Dear Mary Ann, Pat, Eileen , Kevin and extended family,
it was with great sadness that my Mum, Bernadette and I heard of the passing of Auntie Jean. Although we lived oceans apart we always felt very close to you and your mum and dad
in my childhood being connected to yourselves felt normal. I know from my parents conversations that they felt they were indebted to your parents for their kindness to my Dad during his two stints in New Jersey with your parents. Each time he came back to London to bring Mum and us over to live near you guys, Mum refused and she said that America was ,too fast,and perhaps it was! I often saw a photo of Auntie Jean and my Dad, where the angle of the camera makes it look like Auntie Jean and Dad are in an embarrassing situation. They often laughed about this.
It was around 1973 that everyone came to Bekan on vacation. All the girls in one caravan and the boys in another . I have a memory that we were overcrowded and yea boys had loads of room. I stand corrected but I thought your Mum and Dad had one of the front rooms and they slept on a mattress on the floor, but there were few complaints.
Mum has just mentioned your Mums laugh and its as if she was here now. Certainly there was a lot of laughing and good humour during that vacation, I've great memories which doesn't include the ‘graveyard tree swing', to frighten the death out of us!
In 1976 I went on vacation to visit you guys. You were all, thought especially your Mum were welcoming to me. Your Dad was kinda miffed that I brought the boyfriend over! But your Mum ‘smoothed the waters' and your hospitality knew no bounds.
During my years in San Francisco (82 – 92) your Dad never forgot to call me, I of course don't feel great that I didn't visit, but I suppose that's just what happens. But I really loved your parents.
In 1986 Auntie May and Uncle Chris visited you all in New Jersey. Dad adored your parents and the ‘States'. They were overwhelmed with the open hearted welcome they received, this was all down to your Mum and Dad, and they often talked about it. For Dad, who died a short two years later he had a great contentment because he had revisited the States. Your Dad came over and picked up JT in Blackburn, and they were the only people besides Tom and Bridie that he wanted to see before he died.
I am sorry that I could not make your Mums funeral.
Our Love to you at this time and always
Auntie May, Bernadette, Bronagh, Paddy and Angie