Dear Mum, I wish you could read my mind right now, as it’s impossible to express what you mean to me in such a short letter. I know the last few months were so difficult for you, but I will always admire the strength, courage and optimism you showed until the end and although it was under such sad circumstances, I am so grateful we had this time with you and will treasure it forever. We talked, cried and laughed together in the final weeks and I will hold these memories firmly in my heart. I know you left us knowing how much we love you, so we can take comfort in knowing this. I want to thank you for so many things. For encouraging us to follow our dreams, even though they changed so many times. You always listened to us with an open heart and trusted us with the paths we were on. You have taught us strength, courage and integrity, but most of all you have taught us love. Through our triumphs and failures you have always made it so very clear how proud you are of us and that what we are doing, saying and feeling is important. If I do choose to have children, and I know you were not holding your breath on this one, I hope I will be able to show them as much patience and compassion as you have shown me. It was the saddest day of our lives knowing you would not be continuing our journeys through life and we’re not sure right now how we will do it without you. We promise you though we will. We will take your love and everything you’ve taught us and there’ll be no stopping us! You sent us an email on the first of January telling your babies that this would be our year. Well mum, it really could have been a better start and I’m not sure what you think you‘re playing at, but I hope we do you proud. You must be heading to a better place now, but I hope you can check in on us once in a while. We love you Mum and will miss you everyday for the rest of our lives. Tina and Mandy