I was luckier than most. I had one real mum and two "other mums". Rosh was my best friend Esme's mum and she became one of my "Other Mums". From the age of 8 - 22 I spent as much time with her as I did with my own family.
Without of course all the hang ups that we get with our native mums. She was caring, generous and loving to me. I took my new bride Robin to see her my first weekend back in England. She was endlessly encouraging and I in turn cared a great deal for her.
Rosh died, aged 94, a few weeks ago and today her real family gather to say good bye. Regretfully I could not go. They are in England.
But I did manage to see her last year and I had the honour of sitting next to her at her 90th birthday party a few years back. I still have her letter to me after that - a part says it all for me:
"It was the best birthday present of all - to have you! I have always been so fond of you and looked on you as a member of the family ever since the the day when we took you out with Esme to some flashy restaurant" Esme and I were 8 then. She signs the letter - "lots of love from Rosh (Your other mother)"
How lucky can a person to be than I. I'll be seeing you "Mum"
In all the old familiar places
That this heart of mine embraces
All day through.
In that small cafe;
The park across the way;
The children's carousel;
The chestnut trees;
The wishin' well.
I'll be seeing you
In every lovely summer's day;
In every thing that's light and gay.
I'll always think of you that way.
I'll find you
In the morning sun
And when the night is new.
I'll be looking at the moon,
But I'll be seeing you.
I'll be seeing you
In every lovely summer's day;
In every thing that's light and gay.
I'll always think of you that way.
I'll find you
In the morning sun
And when the night is new.
I'll be looking at the moon,
But I'll be seeing you.
