Alannah's Farewell

Dear all

Well yesterday Alannah started her official journey from this world to a far more peaceful place. Everything was wonderful - just as we wanted it to be. We had a small service in the chapel at the hospital - the staff were great and created a booklet with the nicest reflections I have ever seen. I may post some at a later date.

A number of you came to see Alannah before she went and it was lovely to meet you - we know that you were pleased to have the opportunity to see this beautiful little one who touched so many people. Alannah has the capacity to give such great comfort. I got great strength from her when I held her close, touched her face or held her hand. Amazing that someone so small had such a strong force within her that it could leave you feeling content. I know that our families got great comfort from her also when she came home and they too held her close and said goodbye.

The cremation was lovely - perfect for her. To those of you who were able to come, thank you. When we arrived I saw this huge crowd of people and said to Tom "Are all of these here for Alannah?" - we then thought there was another funeral on, but as the car drew nearer we recognised so many faces and were delighted that you came to say goodbye. Tom was so proud to bring her in. We have carried her every step of this journey from the time she was conceived to the time she physically had to go. I have put a link onto this blog to the song that we played at the end of the cremation - I just came across it on U-Tube. It's a song from a Celine Dion album that I have had for years. It was written for her niece who passed away aged 10. As Tom has said so many times - it is perfect.

Please do not cry for Alannah - we don't. She is in a much better place - her time with us was not easy for her - but we did get to spend some time with her, getting to know her and we will always be grateful for the time we had with her. We are sad for the time we will not have. The chance to see her grow up, the chance for Mikey and her to play together, the chance to use her name when we want her to come in for dinner. But we will cope with that in time.

If you see us when you are cradling a newborn or walking into a room with your little daughter, please don't feel you should avoid us or not know what to say. We are delighted for you and what you have. We would never wish this on our worst enemy - not that we have any! - or more importantly on any friend or family member. We do have to go through the whole grief process and we don't know how long it will take - but we are still Ev, Tom and Mikey and are probably even better and stronger people than we were before Alannah arrived.

We look forward to seeing you all soon.

Take care all

Love

Ev, Tom & Mikey xxxx