Hazel

10 May 1948 – 14 September 1998

Masterton
New Zealand

20 October 1998

Dear Rob, Josh, Zoë,

All of my sympathy goes to you all. Thank you, Rob, for calling my mum, to let us know about Hazel. I have found it hard to reply to you all as I don’t know what to say. Hazel was such a beautiful woman, who loved life, her kids, & husband. I am so sorry for you, Rob, it still doesn’t seem fair. I know Hazel is at peace now, but I know how hard it must have been and still is.

Josh & Zoë, your mum was a great woman, I had a lot of respect for her & still have for your dad, as they gave me my first nanny position. They put their trust in me, to look after you, Josh. I really enjoyed being with you & I loved you like my own son, I remember I came to see Hazel at your house, I think Josh you were about 6 mths old? I didn’t have any qualifications, but your Mum & Dad took me for who I was.

You were on the table, your Mum was just about to change your bum, but she forgot something, so I stood in front of you. All of a sudden, up came a fountain of wee, all over me! Hazel said in her beautiful soft voice, "Well, Josh must like you, Mandy," & I got the privilege of looking after you. Your Mum & Dad were very kind to me. Your Mum & I used to talk a lot, she was like my 2nd mum, since I was so far away from home. You & I, Josh, would zoom into the city with your Mum in the orange Mini & drop your Mum at work.

She always looked stunning. She was so elegant the way she spoke & moved. She never got angry, and she was always fair.

I know, Josh & Zoë, you will miss your mum, every day of your life, but your dad is there for you & I’m sure the pain will heal over the years. My love to you all. I hope you can forgive me for taking so long to write. I do pray for you every day & think of you. I do treasure my memories of you all and having you when I did made my life very fulfilling. Your mum was a beautiful & treasured lady to me and so many others.

My love to you all,

Mandy, Chris, & Stefan, Ros & Emma
XOXOXOX

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Mandy was Josh’s first nanny.