I have so very many happy memories of Annette, but I have one story, I would like to share. It is from when she came to visit us when we moved to Epsom. I had a 3 month old son, and we had just moved house the week before. The house was a jumble of boxes and needed total renovation. But my biggest worry was my own exhaustion, and the fact that my baby was crying and I could n't get to breastfeed him properly. I had no relatives nearby and we had moved to Epsom, a new town. Andy and Annette came round, excited we would now be closer, and bearing flowers, gifts and smiles. Within minutes Annette had assessed that I was out of my depth and needed a break. She picked up Casper, and within moments he was giggling and gurgling in her arms, after crying in mine for what felt like hours. I felt intense relief. She had the perfect knack of putting us all at ease. Annette helped me with feeding tips, and baby care advice, with lots of encouragenent. And she did it in such a way that she built up my confidence. And Casper fell in love with her, lighting up with smiles each time we met up.
Later, when Elizabeth came along, Annette positively relished time with our little girl. She gave us beautiful dresses and cute coats, making sure she passed pretty outfits from one little girl to another. Elizabeth still remembers her favourite bright pink dress, she got from Annette and wore til she could fit it no more.
Annette always had a kind word for the children, toys to play with and beaming smiles abounded all round. And visits to Annette and Andy's home were always fun, and full of laughter.
Later, once the children were at school, Annette and I would met up for cake at the garden centre or wine at the pub, or at her house. I remember she was so proud of Natalie's education, and would tell me Makai's latest news. How he was getting on with reading, where he would go to school.
Annette was so hard working, dedicated to making others happy and wanted the best for her family, loved ones and everyone she knew. Living life to the full. I remember her being so disappointed, when I had to tell her we were moving to Denmark, but also she was so encouraging. Sadly we couldn't meet up after our move.
It seemed so unfair when she got her diagnosis, and her email telling us of the news was both heartbreaking, but typical Annette. She knew how she needed to handle it, she was focussed and ready to make the best out of a terrible situation. Life is sometimes too cruel to comprehend. The Annette we came to know and love deserved a better outcome. She spread smiles, love and fun, and will live forever in our hearts. RIP Annette, and may Natalie, Andy and Makai find comfort in memories of a strong, caring woman, who is an example to us all. Annette, we will miss you. God speed. You are in God's hands now. X
