Hi Mum,

It’s been over ten years since I physically hugged you, spoke to you and saw you. I can still smell your scent when I smell perfumes, Poison or Givenchy. Even the smell of Frankincense reminds me of the essential oils you use to use in our old house.
I see your face, expressions in people that I meet, reminding me that you are still here. I hear the songs you loved and know that you are near.
I still hear your laughter in my head, I still see the red lipstick you wear, the bright colours of dresses and shirts you would wear. Jeans were never part of your wardrobe and I always admired that the colours you wore suited you every time.
I loved that you would ask friends to make your clothes for you, they were unique like you, as were your headscarves. I remember the gold necklaces, earrings, jewellery you wore, you were never scared to wear them. You were fearless in so many ways and adventurous. You will never know how much of me is you.
I remember your dreams and stories were filled with worry and caution. I wish I had known more about your life in Mauritius and what had really brought you here, what were you leaving behind and how easy it was to let go.
Like many a better life for your children, a new dawn and hope for the future, a home to call yours and a family that were solid. I wish I could tell you how I live my life now, how I hope you would be proud of me, seeing me happy and with a very different life you were part of. I struggle Mum, there are so many things I didn’t expect, so many revelations and expectations. I struggle with not hearing your support and compliments, negativity is a bitter pill to digest, there’s so many side effects.

I remember the day after you died, I heard you call my name so loudly as a whisper in my ear so closely that I had to look around. It was the name you called me by, not my given name. And I remember feeling my heart beat so fast like I had had an electric shock.
I know you are here with me every day and when I really need you, I see you in my dreams. The last dream was not too long ago, and I remember us catching up about what has been happening in the world, us laughing together, and when it came to saying goodbye. We hugged several times before we said goodbye. I could smell your scent of Frankincense, feel your cool, soft cheek next to mine and feel the tears rolling down my face.

Until we next meet.