22 years ago this coming July, my dear wife’s journey with cancer came to an end. She lived so well but was only 52 when she died.

Still her presence in my life, my presence in her life, our shared family joys and challenges…all lift me up and hold me strong.

Every now and then, I see her warm brown eyes in a sunrise…and hear her gentle laughter in trickling water running over stones. Love does this; it holds me gracefully.

A teacher, a mother, a granny, a sister, a friend, a colleague, a partner…and so much more. I give thanks for her touching my life and the lives of so many.

She (Rienie - short for Catharina) gave birth to our two daughters and we honour her life with us by remembering her; by speaking her name. On Mothers’ Day we share our love and her love for us that always survives.

Thank you Christy for drawing these words from me; for bringing me smiles and tears in equal measure.