On the eve of Yvonne's funeral I'd like to share what I hope to be able to read out tomorrow ..... My Reading for The Funeral of Yvonne Rachel Warman I count myself extremely fortunate to have many wonderful female friends – some of whom I’d refer to as my soul sisters because we’re that close. I have two amazing sister-in-laws who are more than just extended members of my family … they’re friends too. But I have just one sister – and I am truly blessed that it’s a person like Yvonne. I use the word “have”, in the present tense, because she’ll always be my sister – her passing will never change that. For the whole of my life, Yvonne has been there for me …. a constant presence and support. Being 10 years older than me she was able to offer help and advice when needed or asked for … and I will so miss that. When I was growing up, she always liked to tease me and chase me. But I soon learnt how to get my own back by squealing loudly before she caught me …. getting her into trouble with Mum! She has a great sense of humour with far too many funny tales to retell here but I remember one weekend when I was staying over with her, there were some coca cola bottles stored on top of the wardrobe in the room that I was sleeping in. In the middle of the night one of them exploded and I screamed really loudly …. causing Yvonne and Bill to rush in to find out what was wrong. There was me sitting up in bed covered with coke. I’m not sure that I, initially, appreciated the fact that she was laughing so much that she couldn’t talk! We got mileage out of that for a very long time. Then there was the time when the family were together celebrating her and William’s wedding anniversary. She’d had a few too many drinks that night – as had Crissy, with the two of them propping each other up on the sofa! I have photographic evidence. The only way we could get Yvonne to bed that night was by helping her to crawl to her bedroom on her hands and knees! No doubt that would have been something that she would have loved to have been able to do in her later years. Most of you will know that Yvonne was not a well person, coping with so many illnesses and conditions and I know that life was, at times, really challenging for her in many, many ways - especially after William died. What kept her going, gave her the strength to continue to get up every day was her love for her son, Daniel – of whom she is so proud. Being blessed by Daniel and Janine giving her grandchildren - Jack and Willow – whom she loves so much. Not forgetting Hollie, Bosun and Misty who provided much needed company when she became virtually house bound. So, although I am devastated that Yvonne is no longer here for me to be able to see and talk to … I’m so relieved that her suffering is over. So, Big Sis, from your Little Sis, may your onward journey be gentle – and I know that William will be waiting to greet you with his arms wide open.