Granny Vera, there are so many things I never got to say to you and in so many ways I can’t imagine you not being in my life. Our lives were woven together in many visible and invisible ways and now I will forever feel that something is missing from my life. Growing up without Dad about much you and Granddad Bob helped shaped me in so many important ways into the person I am today, and we are probably more alike than you or I realised. I too am fiercely passionate, I can be obstinate, I will stand up for civil liberties, I recycle lots, my friends regard me as eccentric but loyal, and I vehemently want people to do the right thing and be fair to one another. All these traits I associate with you so I must have inherited your rebellious spirit, now you are gone who is going to disapprove of my ever changing hair, my inability to dress smartly and my taste in rock music? I was your lovable rogue of a granddaughter, but I knew you didn’t care about these things really, just as long as I was happy. I used to love to sit with you and remember all those happy times with Granddad Bob; we used to laugh at how we made you collect the kites and how strict Granddad was with us all. I’m so sorry that Alzheimers was stealing your precious memories away from you, but even the last time I saw you, you were still all there and still so full of life and complaints about the state of the world. I was making more time in my life to come and see you just when you were taken away from us, which makes your passing seem so unfair to me. I took time for granted, and perhaps I was in denial about you ever not being in my life, but I have learnt my lesson and promise to put aside more time in the future for my family. I wish I could say all this to you in person but I know that you knew how much I loved you. I will keep you in my heart now and I will remember and keep close the lessons you taught me. I will miss you every day, but I hope this tribute will keep our memories alive and bring me and others comfort in the act of remembrance - Lisette