I don't really want to write a tribute, doing so is in many ways is an acceptance of something I still find hard to believe. Writing a reflection also reminds that I could have done more, said more and how much time I wasted when I could have spent more time in the presence of absolute love and inspiration that was my Lynny. I first met Lynne and Jan when we became neighbours in 1996 in Oakamoor whilst my partner and I worked for Alton Towers.
We would see Jan and Lynne sat at their pond drinking wine and think 'oooh look at them!'. My partner and I were ambitious and starting out on new careers. Lynne was a natural leader and instantly someone `I would follow and believe' with the people skills I still try and emulate to this day. A very strong friendship began and continued right throughout my professional life. Lynne was my tutor and developed me to gain my assessor qualification whilst I worked at the Towers and it was Lynne who enabled me to get into the vocational education sector. Later in my career she helped me out when I became self employed and we worked and laughed together a lot whilst working for the Pacific Institute. Lynne was my 'go to' and I looked up to her in all areas of life and simply put I wanted to be like her, I wanted to be that kind of human. She was beautiful, kind, a genius, caring, loving and loved to laugh......... something I can still hear echoing in my heart x
Knowing her presence has gone has left me feeling very bare and very much 'over to me now', a this is a place I have never been in. But I know she is with me. If it weren't for Lynne I would not be who I am or where I am today. I have had a very successful career in vocational education holding Director posts for some of the UKs leading companies. My life and work has touched and enabled the lives of hundreds if not thousands of people and all because Lynn saw something in me and made me find it and grow it and develop it.
Lynne touched my life in a significant way and in doing so all those in my life both personal and professional are witness to the talent, leadership, love and humanity of this amazing woman. Lynne loved me and it was an amazing feeling to be loved unconditionally by such a beautiful and inspirational woman and it was an absolute honour to be even a small part of her huge life. To know I was loved by her is a fire that will burn my entire life through.
Over the years we had many conversations about life and work and my God I am going to miss these but I won't stop talking to her. Many years ago when I first met Lynne she said to me that by the time I'm 50 I am going to be amazing, well I am 50 this year and in truth I personally don't think I am, I don't think I have been / am the person that she may have thought I would be but I have made it a personal goal to continue to work in her name. I promise you Lynne all that you taught me, all that belief in me and all that guidance will shine brighter that ever before. But something tells me that space she took will never be filled, but I will try my best for you Lynne. x
Then there is all the love, so much love and I loved Lynne so so much and it was so hard to grasp and realise that one day she wouldn't be here. Even recently when she would tell me about her 'plan' and 'acceptance' I never really could which is selfish I know, but I didn't want her to go. How could there be a life without her in it?
Love is something we hold and take with us, her love is something I remember the most and will actually have for the rest of my life, what an amazing life and gift she has given me. And I know she had all my love has she spread her wings. x
Thank you Lynny, darling ......'Spin Jenny Spin'.........
For you....
Lately without warning your hands have felt their way,
Through every single moment I make throughout my day,
And lately when the lights go out
Your words still whisper in my ears,
And in these moments of my solitude
These things comfort me comfort me,
Now you are no longer here.
Love you and see you again and we will laugh and dance once more x
Ger gth
3rd June 2018