John, the youngest of our two sons entered into this world very quickly on May 22nd 1981, he departed just as swiftly on November 17th 1994 when he was knocked down and killed by an articulated lorry; on the crossing outside his school at lunch time, surrounded by schoolfriends.
John brought immense Love and Joy into our lives in the 13 years 6 months he was with us. He lit up our lives with his special ways, always smiling and laughing. He had a special bond with his brother Michael, he had many, many friends, including quite a few female admirers! His love and friendship extended to everyone he came into contact with; young and old alike. He adored animals, especially Amber our Irish Setter who died 2 months before John, aged 11. John was very creative, his favourite school subject was art, he always loved making things from any type of material from a very early age. He liked playing football, supporting Sheffield Wednesday football team. also he enjoyed playing pool with his brother Michael with their mutual friends. Although rather quiet, sometimes shy, John was always popular without needing or wanting to be the centre of attention.
He had a good business sense, could always pick up a bargain, later selling it to make a profit, also tact and diplomacy skills way above his age, always able to remain rational and logical about things. He loved life to the full enjoying every minute of it. Sometimes it is difficult to believe he was only 13 years old.
The day John died our hearts were broken. We love and miss him deeply; more than words here can express. We have chosen to go on as best we can, remembering the love and joy we shared together. He gave so much in such a short lifetime. He will always live on in our hearts. His name will be the everyday word it always has been.
It is now 7 years since Johns' death, what a journey of grief we have had up to now, Les, Michael and myself, it will continue for the rest of our lives, slowly we learn to live with the grief, which is always there, every day. We can now laugh, we look normal, act like everyone else, do our work etc., however the deep open wound has a fine gossamer scar covering it, which can very easily be broken; revealing the original wound. As time goes on we become stronger and less guarded, which helps in our day to day lives.
Our sons gift to us is his love, which is endless as is ours for him.
