Anyone who has lost someone knows the firsts are always the worst. The first birthdays, the first easter, the first Christmas.
For the Bennetts and our wider Augill family, this year will be our first without Simon.
It will certainly be quiet.
No complaining about the amount of glitter shed by the Christmas decs.
No Play your Cards Right.
No Santa costume & mince pies since 1 December.
No insisting we dress properly for dinner rather than stay in our matching PJ’s.
No loud carol singing from the moment he wakes.
No visit to Fortnum & Mason for treats.
No “livener” before, during and after shopping.
No champagne after Midnight Mass.
We will no doubt pick up some of his traditions in years to come, but this year it seems right to miss them.
To miss him.
And we do that with glad hearts. Glad for all he gave us. For all the love, generosity, shouting, perfect words. Glad for the man he was and the joy he brought.
So, we will raise a glass to thank him. To thank you. To be thankful. Life on life’s terms.
Merry Christmas one and all.
Wendy
