We placed his ashes under a pÅhutukawa tree we planted in the Botanic Gardens, on a rise with a view over the city he knew and enjoyed so much. Although the tree is now so tall it’s hard to reach the lower branches, on Patrick’s birthday, on the day he died and on Christmas Eve I still reach up and leave a posy wedged there. One of his roses if they’re flowering, and a few forget-me-nots. Mock orange blossom, for the wedding he never had. Parsley, sage, rosemary, thyme. And a chocolate in the middle.Of course I used to go with Harvey, but now I ask Lesley, the oldest friend I have in Wellington, to come with me. It helps when the sun is out, as it was this morning.
The mock orange blossom has finished flowering. His rose, the original Remember Me, has died, and its replacement isn't doing at all well. So I took two other late roses, a red Dublin Bay for Harvey, and a creamy Jude the Obscure, as well as the herbs - and the chocolate.
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I was thinking about my beloved uncle, and then I logged on, and found your post about your beloved son. A life lived only for a few years. I'm so very sorry.
ReplyDeleteThank you, Deborah, it makes a real difference to read this.
DeleteAnne, I feel really touched to read this. You are remembering not just Patrick, but also Harvey who used to accompany you on this pilgrimage. Losing a child is a life-time's grief. The posy is beautiful, full of tenderness and a mother's love.
ReplyDeleteA beautiful tribute, Anne. It's hard to imagine anything worse than losing a beloved child. I'm so glad that you have a good friend to be with you.
ReplyDeleteArohanui.
Juliet, Alexia - thank you. I always hesitate before writing such posts but it makes me feel better - and so do your warm, understanding comments.
DeleteHello Anne - my husband has just come home from your talk this evening and as a result I've found my way to your blog and your wonderful post on Patrick. I remember him with great affection. It's so hard to think he would be 45 as I remember him as being so young, handsome and vibrant. Your tribute to him is very moving. Take care. I'm off to download your book.
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