Beryl

On October 4th 2022, my mother-in-law Beryl passed away after a long battle against cancer.

To lose such a special woman in my life is gutting!

Beryl is one of those people who saw the good in everyone. Her positivity and smile lit up the room when she entered.

I could never have wished for a better mother-in-law. 18 years ago she accepted me into her family with open arms. I instantly became part of the family.

Inspirational

If asked to describe Beryl in one word, it would be “inspirational”. Everyone said it, and there isn’t a better word to describe her.

In 2011, my mum was diagnosed with cancer, and Berly gave her hope.

My family’s relationship with cancer was not a good experience, and with that in mind, my mum thought that this was it for her. I remember having a conversation with mum about it, and she said “I don’t know anyone who has survived cancer.”

To which I responded, “Yes, you do. Beryl had breast cancer about 20 years ago!”

Until then my mum had no idea, and this gave mum someone to reach out to, and it gave her hope, fight and determination.

Not long after my mum was given the all-clear, Beryl was told that she had liver cancer. It hit like bricks, but she dealt with it like a trooper.

Family

Beryl was a great mother and grandmother. She was so proud of them and what they have all achieved. She would constantly tell you and her friends.

Last year, I started cross-stitching to help tackle my anxiety, and Beryl took so much pride and joy from it.

She loved it and was always asking what I was working on, and wanted to have a look. Especially my backside, which she admired. I was always told that I was a lot neater.

She asked for photos of what I was working on (front and back) so she could show her friends.

While I was not her biological son, she treated me like one and shared how proud she was of me too!

Social Life

I think it is safe to say that Beryl (and Bob) have a better social life than we do.

They were always galavanting around the country, enjoying their dancing with friends.

Beryl and Bob loved to go abroad too, and they would make regular visits to both Benalmadena and Zante. Their holidays would be around the same time each year, which would be synced with the friends they have made while there.

Just as the family is important to them, so are their friends.

Everybody who knew Beryl knew how special a woman she was.

Grief

Grief hits everyone differently, and I’ve spoken previously about how my brother’s death affected my mental health.

I’m in this weird situation again that I feel like I need to be strong and keep it together for the husby and his family. However, I also need to grieve for myself.

This is something that my friends and family have been very conscious of, especially after understanding the full effects my brother’s death had on me. They didn’t want my mental health to deteriorate like it did last time.

I feel like I am in a better place this time around. It does help that I am on medication. But, I have been grieving, just in a different way. What I’ve learnt is writing things down helps.

Anniversary

October the 4th is also the husby and I’s wedding anniversary. Eight years ago Beryl proudly walked her son down the aisle.

Now, we share that anniversary date with Beryl, and while we know that this will be hard, we will continue to celebrate our anniversary as well as Beryl.

Beryl wouldn’t want it any other way!

Beryl,

Thank you for all the cherished memories that we created together. You were the best mother-in-law that anyone could have wished for.

Lots of Love
Mike xxx