Dear All,
It's difficult to know where to begin. Matthew, Grace and I are sat here wondering what to write to you all. Yesterday was a wonderful and fitting tribute to a wonderful man. I sat and read all the cards and letters this morning that we have received from you all, and also the comments made in the book of condolence. Your tributes have made us glow with pride.
I can't tell you how proud our family was yesterday to see the sight of you all there to honour Mark. It was a very sad occasion, which was made bearable by the presence of you all.
Grace and I also visited the church again today to have a look at the flowers that our family and Mark's colleagues sent. I don't know if you all saw the flowers sent by Mark's colleagues, but they spelled out the name, 'BEAU', they were beautiful.
The photograph of Mark that stood on the altar is stood up on my dining room table at the moment, his face beaming at me every time I walk past the door. That is how I will remember Mark, a big, beaming smile, and I hope you will too. This photo also appears on some memorial cards that we had made. Anyone who wasn't able to come to the wake, and would like one, give me a call, I do have some left, and you can remember him beaming too.
GMP very kindly allowed one of the force photographers to attend and record the events of the day. When I have the disc available, Matthew will put them on the blog as he did with the photos from the Howfener, then anyone who couldn't come yesterday, and our friends and and family in Australia can see what a special day it was.
Now the difficult task of beginning life without Mark inevitably will begin. We don't quite know where to begin, but we know we must. And I suppose that at some point this blog must come to an end. It has given us great pleasure to read the stories, and comments and good wishes, and we have known that we weren't alone throughout our journey. I hope that many of you will keep in touch, but most of all, and I know that this doesn't really need to be said, remember Mark, and like him, be nice to people, help one another, and make a difference in all that you do.
love to you all,
Wendy , Matthew and Grace xxx
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Hi Wendy, Matthew, Grace,
ReplyDeleteTuesday was such a sad day, but it was also such a fitting tribute to a great guy and one who I was proud to have called my friend and in whose company I have spent many happy times.
I was at the church and wasn't the least surprised by the prescence of so many officers of all ranks, including the Chief. Everybody did Mark proud.
I was especially moved when Matthew and Grace stood up to recite their special poem, that took a lot of courage.
I wasn't able to make the wake due to work commitments and I would be extremely appreciative if you could see your way to sending me one of the memorial cards please Wendy.
Take care and love to you all.
Vinny.
Hi Wendy, Matthew and Grace.
ReplyDeleteVinny has summed things up perfectly and I am sure his words reflect all of our thoughts.
There are times when as cops we become negative and cynical, we complain that things aren't what they used to be, and that "the job's gone to pot". Having seen for myself on Tuesday the outpouring of love, pride and respect displayed colleagues old and new, young and not so young I can honestly say that I am still so very proud to be a part of this. It is down to the likes of Mark "Beau" Bridges that the Police Service and those within it will always be the finest family one could ever wish to belong to.
With much love to you all,
God Bless,
Natalie x
Hi Wendy,
ReplyDeleteIs it at all possible you could e-mail me a copy of the poem read out that had the words "angels, she was looking over me" in it.
Being upset at the time I cant recall who read it out or who it was by.
I look at Marks smile memorial card every evening,and ask "you alright pal?" and tonight...you would not believe a TV advert came on downstairs which had jackie wilson higher & higher track on it.
as the card says he is not gone, he is here with us all, forever.
Dear Wendy, Mat and Grace
ReplyDeleteIt’s been a week now and we just feel able to place a few final words on here.
That was some send off. As Vinny has observed, a fitting tribute to the man we all knew as Beau Bridges, friend and colleague, but who of course meant so much more to the three of you.
The Beau I knew was never a man to do things by halves so I am sure he would have approved.
The cross section of colleagues from the whole of Mark’s career was a measure of the esteem in which he was held by all who worked with him.
I would just like to thank Mat and Gracie for causing a grown man to cry like a baby, you exhibited a level of dignity, courage and maturity that was way beyond your years. Your dad would have been truly proud of both of you.
Although it seems unlikely at the moment, the grieving will stop. You will never forget the man that was your husband and father, but there will come a time when you will be able to think about him and feel joy not pain because you will remember the man he was, a true diamond.
In time happiness will return to your lives, when it does, cherish it and it will endure.
Take care of each other.
Much love
Gary and Allison Cropper
Hi Wendy,
ReplyDeleteGot the memorial card you sent via Pete, very much appreciated.
Take care.
Love Vinny.
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ReplyDeletehgreunion - not sure who you are sorry. I think the passage you mean was in the reading. It is from St Pauls 1st letter to the Corinthians, Chapter 13. It was also used at the funeral of Princess Diana. I am afraid I dont have a copy.
ReplyDeleteWendy