IN MEMORY OF ANGIE

Sometimes a bush or plant is special because of the beauty of the flower - this rose bush is special on two counts. Firstly, Compassion is a beautiful rose but today, it is even more special because of who gave it to us.

On 18th March 2001, Mr HCB and I were baptised and to mark the occasion, this rose was given to us by some very dear friends, Angie and Pete.

We had met them many years before when we went on a Marriage Refreshment weekend and became firm friends. Over the years we met up quite often and whenever we went to visit them, Pete and Mr HCB would enjoy playing on Pete's computer - mainly on the flight simulator so they "jetted off" all over the world! Meanwhile, Angie and I would wander round the garden, chatting about the flowers, what needed doing and generally enjoying each other's company.

Angie was kind, caring, compassionate, sensitive and had a great sense of humour. She was a great cook and a weekend with them involved lots of chat, coffee, cake, lovely meals and delicious puddings - and of course, an extra pound or two when we got on the scales at home!!

Angie's health had been declining for several years, but she always put on a brave face and never grumbled. She used to tell me she was a bit more "scatty" each time I saw her or phoned but that never stopped us enjoying each other's company.

We heard last weekend that she had died suddenly after a short stay in hospital and whilst we are sad for her family and ourselves we know, because of her deep Christian faith, that she will be rejoicing to be with the Lord she loved so much.

We thank God for the privilege of knowing Angie and pray for her family at this sad time. We will miss her but will remember her with great love and affection.

"Say not in grief
that she is no more,
but in thankfulness
that she was."