Michael's Two Fab Lads

Since Michael passed away the outpouring of love for the boys and Theresa has been amazing. All of Michael's family knew how loved he was and the sheer amount of cards and messages and offers of help have all proved it.

I have been with my Aunty Tess tonight and she was looking at all of the flowers she's received so far. They're all beautiful.

But she's also panic striken as she's run out of vases and windowsills!

And now the bouquets are lining up in the hall and we have nowhere for them! I'm sure it's a situation you're all familiar with!

Theresa said in passing to me tonight that instead of giving flowers would people have preferred to do something for the boys' piggy banks or to donate to CHUF (the charity close to Jemma and Michael's heart)?

I thought 'A-ha! and thought of setting up this GoFundMe as a way for people to maybe give their flower money to the boys for days out etc.

Theresa has no idea about stuff like this; so I'm totally taking advantage of that and setting it up before she has a chance to tell me off!!

Michael asked me for advice more times than I can remember. And then ignored me pretty much every single time. So this time round I'm not even asking my Aunty Theresa's thoughts (she'd probably think it was charity because well it's just not the 'done thing' and tell me not to it. We'd argue and I'd give in, cos I'm soft because I love her so much!).

So I'm acting first and I'll ask forgiveness second.

I know there are so, so many of us who would have shouted Michael a pint in the pub next time we saw him. And it breaks my heart to think that time won't come.

So maybe if we can put our 'next round with Michael' cash into a pot for the boys it can be used for good once everything doesn't seem so raw. And so that the boys can make happy memories with Theresa and Jemma's family; the gorgeous, amazing family who all cherish them so very much.

And then I'm sure one day, in years to come, you'll be in a bar and have Thomas and William buying you a pint as you tell them all of your favourite stories about Michael.

Much love,

Michelle (Michael's cousin) xxx