Superhero at his Mother's Funeral

Thomas-Jay Gardner on the day of his mother's funeral, Charlene.

When Thomas-Jay (TJ) first saw me, he ran into me and gave me the tightest hug, "It's going to be okay, Mummy is in a better place." He said it whilst trying to hold his own tears only to reassure me that it will be all right. My little man, I'm here mainly for you to be by your side and by Charlene's family so we can all hold our strength and go through it together, but despite it being your toughest day, you proved us all that you deserved to be referred as the 'hero' we always called you.

Before I left the funeral, TJ hugged me a goodbye and said the most heartwarming thing to me, "Did you know that I've always seen you as an older sister to me?" I stumbled over my words to find the right expression towards how much this little hero meant to me. Not only that I see you as a young brother to me, but it's that your Mummy has left you with good hands, and I promise to offer you all the things she would if she was still here. I will take the best care of you just like how she did as I watched her on a daily basis.

She loved you more than she loved herself, and spoke about you faster than her own thoughts.

Charlene Gardner has touched the lives of hundreds, and she will always have her special place in our hearts. You're missed dearly my twin and source of strength.

Rest your beautiful soul in Peace

Copyright © 2021 Yara Aljefri