The words in The Prophet by Kahlil Gibran have always touched a chord in me so I would like to share this short extract from the book. "For what is it to die but to stand naked in the wind and melt into the sun? And what is it to cease breathing but to free the breath from its restless tides, that it may rise and expand and seek God unencumbered? Only when you drink from the river of silence shall you indeed sing. And when you have reached the mountain top, then shall you begin to climb. And when the earth shall claim your limbs, then shall you truly dance."

Dad, looking back as a child growing up I realise that we were so very lucky to have you and mum as parents. We may not have been rich with money but our lives were rich and enriched by the love, warmth and care that you both gave us all. There may have been tears at times but there was fun and laughter aplenty. I know that you did your best for all of us without stinting. When I suggested taking Steve and John on a month's boat trip around the canals on our dinghy, Mandarin IV, you and mum not only encouraged me but funded the trip too even though it must have been hard for you. And when I left home to join the Merchant Navy I know what it must have cost you kit me out with all the uniforms and gear I needed to start my new career after school. But you were always selfless and thought about how others were always worse off than you were and did you best to help. I hope some of that has rubbed off on me. You were a dad of few words, but a great example to me and my brothers and sisters. Love you always, xx

Hi Dad all good souls go to heaven and I know that's where You are .I may not be able to see you or touch you but I know You are here and I can speak to you whenever I want .Of course I remember so many things ,our lovely holidays together our walks our games of cricket but I always remember your smile it made me feel safe and loved . I remember you taking me to my first football match at Brentford I loved it and love football and especially now watching the Bees in the Premier League doing OK. I remember our games of golf over Brent Valley especially one particular day when my ball ended in the bunker full of water and I tried and tried to get it out without much success.It made you laugh and I felt silly but I liked you laughing .I remember all the times I rode my bike and the countless punctures I got .I walked the bike home and told you and without a seconds thought you got you kit out and mended it for me .You made me smile when you made me watch you mend it and said "have you got it now do you think you can mend it yourself " I replied yes of course but in reality I couldn't get the hang of it and you always came to my rescue .Of course how can I forget you got me interested in horse racing .Every Saturday we watched and you had your Yankee bet it didn't always win but you did have your moments on holiday when it came up trumps and you won a few pounds .You remember I sent away for some tips Debbie Starr and the first two she gave me won I was so excited I thought I'd hit the magic formula but Not to be it was just beginners luck.But we did have some laughs every week. I remember when I got married and moved to Chester we didn't see much of each other but when we came down with Michael and Lyndsey you always was pleased to see us and them growing up.Of course as Michael got old enough we all had a few games of golf together over Perivale .It always amazed me how you always hit the ball straight .That made me smile .You remember You gave me a framed saying about A Smile .It costs nothing to smile at someone and it can give so much joy .That's how I feel Dad the Joy You have given Me all my life and continue to do so .Because You are Always Here and You are Always in my Thoughts .When the time is right We will be Souls Together Again .Love You Dad xxx