5 October 2021

Exactly a year ago at about this time, on 5th October 2020, I wrote here that my Dear Mother's life was drawing to it's conclusion. She had drifted in and out of little sleeps all that afternoon and right then was beautifully in a gainful sleep, enough for me to slip away, from her side, to do some wee chores and take a moment in front of my screen, in the next room.

I shared some of the special memories of her teaching us the importance of sharing love and the fact that love does not divide or diminish, rather it expands and multiplies.

The idea that I was about to lose her and ALL the support, and love she gave, was overwhelming... My role as her Primary Carer was about to come to an end. I was so very sad... She had earlier asked me to promise her not to be "too sad". As she put it, "...Kenneth, please do not waste too much time being sad, when I am no longer here...You have much to get on and do, so do these things for me. Be the happy and positive person I showed you to be. Remember time is so very important"... I did promise, to do as she asked me. Her wisdom had successfully guided me through my life and I had much to refer to. I do find honouring this promise has been very hard to do...I am sadder than I can ever express...I am indeed overwhelmed and my grief is still very raw.

Now I wish to share a very special picture of my Dear Mother, Barbara Ena Burns. It captures and conveys much of the essence of her being. A beautiful and happy person. I remember it was taken on Sunday 12th of July 2009, we were enjoying a tour of the Southern Islands of the Outer Hebrides. Her idea, to sort of kick start my painting career, without delay, after I had just become redundant from a dull job tutoring in the West End of Glasgow. Earlier that Sunday we enjoyed the Castle Bay spectacle of "The Blessing of the Boats", and we were awaiting the start of the accompanying ceilidh, hosted by the wonderful local band The Vatersay Boys, in the Castle Bay School Hall. In the meantime we went to watch the ferry call at the pier and wave to a friend of ours sailing on from Oban to Lochboisdale. The photograph was taken by the friend from the deck. I love it and wish I could really enlarge it, as it reminds me of how she was in happier times and indeed how I see her in my mind. She was my guide and support...her legacy will continue. I loved her so much...RIP, my Dear Mother.