IN MEMORY OF JOAN - AND HARRY

Today is the anniversary of the day Mr. HCB’s mother, Joan, died in 1996, so the day we remember and give thanks for her life.

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!

Both Joan and Harry loved their garden, which they created together - Joan was the florist and loved and tended all the plants and flowers while Harry loved to grow vegetables and potter in his greenhouse.  He also had quite a large allotment about 5 minutes from home and could often be seen cycling up there and then walking back sometime later with lots of vegetables piled onto his trusty stead!  I’m sure that Mr. HCB “caught” his love of gardening from his parents - and it was lovely to watch Harry pottering around and he was always very proud of his carnations and chrysanthemums, as is Mr. HCB all these years later.

They were a wonderful couple and even after Harry died suddenly in 1977, Joan carried on gardening as long as she could, and loved nothing more than having a bonfire at the bottom of the garden - making sure first, of course, that there was no washing out on the lines in the adjoining properties.

A truly remarkable couple, who always made me very welcome and my love of gardening came from them too.  I often tell Mr. HCB that his parents would be very proud of him and his garden, so today, the chrysanthemums in the shot are ones grown by Mr.  HCB, cut by me this morning - and of course, they are pink.  

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.

Both Harry and Joan are still loved and missed after all these years and are often in our thoughts - they were a true inspiration to us all.  Joan was a loving and lovable lady with a strong faith - we will never forget her and the following quote sums up the way Joan lived her life until the very end:

“You may encounter many defeats, 
     but you must not be defeated. 
In fact, it may be necessary 
     to encounter the defeats, 
          so you can know who you are, 
what you can rise from, 
     how you can still come out of it.” 
Maya Angelou