Thinking of you dearest Dad on your birthday! Remembering so many happy memories and your funny turns of phrase. Trying to imagine what you would have thought of us going to Hampton Pier in the dark to walk along the front to mark the day. You would probably think we were mad or maybe that it was a good idea because we had the place to ourselves! Missing you so much but you are never far from our thoughts and we speak of you such a lot. What a mark you made in our lives! All my love, The firstborn xxxx

My dear ol’ Dad, Another year has passed, you are still so very much in my thoughts. Your name, your sayings, the things you loved are often spoken about when we are together. Just today I heard a song that reminded me of a trip with you in your lorry - you were baffled that I loved it because you thought it was a jangly racket! Then I heard another song, one that you would have played on a record player when I was a little girl. It took me back in an instant. I miss you so much, but I’m still so grateful for the years I had with you, the love you showed. They are a comfort now that I can no longer just pop in or call you. Thinking of you especially today. Your firstborn xxx

Dear Dad What to say this new year? A year you will just be in my heart and not in your chair when I arrive at your house. You were not much for these celebrations but you were always there with open arms to welcome us any day of the year. I miss you. I miss telling you the ordinary things of life, asking your advice or commenting on things going on in the world and news with you. Mostly when I miss you now, you still make me smile and laugh. There are some days when life still seems painful and raw without you. I know that whatever life throws at me- you did your best to prepare me for it - & you would be cheering me on from your chair… in your own particular style. I love you and miss you. Tiny X