Charlotte Marsden burst into my life in early 2008. So did you Seb in a way, you see we were pregnant together. From that first meeting your mum constantly made me laugh.
I remember thinking how stunning she was too, with her beautiful blue eyes.

When you were first born Seb, Darcy and I would meet you and your mum and go to the park or out for lunch or for a long walk – they were very happy days.

Not too long after, you moved to Bristol. It didn’t stop us though, we would take it in turns to visit. Your mum always threw Halloween parties – which we never missed! She always threw wonderful birthday parties too. Our favourite was the Octonauts party. You stipulated who had to come to your party dressed as what. You said Darcy had to come as Twink. Well, being a stroppy 3 year old girl, she point blank refused. I was so cross with her. It didn’t stop you all though. You all had a wail of a time. Your mum led you all on a treasure hunt of the garden. She was so good at it, I wanted to join in! Very happy days.

And Liv, I will never forget the early morning phone call to tell me you were expected. We were all so excited! Your mum called me and left me a message to say she was pregnant with you. I called back and got your mum’s voicemail. Your mum then called again and I missed it!!! Arghhhhhhhh! I eventually got hold of your mum in Waitrose, to be told “hold on a minute, I’ll call you when I get back to the car.” I was just desperate to tell her how pleased I was!!!

And then you arrived Liv. I remember seeing you always strapped to your mummy’s front as you didn’t want to be put down. Darcy had been exactly the same! I think this was some comfort to your mum. Girls! We just want to be held and close…
I watch your mum with you two and hope that I shine the way she does. Her love and devotion to you both is unmistakable….

We used to joke about your mum being neurotic when it came to both of you – to me I realise it’s just another word for love, devotion, care, adoration…

Seb, Liv, I could go on and on about your mum and never tire. She is everything – my friend and the sister I craved. I have never felt awkward or stuck for something to say in her presence. We have shared so much laughter and some tears too. That’s friends. She can walk in a room and it brightens with her smile. She is just so easy to be with…

I will sit and chat to you both as much as you like about your mum and I will never run out of things to say…

I have two of your mum’s pictures on my wall at home… if you ever want to come and admire them, feel free. They are my little bit of Charlotte. But I will share them with you…

Always here for you Chris, Seb and Liv…

Charlotte, I love you and will always be here for your family and keep your memory alive…

Jilly, Robert and Darcy x x x