41 Comments

Thank you Martin, a special man indeed. We’ve had some wonderful colleagues over the years 💕

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These are such beautiful memories to have of your colleague. Everyday and mundane to some, perhaps, but in my eyes these kinds of human connections are some of the richest we experience. You’ve written a wonderful tribute; having that coaster means you will continue to remember that part of your life fondly. I love the fact that he even teased you with giving the coaster as a gift. That made me smile ✨

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Thank you lovely - it's always the smallest, simple things that bring the biggest impact. He will never have known how significant that was, which is exactly the kind of man he was. As humble as he was smart, as kind as he was hilarious x

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What a beautiful tribute to a much valued friend - so very well done Em! I hope his family gets to read it somehow.

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Thank you ❤️❤️. I have no idea if they will, but thank you 🙏

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In Ireland since the pandemic people have been doing online guest books, the way you might see one at a funeral. Might be one you could share this on, if this was my loved one I’d like to hear the story. A long shot, I know the English do funerals quite different to us.

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Yes I've seen those Sheila - it's a lovely idea. I may try and find a way to share it, I was concerned about imposing but I think you're right, I always love to hear stories about my loved ones x

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I think you should, I loved hearing stories about my loved ones for everyone. Especially from work as it’s a world that family don’t often hear much about 💗

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So true. I’ll see what I can do. Thank you lovely lady 💕🙏

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Good luck 💗🍀

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Such a lovely tribute Emma and what a symbolic gesture for you to receive the coaster. I have had similar in the last few years where I’ve gasped out loud at the passing of people I once shared an office with and someone who became a mentor. It does make me reflect on what I miss about those times. The endless birthday biscuits and cakes on offer and I love the tea round for two! Such precious memories to treasure forever. 🙏💫

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Oh Louise it’s exactly that. I’m not sure that ‘those times’ even exist anymore. I think Covid decimated those ways of being for so many people. That is such a loss in itself. Thank you for your lovely message 💕

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A beautiful piece.... beautifully crafted and remembered. I love that he sent you that coaster and that you still treasure it. I love that the coaster was part of a daily joke. I love that there was a ritual of tea at your office and that there was a secret biscuit drawer. I love that you wrote this about someone you worked with and yet haven’t seen for six years.

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Oh I have goosebumps. What a lovely message to receive Amy. I found myself in tears last night, and you have just beautifully encapsulated why. It’s got a bit smoky in here all of a sudden 🥲💕💕💕

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I was right there with you when that package arrived.

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❤️

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What a beautifully told friendship one that is unique to work mates xxxxx

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It’s such an extraordinary relationship, and I think one we don’t often pay homage to. Thank you so much xx

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What a lovely read. I am just about to leave my job and the one thing I will truly miss are the lovely work colleagues, friends I have made there ❤️

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Oh wishing you the best of luck in your next chapter. It is really hard to leave those friends and colleagues, am sending you much love. The relationships you have made will remain in your heart x

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Thank you!

I have just started a substack to write about my journey if you would like to follow it 😊

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Oh yes I will! Thank you - I love connecting on here. Best of luck with your new Substack 💕

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Beautifully written Emma. Having known him too, I can feel the affection you have for him. He truly was a special man and, as you say, in a world where he was not “typical”, his beautiful soul shone through. So much so, he was universally liked and loved.

Thank you for writing this. The gift you have is special too x

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What a beautiful way for you to remember your friend and colleague. Thank you for sharing, Hx

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Thank you so much xx

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Beautiful grief tribute 💜💜💜

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Thank you 💕🙏

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Beautiful poignant share. Hung on every word and then read it again.

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Oh goodness, thank you. I love your writing. 💕

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Aw shucks. Thank you <3

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Emma, this is a beautiful tribute to a very special man. Thank you so much for your heartfelt words that are so fitting. Rob G.

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Oh thank you Rob, I know you were close and were such a wonderful manager/colleague and friend to him. A very special man indeed. One I shall never forget x

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What a lovely view into your office working life and your desk neighbour friendship. What a special gift to receive, it is a very beautiful coaster. I’m sorry for your, and the worlds, loss. He sounded like a lovely person (anyone who has a secret biscuit supply is always going to win points from me) 💗💗💗

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He really was - and yes, a secret biscuit supply (that you share) is a joyous thing xx

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There’s nothing like a secret supply for shared office nibbles, sharing sugar kicks is a new level of kind 💗

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and somehow just knowing when they might be needed....

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Oh wow, that’s the kind of person we need in our life. A very specific type of empathy.

My husband is a gem and sometimes just knows the moment to give me a biscuit or piece of chocolate, sometimes he skips the plate and puts it directly into my mouth haha.

It’s very nice to ponder on the biscuit love (in a workmate way) language with you through your colleague.

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Oh I love that! Your husband sounds very special 💕

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Yeah, he’s a sweet treat bringing gem 💗

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Aw Emma! Sorry for your loss and what a beautiful piece and testimony to the friendships and relationships we have in work and life. 🦋✨💜

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thank you beautiful x

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