We went to Patsie’s birthday party yesterday. A year to the day that we had what turned out to be her last birthday, here, in our garden.

You may remember some of our adventures : English Patients Dragon Tattoo

Her children, grandchildren and little great grandchildren were all there.

We had lunch and then her eldest son conducted a beautiful service, some prayers, some funny memories and added some of his father’s ashes to hers to be scattered in the garden. Along with the card she had written to that effect. Her youngest grandson gave a wonderful speech and we all watched as the ashes were scattered. Some exhibition aircraft even flew over at that very moment. How opportune that the Eastbourne show was also in full swing. The sun shone. She would have been very pleased. 

I had lovely messages, from Pippi Longstocking ( photographer) and lovely Bee. Pippi would remember the house and garden  nothing has changed. What fun we had doing the photo shoot over three days.

I kept thinking Patsie would appear at any moment. 

I explained our story which goes back some 25 years, and Stockholm and Pippi and Mr B… to everyone who and would listen! In her last days she asked me to organise two things. 1. A tipi and hog roast for her birthday. 2. Tickets to New York for the next exhibition. Well , her fabulous children organised yesterday with hog roast and no need for tipi. Her garden enveloped us all in happy memories. As for New York…I better go !

Some messages to me :

Mr B in Stockholm

I put a big smile on my face reading you did exactly what Patsie would have wanted, a garden party, you describe it as very personal and warm.

At work, we have this computer program that we use for our documents to share globally, I host an editorial team with 40 people helping us to promote our products. You can put pictures into the group name and I placed (already from the beginning), the image of Patsie on her bed there. She reminds us and me why we go to work everyday.

So her spirit keeps inspiring us.

Hugs from me B

Pippi:

Thank you Jacq for taking time this day to write to us ❤️ I am so happy

It sounds like it became a beautiful day, and the light in the pictures you’ve send us gave me goosebumps. Not long since we sat there the three of us , having a little drink. 💛

Patsie’s wonderful garden is one of the most beautiful and peaceful places Ive ever seen, 

Thinking of you J!

Big hugs,

Pippi