AWOL

Our condolences, Graham.

It goes without saying that you should take all the time you want or need and don't think twice about Guitar Noise. We'll keep you in our hearts and thouughts and be here for whatever support you may need.

Our best to all your family, too.

Peace

Yes, my condolences as well. Have a safe trip.

I'm sorry for your loss, Graham. Your mother must have lived to a good age, though - may she rest in peace.

Vic

So sorry to hear of your loss, Graham. Take care.

Tim

Thank you for your kind words.

Our condolences. Take all the time you need. Family is always first.

Dan and Laura

Hope it all goes ok mate.

So sorry Graham. I'm half a world away but if there is anything I can do all you have to do is ask.

I'm sorry to hear it, too.

I'm back from England. Still trying to get to grips with my mother dying - made worse by the possibility that there may have been something done to avoid her death. We don't have all the facts, yet, but it looks as if she went to hospital for treatment and was sent home, where she died without even getting her coat off.

My wife and I spent the week clearing out the house, where she lived for close to 60 years. You cannot imagine the things that collect! I, now, have of the job of sorting out photos of 4 or 5 generations of my mothers' and fathers' families and adding it all to my family tree.

I also have a pile of documents and photos of my parents, during their archery years. My father was a qualified coach and my mother was a master bowman, who shot for Yorkshire on a number of occasions (she was also general secretary of the Yorkshire Archery Association). I have been asked to put these together, for historical purposes.

Although I have kept many memorabilia of her, it's not those things that affect me - it's the memories, mostly of little things, that bring the tears. Funny thing is, that the memories are of a younger person, in, perhaps, a happier time, when illness didn't slow her down.

Oddly, when my father died, my mother swore that she could feel his presence, in the house, for a week. I'm certain that her presence was in the house for several days after she died - my wife mentioned that she'd felt it, as well.

It's at times like these that your own mortality becomes so very clear.

I think you're absolutely right, Graham. It didn't happen so much when my father died, but when my mother died, I felt her around me for quite a while and still do occasionally. The same thing with my older sister when she died, I definitely felt her around me as well. It's rather comforting, I think.