Graham, When we first met, you told me your favourite song was “Better Man’ by Robbie Williams, and that you were trying hard to be a better man. In the four short years that we were together as a family, Chris, Amy and I loved you and watched you become a better man. I told you many times how proud I was of you, as you strove to do the right thing and keep your life on the right track, and you succeeded. Our life together, like other couples, had its ups and downs. At times, it was rough going but we always pulled through. You had your demons, maybe more than your fair share, I tried to be there for you when those times came. But I deeply regret when I wasn’t. These last few days I have been beating myself up for not being there for you when you needed me most. And then came the ‘What if’s’…’ what if I had been there’ or, ‘what if you and I were still together’. Our friends have been supporting me though my loss and telling me I need to think about the fun times we had together. And we had lots and lots of good times, didn’t we? The times we shared with our friends up the Gold Coast, when we would stay out all night having a great time! Or the quieter times when it was just the 2 of us, we’d sit and watch a movie at home, share a few drinks and talk about our future and what we wanted life to bring us. I know I would annoy you, when you were at work I would change the furniture around in the house, you would walk in and say ‘Bloody hell, not again.’ And we would both have a laugh about it. I used to think that you got back at me with your snoring. At first I would give you a gentle push and still you snored, then I’d try a bit of a kick to your leg, still no good. Finally I would try to roll you over! Me? Try to roll you over!! If I could have you back, here and now, I would never complain again. You told me that love knows no boundaries. And you were right, because now even in death, our love for each other goes on, and always will. Like the old saying goes “You don’t know what you’ve lost till it’s gone.’ And that, I am finding, is so true. I hope you can hear my words now, I have been talking to you everyday since that fatal night, when we lost you forever. A part of me is with you, just as a part of you will always be in my heart. My only wish is that I was able to make your time with me some of the best years of your life, as you did for me. I will never forget you Graham, you are a very ‘Special Man’. I hope now, you are resting in peace. LIFE’S NOT ABOUT GETTING TO THE GRAVE IN PERFECT CONDITION. IT’S ABOUT SLIDING IN SIDEWAYS, WITH DIRT ON YOUR KNEES, CUTS ON YOUR HANDS AND SCREAMING WHAT A RIDE!!!! Written by Maree