In Memoriam for Timothy BRATCHEL

Tim, I thought about you as the year came round again. I think about you often, but felt this year that you would have wanted me to begin to move on with my life, so I held back from posting. You come into my head though at the most random of times and even though I know you are gone and most likely not to be aware of the writings here, it helps me in a way to get everything out, as though you are actually able to read this. I often think about seeing you in your 'nans' garden by the park and replay our conversation in my head. I often wish I could speak to your family and tell them exactly what you meant to me and how you were there for me. I often wish I had more photos of you and occasionally search for then online, but to no avail. I will never forget you for as long as I shall live. Xxx

Your smile and outgoing, warm personality will never be forgotten. Always looking out for others and such a mischievous, fun-loving spirit.xxxx

This time of year comes around again and somewhere in my subconscious, thoughts of you hit me like a brick. It never gets any easier and I lay here awake as I'm woken by another dream of you and my desperate need to understand why this had to happen. I can never forgive myself for not getting that one photo of us at the Award night, so I would have something to cherish. Now all I have are my memories and I hate to admit it, but I do stand at your grave and weep all these years later. That is just how big an impact you made on my life and many others.
It is a funny thing, this grief and how our minds just seem to know when that time of year is coming round again. I know that I will have another month or so, of these intense memories of you, hitting me in the dead of night, whilst everyone lays asleep. It doesn't ever get easier but thoughts of how you would have wanted me to live my life, keep me strong. You were the one to notice that my life wasn't all it seemed and took that extra time to tend to me, with gentleness and concern. It was the way you were with everyone. A huge, fun-loving character and just wanting to make sure that everyone is ok. I will stand at your grave and once again weep, because my tears flow ever so easily when I think of one of earth's greatest gifts, no longer being with us.
I miss you and you will never leave my thoughts. Xxxxxxxx

Standing under your tree reflecting on our friendship brought back vivid, happy memories. You impacted the lives of so many, and I feel privileged to have been one of those. Never forgetten, always in my thoughts, forever missed. Damien