Mum, None of us have had the chance to speak to you one at a time as there have been too many of us visiting you in hospital all at once! We are all devastated that you have cancer which can't be treated, so yes we have all been very sad. That goes for me, Frances, Paul, Amelia, Hannah, Joseph, Rob, JUlia, Olivia, Janet, Dad, Tony, Maria, Rick and lots more besides. Even Frances's mum (Win) cried when she was told the news. If you didn't already know you have been the extra parent for Hannah, Amelia and Joseph over the years. What would they have done without you? You helped stabilise Maria's upheaval over the years and she now has 3 children to be very proud of and all because of your help. I know I have been busy working and bringing up 4 children, but I hope you never feel that I didn't have any time for you or dad, especially when you phoned and I was busy working. I get the strong work ethic from you and dad that you have instilled in all of us. You have done a fantastic job raising all of us. How many families today can say that 4 children are still married? (with hopefully Maria being soon). Better still you have at long last witnessed Paul getting married and we all thought that would never happen. Both you and dad looked fabulous on the day. We have I think you will agree turned out decent human beings that are basically level-headed. Sensible qualities that you gave us all (most large families seem to have 1 or 2 junkies or alcoholics dont they?). All your family have rallied around you while you have been in hospital, which shows the huge respect, love and gratitude that we have for both of you, and yes including Tony. We all have a "can do it" attitude to life and we are not phased by new challenges or difficulties which explains why we have all done well for ourselves. It's the same with travelling and seeing places. I thought when you reached your 70's you would not want to go anywhere but there is still no stopping you and dad! That passion you passed onto all of us as well. We want you at Grace's holy communion (June 2011) so you need to start getting on your feet again soon. You will always be a guiding light for all of us in years to come. We have very fond memories of growing up with you and the great holiday places we have been to (not all children in the 1970's could have afforded the holidays that we had then, so a real credit to you both). You have given over your last few years looking after dad so it would be good now if we could shoulder some of that burden for you. The care and attention that you have provided for him has been first class and he knows that too. You have always been there for all of us though in times of crisis - me when I was got knocked down, Janet and her kidneys, Paul with his palsy and Maria when her realtionships broke down. So never think for one minute that you are a burden on us! Thanks also for the short and long breaks that you have provided for me and Frances over the years as without them we simply could not have afforded a break. They were all great fun and enjoyable (except that cottage ion Wales!). Please keep strong in the meantime and the god that you have worshipped all of your life (and dad) will guide and protect you. Your ever loving son Gerard xx (I know I speak for all of us) (I underlined "all of us"). Mum read the letter a day or 2 later after I gave it to her in Shrewsbury hospital, and she said to me "thanks Gerard, I will always treasure it"