In the final stages of her long and painful illness, the excised tumour mutated deep within her neck, and gradually consumed her mind and body. At first she began to swell with bodily fluids, while she became less and less lucid. At times she didn't know me, at other times she looked expectantly for the door to open as I returned from the shops. She became bedridden, occasionally fighting back to recognise important events in our life. One of her final acts was to hold our first great grandchild, before, on the 22nd of December 2005, she was admitted to Marie Curie Hospice in Woolton. She spent her last days chatting away to her old friends, many of whom had passed on long before, until she, as gracious as ever, thanked me for a very happy 50 years and started her eternal journey on January 7th, 2006. I still miss her. The fireside chair sits empty, I hear no more your song. Each summer day is stagnant; Each night is cold and long. I have no arm to lean on,the way I leaned on you; and no more funny stories; Who would I tell them to ? God knows how much I miss you; The love light in your face The sounds of your night music, the warmth of your embrace But this is my endeavour; These memories we share A lifetime full of treasures. Thank you for being there. R.I.P.