Hazel

10 May 1948 – 14 September 1998

Date: Tue, 15 Sep 1998 11:26:36 +1000

Dear Bob,

All my very deepest sympathies with you, Joshua, Zoë and Pat at this time.

I fear, the only thing, is no book will be big enough to contain all the wonderful things about Hazel.

As for you and your wonderful children, never be afraid to trust an unknown future to a known light of Hazel’s love shining through.

All my love,
Patrick

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Date: Wed, 15 Sep 1999 09:48:06 +1000
Subject: Re: Hazel: One year later ...

Dear Bob,

I had a little quiet thought about Hazel, you, Zoë and Josh yesterday. I recalled some of those memories when Hazel and I would by accident meet and share a joke or she would tell me some interesting fact I had probably not known but then the information would fit neatly into what I did know on the subject and so, a small revelation.

Probably, for you, each waking moment, each time you look at your beautiful children, each time you smell the air in your garden with the passing seasons, each book you touch in your home, each any every thought, must be redolent of Hazel. That each of those thoughts, for you - I am sure - brings sadness, or a smile or joy or pain, they are also the essence of Hazel, her life and her love for you.

You mentioned her departure was, by thirty years, premature. It was, it was. But, demonstrably, through you and Zoë and Josh, her love and presence is as extant and vibrant as ever I can remember.

Much love,
Patrick

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Patrick was a friend of Hazel’s and mine.