Yesterday my great aunt died. No one enjoys death but it was hers that has had a rather profound effect on me. Her life has had a profound effect on me. And sadly I will never be able to tell her in person.

I lived with her earlier this year. She was highly intelligent and kind. Interesting and interested – two rare qualities you find in a person. She loved seeing people, she had a highly active social life (more so than me) and she went to bed later than me every night.

She taught me the life lesson of being kind. She taught me, no matter how busy you are, you always have time to write someone a letter. She taught me life lessons I had forgotten since being a child: how to respect my parents again, how to always leave a room tidy, how to close doors quietly, how to co-exist in a house filled with three very different characters.

But then Belinda taught everyone something. She made everyone feel happy and wholesome and safe. So thank you for that. I wish I could tell you while we sit inside Drayton Gardens by your fire watching your tiny television with five channels. I am sorry if I ever seemed to take anything for granted because I didn’t.

You have made me a better person and no amount of thank you’s will convey that message strongly enough. Rest safely. You will always be missed.

Poem by RHY Mills

I think this is why we are all here:

Not – How did Belinda die? But – How did she live?
Not – What did she gain? But how did she give?
Not – What was her station? But – had she a heart?
And – how did Belinda play her God-given part?
Was she ever ready with a word of good cheer?
To bring back a smile, to banish a tear?
Not – What was her church? Not – What was her creed?
But – Had she befriended those really in need?
Not – What did the sketch in the newspaper say?
But – How many of us were sad when Belinda passed away?
These are the things that measure the worth
Of a person as a person, regardless of birth.