social gathering where she would be surrounded by close friends and family. P – I was going to say patient, having dedicated her life, as a nurse, to caring for others, but then I remember mum being behind a wheel, and I can honestly say I’ve never witnessed road rage like it!! So my P is popular. Mum had so many close friendships, which she cherished. Looking at everyone here and reading the cards we have received over the past week or so, is testimony to this. A – Attractive – mum was a beautiful person both inside and out. It was her sparkly blue eyes that first attracted dad to her and I’m sure 48 years on she would still have said yes to his proposition “would you like the pleasure of my company tonight?” Mum had a warmth which she radiated and people were always relaxed and comfortable in her presence. T – Thoughtful – Mum always put others before herself. It was mum that remembered birthdays and did those little things to make others feel special. R – Rafael Nadal – I couldn’t talk about mum without talking about Rafa Nadal. Second to dad, he was her hero (sorry Rav!). She loved to watch tennis and her trips to Wimbledon with Norma and myself was the hi-light of her year. I hope you have all sent in your applications for 2012! I – Inspirational – the second word I hear so often, when people talk about mum. She really has been an inspiration to so many of us of all ages. Throughout her battle with cancer she has only ever shown strength and determination to live life to the full. There was never any self pity, in fact her illness made her more determined to make the most of every minute – and that she did. C – Caring – her career as a nurse, theatre sister and later matron of Wren Hall shows what a caring person mum was. I – Immaculate – on the day mum passed away even the district nurses commented on mum’s beautiful nails, which were manicured to perfection. Mum loved shopping and loved to dress up. We’ve spent a lot of time over the past week looking at old photos and mum was always smiling and stylish. A – An Angel – Mum truly was an angel. She touched all of our hearts in different ways and we all have our special memories of times spent with mum. I do hope everyone will take a look at the “muchloved” website we have set up and add to it, so that we can ensure mum’s spirit is kept alive. Mary Patricia, Patsy – my mum, my rock, my true true friend, Our life together has come to an end; But your spirit will live on in the heart of me You were truly amazing my gorgeous Patsy. Rest in peace mum, Love you always Tints xxx