I never know how appropriate it is to write about these sorts of things, but as this space is my own to be able to record my thoughts and feelings, I wanted to be able to acknowledge someone very special to us.

The death of a loved one is never easy for anybody, but when it’s sudden and completely unexpected it comes as a devastating blow to everyone who knew them.

We attended the funeral of our friend this morning – a wonderful woman who had joined us at our wedding celebrations just a week before she passed away. The Bloke and I were her colleagues at my former school – she had worked as an English teacher before retiring a few years ago – and the number of friends, colleagues, staff and former students that attended (to the point where it was standing room only) was a sheer testament to how much she was loved. The amount of messages I’ve seen across social media from ex-students (many of whom had particularly difficult circumstances) demonstrates the impact that she left on them all these years later.

The service was lovely and the eulogy was beautifully crafted and delivered under the theme that summed Jan up perfectly  – ‘kindness and care.’ That was what Jan was all about – she was incredibly kind, always putting others first, providing a friendly ear and a shoulder to cry on, never forgetting birthdays. She was the person in the staffroom that talked with and supported everyone and anyone. She got me through some incredibly difficult times…

It isn’t often that we get the chance to tell someone how much they mean to you before they leave, but I was (and will always be) grateful that we were afforded the opportunity to see her and hug her when we did.

Goodbye Jan, we’ll miss you. Thank you for everything that you did for so many. xx