For Hannah
The light of a life desperately wanted
Has been put out before we could see
But that beautiful light has been relit
In a heaven where we all hope to be
We look forward to finally meeting you
To watch you learn, grow and play
And to tuck you in and say Goodnight
Knowing we’ll see you the following day
To celebrate your milestones
And chuckle at the cute things you do
Being proud of all your beauty
And the marvel that is you
But until then our dear Hannah
You will live inside our hearts
Although your earthly visit was brief
You will always play your unique part
As our daughter, grand daughter, sister, niece and cousin
A bond that will forever live
The idea of who you were going to be
Your memory will eternally give
We will never completely understand
Why you couldn’t stay
There must have been a phenomenal reason
For you to be taken away
I like to think that somewhere
In the mysterious heavens above
They were in need of immaculate angels
Who were to be born into genuine love
To become part of the family
That you were going to receive
Who would welcome, adore and treasure you
That’s what I choose to believe
“Being at home can be fun, insulating, relaxed, boring or isolating ... depending on how the day is going.”*
School holidays are almost over in my part of the world – six long weeks of noise and squabbling balanced by hot, lazy days at the beach or the pool with lots of daring exploits and laughter. Many of our days were spent at home, basking in simple pleasures like baking, playing games or outdoor pursuits – trying to relax the everyday routines of school-morning bustle and ‘having to be somewhere on time’. However pleasant, I must admit to being relieved that life gets back to normal next week, and I can reclaim some of my own time for writing again!
* From Being Mummy by Anne‑marie Taplin published April 2007