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Your memories went a-wandering
Like fleeting dreams in flight.
Carried on a fairy's wing,
They fluttered out of sight.
But the love of a daughter
Is strong and true.
And Mum,
It burns so bright for you.
I am the sun on your face
And the stars at night.
©Joanna Tait Capon
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Mum at her happiest
With her beloved Grandson, Son and Daughter; and Dogs
Chibbanagh, Isle of Man | 2015
This is all for you, Mum.
Because your dementia sadly prevented you from ever seeing this website, or basking in our reflected happiness. And I know you would have wanted to be part of it all, if you could. You would be so very proud! Sky was everything you believed a dog should be. She licked my tears dry. And she died on your birthday.
This is all for you, Mum, because this is who we are. We're the sort of people who send cards to and from the dog. We feed the animals before ourselves. We choose character and a kind face over show-ring perfection. Every time. We always take the dog's side and we always ask nicely. If a dog is disgruntled, disobedient or downright sad, we want to know the reason why.
This is who you were.
I love you with all of my heart. We miss you every day, especially the warmth and laughter. And we grieve for the person dementia has stolen.
I treasure the many dog-walks and talks we shared. Not even the breathtaking Manx hills and glens could silence our chatter. Thank you for showing me the joy of dogs, especially scruffy ones.
Your daughter
Jo
Jo (kneeling) with Albert
Our beloved Bearded Collie
Copperfields, Royston | January 1988
Sky's first litter arrived under the same kitchen table exactly 30 years later. Mum took the photo.
Mum's maternal Aunt Doris age 100
With Sky | December 2016
Doris died on Mum's birthday in January 2018. A real livewire and dog-lover, she rode her Triumph T3 to the Isle of Man TT and met Guthrie.
Mum with Albert
Aira Force, Glenridding, Lake District
With the sun on your beautiful face c.1990
Mother & Daughter
c.1970
Alice
For Grandma
For everything. For your abundant love.
For Mr Loveday's Little Outing; and Yehudi Menuhin's Swan Lake, Part 2.
You bore the pain of loss and betrayal with such grace.
You were loved. And we miss you so very much.
The more people
I meet
The more I like
my DOG
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GLENS IN LAVENDER
A nod to one of your favourite films, Mum
Image of Buster thanks to Tina ©Pam & Bob Langrish | July 2019
Everything you believed a dog should be, Mum
As the rain stopped
A last precious lucid moment shared
Braaid, Isle of Man | 2016
Lighthouse
To guide you in the storm
Point of Ayre, Isle of Man | 2015