To you,
Nan. Grandma. Patricia Florence. Patsy. Nanny Pat.
 
This isn’t about goodbye. You’re still here, all around. I’m pretty sure you’ve popped by a few times already, thanks for that. It’s nice to feel you there. And since you’re here, listening in, I just wanted to say thank you…
 
Thank you for teaching me all about what life, deep down, is all about. And thank you for teaching me all of the things in between too.
            How to bake a cake.
            How to do a puzzle.
            How to make a lemon soufflé.
            And chocolate sauce for profiteroles.
            How to tend to a vegetable patch.
            And how to grow the most beautiful prize-winning marigolds.
            How to be a devoted wife.
            How to be the best mother I can be.
            How to forgive myself on the tougher days.
            And how to look out for myself aside from all of my responsibilities.
 
Beyond that, and most of all, thank you for teaching me how to be a good person. And a happy one. Who was not afraid to love.
 
I want to share with everybody here today exactly what that looks like through what I have learned from you…
 
            Make the effort.
            Dress up. Show up.
            Take pleasure in the everyday. The little things.
            Eat the cake. Drink the fancy wine.
Don’t take yourself too seriously.
Always remember to laugh.
Keep learning.
Don’t swear…unless it is necessary.
Be positive. Even in the face of negativity.
Connect. Start the conversation.
You’re never too old to make new friends.
 
Love hard.
Smile. Hug. Kiss. Hold hands.
Give love out and expect nothing in return.
Be emotional. Don’t hold back.
Say what is in your heart.
 
Because, ultimately, those are the important things.
And when it all comes to a close, none of the other, material stuff matters.
Love and happiness is what it boils down to.
When you left us, you left happy. And so very loved.
With everyone who has walked along your path, however briefly, having felt the love and kindness you put out into the world and their hearts.
 
So, not goodbye, but thank you.
 
And one last thing, because I like to talk (I can’t imagine where I get that gift from), I want to end with this; a reminder for if I ever forget what this existence is all about…
 
‘Don’t forget:
somewhere between
hello and goodbye,
there was love.
So much love.’