Tuesday 2nd April 2024

Today was the funeral of my sister, Janet. She died suddenly last month, just after her sixtieth birthday, leaving a daughter, Nicole, who is only 21. It was a simple but moving ceremony led by a celebrant. Nicole gave an outstanding eulogy to her mum. So strong and steadfast, and still so young. I cannot imagine myself doing that when I was 21.

Just like our mother, Janet was in love with life, and she lived it well, as evidenced by the number of people who came to remember her. We are a small family but the congregation was full of Janet’s friends going back over 40 years.

This was my contribution to the service.

16 Years ago it was my duty and my privilege to deliver the eulogy for our mother. And when Nicole rang me with the news that Janet had died, I remembered these words that I spoke.

“In Mum’s final weeks I was privileged to witness the love and care that my sister Janet gave to our Mum. It was that special mother/daughter bond that was so strong between our Mum and her mother, and it continues between Janet and her daughter, Nicole.”

And that was the inspiration for this poem that I have written for Janet, and for Nicole as well.

For Janet 
On each day’s journey through my life I find 
Good things to mark the passing of the hours,
Memories to treasure in my mind:
A bird in flight, a smile, fresh scented flowers.

Until the moment when I took that call. 
“Mum’s passed away,” I heard through tears and sobs.
And while I strived to comprehend it all,
All of that day’s happiness was robbed.

Then I remembered our mum’s passing and
Your mother-daughter bond of loving care
Which grew in gentle strength until the end,
And I, your brother, was allowed to share.

That bond remains unbroken in the souls
Of you, dear Janet, and your dear Nicole.