To my dearest mum. I stood by your bed last night; I came to have a peep. I could see that you were crying you found it hard to sleep. I spoke to you softly as you brushed away a tear, "It's me, I haven't left you, I'm well, I'm fine, I'm here." I was close to you at breakfast, I watched you pour your tea, You were thinking of the many times, your hands reached down to me. I was with you at the shops today; your arms were getting tired. I longed to take your shopping, I wish I could do more. I was with you at my grave last week; you tend it with such care. I want to reassure you, that I'm not lying there. I walked with you from the car to the house, as you got your key. I gently put my hand on you; I smiled and said, "it's me." You looked so very tired, and sank into a chair. I tried so hard to let you know, that I was standing there. It's possible for me, to be so near to you everyday. To say to you with certainty, "I never went away." You sat there very quietly, then smiled, I think you knew... in the stillness of that evening, I was very close to you. I will rush across to greet you and we will stand and smile with pride. I have so many things to show you here, there is so much for you to see. Live out your journey mum...then when it is your time, I will take you back with me.

By Colleen Fitzsimmons