Time Passes

Dad's roses

Friday 6 January 2012 marked the 24th anniversary of my father's death. He died when I was 29.

It feels like yesterday. It feels like a lifetime.

The crematorium is an unlovely place but the chapel is where I can see his name written in the Book of Remembrance. I look at the words 'Loved and remembered always', admire the beautiful hand-written script and think of all the time that has passed since I lost him.

I always take roses. They were his favourite flower. They're mine too. He was a colourful, vibrant person so I took him brightly coloured flowers.

I'm always moved by the flowers and tributes left in the chapel, even though I don't know the people concerned. The tributes speak of love and loss.

I feel the loss of my father everyday.

I loved him a great deal and I will never forget him.

Time passes but love remains.