Hi folks,

I was introduced to a new phrase yesterday, ‘promoted to the world of spirit’ I like it. Col was promoted to the world of spirit on Sunday 29th November 1987.

At times it feels like a million years since we last spoke, most of the time it feels like just yesterday that he left my arms never to return; I will remember forever the sound of the door bell echoing around the house in the early hours of that fateful day.

I can hear new signatories to the petition saying, “Get on with it woman – what’s all this got to do with International Colin’s Day?” I shall explain.

I am not a person that attends memorial services; they upset me and that is the last thing that Col would want.

Of course there are times when I shed more than a few tears, but generally speaking I think of Col with a smile – he smiled a lot when he was with us.

Those of us on Facebook will have experienced the dilemma when a friend posts the anniversary of a lost loved one; should you select the ‘love’ emoji – reflecting the love broadly shared for that person? Or is that a tad too familiar?

The ‘like’ emoji because you didn’t know the person that well? ‘Like’ suggests approval of what has happened and that hardly seems  appropriate. Or should it be the ‘sad’ emoji because you are sad for their loss? But then that sad little face doesn’t seem very comforting does it?
It can be a complicated business comforting the bereaved.

I thought that I would find it comforting to imagine everyone that knows of Col - whether through enjoying the pleasure of his company or simply via his story here on this petition – remembering him with a cheery smile and giving him a wave; straightforward and sincere - so very reminiscent of the man himself.

Let’s see who can claim the most unusual setting for this little ritual; you could attract some very strange looks in the supermarket for instance, but then again it may cause onlookers to smile too and Col’s spirit will have been spread just a little bit further.

I seem to recall that some team members are celebrating birthdays today - I wish you all the very best of days.

So there you have it new team members - November 29th is International Colin’s Day, because if anyone is deserving of a day dedicated to him - it is our Col. I hope you will take a few moments to join in the fun and turn what could be such a negative day into a positive one for myself and Kelly.

I would like to extend a warm welcome to all new members of our team; there is no longer a facility here to reply to people’s comments when they first sign, but you can always be sure of a reply to your comments on an update for as long as this platform allows me to do so.

Anyone that wishes to contact me directly can do so at my email address: CathrynHall11@gmail.com

Have a fab International Colin’s Day!

Best wishes as always,

Cathryn