Dear Wendy,

I have just watched your farewell service on line from here in Johannesburg, my home these past 30 odd years. You would have loved it. Full house it seems. Lots of laughter, a good few sniffles (from here too) but mostly good folk saying goodbye to one of there own. A humanist send off with the human spirit, yours, right at the centre as it should be. Funny stories and touching poetry, great music, fantastic photos, and lots of applause, in celebration of a life brim full.

You will remember that we met in person four years ago after a gap of almost 60 years! We reconnected through our home town FB site, a place you loved, and we both jumped at the opportunity to have a few hours together (with my son Harry) in the Royal Hotel in Heysham Village. An old treasured haunt. We were on a whistle-stop country-wide tour of my old chums and places as requested by a curious Harry, and the three of us had a brilliant catch up. You engaged Harry completely, and he was very sad to hear of your passing. ‘It would always be too soon for someone like Wendy’ he said. 

When we talked we remembered mutual friends at school and around town (Rosie Hudson was one…..and many others). But we also had a serious talk about living in other places, fortunate and unfortunate turns of events in our lives, and the state of the world! You told of your life up to that point, and it seemed to me then that it was miraculous that you could hold on to your generous spirit and love of life and people despite considerable health and emotional setbacks. And I told you so. You understandably spoke of some regrets, but had clearly learned the lessons, and with gusto you were determined to live a life to the full. And by all accounts you did! Well done Wends. 

We kept in contact thereafter, and promised to stay in touch, and we did. I think you, more than most, understood how important our roots are, and that wherever we are in the world, there will always be special, formative places and memories that dont just keep us grounded, but that also keep us kind, humble, and above all, human. 

The traditional saying here when someone passes is to wish them ‘Hamba Kahle’ which is Zulu for Go Well. Hamba kahle Wends. So loved by so many. What could possibly be better than that. I can see that unstoppable, irresistable smile from here!

Peace to the heartsore. Gratitude to those who made your farewell so meaningful. You shall be greatly missed, but I guarantee there will be some stories circulating now at your wake and many times thereafter, that would make you glow! Shine on dear friend. Shine on. Sx