Mum, now you are with the angels, I miss you every day. Your time came too soon, and it’s hard to understand why. But when I feel weak inside, I think of how strong you were to face each day, determined to fight the illness to be here with us, and it gives me strength too. When it took so much energy just to do everyday things you didn’t give up – even though at times it couldn’t have been easy. When I think of your courage and strength, and how you carried on, suddenly I feel anything is possible, and I am proud to have such a brave, strong and inspirational mum. If I can face difficult times with half as much courage then I will be doing well. I miss our chats and days out, but most of all I miss you just being here. You were always there for me and interested in what was happening in my life, the highs and the lows – thoughtful and caring whatever happened. There was a time when I was mugged about five years ago. I wasn't hurt, but was shaken up and left without a mobile phone - you sent me a replacement phone and put a big bag of chocolates in the envelope to cheer me up. Thoughtful little things like this made you a wonderful mum – family meant everything to you, and you were always looking after me, Alison and Caroline and finding ways to show us how much you cared. We loved being together as a family and all of the time we spent together will be special forever. Hard as it is to carry on without you, I’m thankful for the time we did spend together. I know I’ve been lucky to have a mum like you and even though you are no longer here, I know that love never dies and your love, strength and warmth are still with me in everything I do. You will always be the best mum in the world, lots of love, Karen xxx