PINKTOBER - DAY 30 - IN MEMORY OF JOAN

Today we remember and honour someone very special to us, Mr. HCB's Mother, Joan, or to give her her full name, Phyllis Evelyn Joan, who died 26 years ago today.  I wandered around the garden in my pink robe - and she would have smiled at that - to see how many pink flowers are still blooming and was delighted to find all the ones in my collage.  The photograph of Joan was taken when she was a bridesmaid to her sister, Ettie in June 1935 - it was a black and white shot, but of course, I have done a little fartnarkling!

As I have said before, both Mr. HCB's Dad, Harry and Mr. HCB are very keen gardeners, and Joan really loved their garden, which she and Harry had created so lovingly.  She liked nothing better than wandering around in the garden and could often be seen hoeing and deadheading, then when she had enough to make a bonfire, or a "bonnie" as she called it, she would start it going and then poke away until all the dross had burnt.  Not something that can be done these days, because of the Clean Air Act, but in those days, it was the accepted thing and then, of course, Harry would spread the ash on his garden.  Mind you, Joan always made sure that her bonnie was lit in the evening when no-one around had any washing on the line!

Joan was a kind and gentle lady, loved by all her family and was always grateful for all we did for her, especially after she was diagnosed with breast cancer not long after her dear husband, Harry, died in 1977.  Joan coped with having a mastectomy and all the treatment that followed and never complained even when she had breast cancer for the second time in 1996 when she again coped in an amazing way.  Joan had many friends and neighbours who visited and as soon as she was able, she was up and about and then she would be visiting others who were ill and doing things for them - that was Joan!

Please remember to click on this LINK so that those who cannot afford to pay for a mammogram may have a free one - you have all been wonderful during Pinktober, clicking every day, and it is much appreciated.

Joan is still loved and missed after all these years and is often in our thoughts - she was a true inspiration to us all - a loving and lovable lady with a strong faith - we will never forget her and the following quote sums her character up:

“I am determined
     to move forward and
          turn my experience
               into something positive.”
Roxanne Martinez : Cancer fighter

P.S.  I have put in an extra because I love the quote that I put on this photograph - which is so true and something to emulate.