Part 1/2
This has been the most difficult piece of writing I’ve ever had to compose. I have started many times, but each time it threatened to become a biography of biblical proportions. Not that Cathie doesn't deserve it.
It's been an enormous help to receive condolences from so many people, and we have loved to hear all the anecdotes and experiences, but especially those from all the friends of our children who seem to have such great memories of her.
It seems Cathie has had such a positive effect, on our own family, but also on our friends not forgetting all the children she taught as a teacher, childminder, and a classroom assistant. I now realise she was investing for everyone's future. It was her nature to want to spread a nurturing love, and to help whenever she could. This was a reflection of her own parents, and the same attributes can be seen in all of her siblings.and that of our own children.
We are so proud of our own children’s success and where their studies and experience are leading them. It was one of Cathies ambitions to see them all settled and making their own positive contributions in society. She was of course so pleased to see them all get married, and to gain such great sons and daughter in law.
We hoped to have grandchildren and we were so saddened when Lynette and Dr.Matthew first born James was stillborn. I am sure our own experience of an ectopic pregnancy many years earlier helped us support them through their mourning. But we were both so pleased when Elsie and Tommy came along. James will never be forgotten.
In memory of James, his parents are closely involved with the Woodland House project to build specialist accommodation to support other parents who suffer baby loss at the Birmingham Women's Hospital.
The project was a first in the UK and is likely to be copied by other health trusts.
John Carver
08/07/2024