Compassion Autumn Winter 2023

14 tcf.org.uk COMPASSION | MEMORY CORNER Dylan Shared by Maggie Dylan Christopher, 28 November 1983 Dylan gave me the greatest gift of all - he made me a mother, his mother. His entrance into the world changed me, and there was so much he taught me throughout his life. When Dylan turned from boy to man, I found it hard to keep up. Once again he amazed me, with his wisdom, knowledge, and his compassion for others. He'd always been determined, and passionate about life, always on a new adventure, but I was just getting to know the depth of the young man when he died aged 33. This year Dylan would be turning 40, a life milestone. I can only imagine the fun we would have had, the banter back and forth, about getting older, for as he got older so did I. I miss us. In the 7 years since his death, I haven't been able to celebrate my beautiful boy's birthday, even the word makes me close my eyes. I can't say it still. This year I will, I have to. I have to mark Dylan turning 40, and I'm going to do something special that I know he will love. With the help of a wonderful artist known on Instagram as Soul2Sand, we are creating a tribute in the sand on Bamburgh beach. Friends and family will meet at low tide and, armed with special rakes, we'll carve out the artwork Claire has created to honour Dylan's life. We'll be there for a few hours. We'll have hot drinks and cake, and we'll yell out Dylan's name, raising our hands to the sky. The sand-art will be there until the tide comes in and washes it back out to sea. It seems fitting to me; an analogy for how transient life is. This is how I'll honour my son's life on a day that is so meaningful, to remember the beautiful child, the fearless adventurer, the remarkable young man that is Dylan  Maggie, his mum Oliver Shared by Denise Bradley Remembering our beautiful son and beloved brother Oliver Sam Bradley, who should have celebrated his 30th birthday this year on the 14th July. It will be four years on November 17th that we lost you. Always loved and never forgotten. He touched the hearts of all who knew him. Missing you so much Mum, Dad, Jemma and Megan xxxx