Stephanie, I am so very sorry for the loss of your beloved husband. You have painted a beautiful portrait of a kind,fascinating man and of a love that will endure beyond his passing. Look after yourself well - just as he cared so much for you xxxx
I do. And even though the loss is devastating, to have known love like that is a special thing which can also give you the strength needed to go on xxx
"Do not stint on love." Great words to live by, and from your description, it sounds like you learned that lesson from a Master. Having never met him, all I can say is, what a treasure he was. "Endlessly patient and kind. Always ready to help, support, and put himself out for the people that he loved. Easily delighted by jokes and ice cream and afternoon tea." If only we all could have such a marvellous way of, not only looking at the world, but also of passing that joy along. With complete sympathy for you and the days ahead. This is the price of love, and I see it is worth paying.
Your words are such a beautiful testament, full of such passion and love. They must have taken so very much courage to write. I am incredibly sorry for your immense loss, especially as it comes in amongst your other grief. I remember that wonderful night in London, and also meeting Alan at a launch. His pride in your achievements was huge. My profound sympathies are with you and your whole family. With love too, Claire x
Oh I am so sorry, I’ve been thinking a lot about Alan recently and how he helped me navigate a tricky time in 2015. I have always been so grateful for his kindness and wisdom. Big hugs and I will be round one day for it in real life xx
I wish I had better words. Thank you for showing us what it’s like when love is loved well. I am so sorry. This grief is a heavy thing to carry and I will be holding you in my thoughts as you navigate how life can be lived without your beloved.
I will raise a tea to you both tomorrow, Stephanie. This was a lovely kind-of-eulogy that told me things about Alan I’m glad I know. He sounds like a fine bloke. Take care. xx
I am so very very sorry Stephanie. How very beautiful he, you, your relationship and love, and this writing. Very much holding you in the light now and in your time of grief and healing to come x
This is such a beautiful, touching newsletter, I think my heart cracked as I read - I will be thinking of you over the next few days, but of course, love outlasts days and weeks and time as we know it. Sending you my very, very best, xxxx
I’m so so sorry to hear about the loss of your beloved husband.. take each day with small steps.. don’t feel guilty about not making the bed or not doing the housework. Take your time lovey. Sending my condolences and lots of love from Northern Ireland 🥰🤗💐📚xx
Dear Stephanie. I am so sorry to read your sad news. I don't know you personally or Alan but you write so beautifully and always described him so lovingly that I feel I know you a little bit. My heart goes out to you and I hope you have people round you who can support and care for you at such a difficult time. Take care of yourself. Sent with love.
So sorry to hear about lovely Alan .. I met him a few times at the school gates and remember the twinkle in his eye and his smile and wit. You write so beautifully about love and the importance of cherishing every moment with our loved ones and beyond. All my love to you and the family. Sarah xxxx
Stephanie, I am so very sorry for the loss of your beloved husband. You have painted a beautiful portrait of a kind,fascinating man and of a love that will endure beyond his passing. Look after yourself well - just as he cared so much for you xxxx
Thank you. I know you know xxx
I do. And even though the loss is devastating, to have known love like that is a special thing which can also give you the strength needed to go on xxx
"Do not stint on love." Great words to live by, and from your description, it sounds like you learned that lesson from a Master. Having never met him, all I can say is, what a treasure he was. "Endlessly patient and kind. Always ready to help, support, and put himself out for the people that he loved. Easily delighted by jokes and ice cream and afternoon tea." If only we all could have such a marvellous way of, not only looking at the world, but also of passing that joy along. With complete sympathy for you and the days ahead. This is the price of love, and I see it is worth paying.
Oh, this is lovely, Rose. Thank you. x
Oh Stephanie. I am so sorry to read this, but what beautiful and important words. Sending much love. Your resilience is inspiring.
thank you.xxxx
Your words are such a beautiful testament, full of such passion and love. They must have taken so very much courage to write. I am incredibly sorry for your immense loss, especially as it comes in amongst your other grief. I remember that wonderful night in London, and also meeting Alan at a launch. His pride in your achievements was huge. My profound sympathies are with you and your whole family. With love too, Claire x
Thank you, dear Claire x
He was such a lovely man with a great twinkle in his eye whenever I met him. Sending love and lots of it. Xx
He was definitely twinkly. xx
Oh I am so sorry, I’ve been thinking a lot about Alan recently and how he helped me navigate a tricky time in 2015. I have always been so grateful for his kindness and wisdom. Big hugs and I will be round one day for it in real life xx
thank you x
I wish I had better words. Thank you for showing us what it’s like when love is loved well. I am so sorry. This grief is a heavy thing to carry and I will be holding you in my thoughts as you navigate how life can be lived without your beloved.
I appreciate that so much, Alice. xx
Oh Stephanie, I am so very sorry for your great loss. Alan was a truly lovely man. We will be thinking of you.
Thank you. Alans are the best.
So many people will be thinking of Alan, you and love. I hope this goes someways to sustaining you. xx
It really does. thank you, Valerie. x
My deepest sympathy for you. Your love for Alan is so evident. Prayers & blessings to you.
Gratefully received, Susan.
I will raise a tea to you both tomorrow, Stephanie. This was a lovely kind-of-eulogy that told me things about Alan I’m glad I know. He sounds like a fine bloke. Take care. xx
He was fine indeed. Thank you. xx
I am so very very sorry Stephanie. How very beautiful he, you, your relationship and love, and this writing. Very much holding you in the light now and in your time of grief and healing to come x
Thank you, dear Kate. xxx
This is such a beautiful, touching newsletter, I think my heart cracked as I read - I will be thinking of you over the next few days, but of course, love outlasts days and weeks and time as we know it. Sending you my very, very best, xxxx
Thank you for reminding me of the outlasting, Faith. xx
I’m so so sorry to hear about the loss of your beloved husband.. take each day with small steps.. don’t feel guilty about not making the bed or not doing the housework. Take your time lovey. Sending my condolences and lots of love from Northern Ireland 🥰🤗💐📚xx
Thank you (and for the tea) xxxx
Dear Stephanie. I am so sorry to read your sad news. I don't know you personally or Alan but you write so beautifully and always described him so lovingly that I feel I know you a little bit. My heart goes out to you and I hope you have people round you who can support and care for you at such a difficult time. Take care of yourself. Sent with love.
Thank you. xx
So sorry to hear about lovely Alan .. I met him a few times at the school gates and remember the twinkle in his eye and his smile and wit. You write so beautifully about love and the importance of cherishing every moment with our loved ones and beyond. All my love to you and the family. Sarah xxxx
Thank you, dear Sarah. (Also, how are our children in their 30s?!)