In memory of Jean

Copyright Michael Coatesworth.

Last revised: March 08, 2008

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Jean Cakebread (nee Coatesworth)

August 13, 2000

Jean

You looked after us when we were kids
Stopped us going into care
Although a child yourself
You worked hard, no time for play
Aunt Chrissie came to help
Gave you back your childhood way

I miss you my dear sister
You were my guiding light
You called me Michael on the path of wrong
Mike on the path of right
Your phone call to say goodbye to me
The night you passed away
Broke my heart in pieces
The tears they would not go away

The tears they blurred my eyes, I lifted my arm in salute
I waved to you my sister, as to the light you did ascend
'Keep on writing Mike; I'll always be with you'
From the window I saw you down below
'I will,' I call out loudly, I'll write until the end
Waving frantically, I knew you had to go
Goodbye my dear sister, my confident, and my friend

I heard the children's laughter as you joined the joyful throng
You are happy now my sister, your pain and suffering gone
They all looked up and waved to me, all smiles, one laugh, one song
A grin adorns my features, and the tears they come no more
Jean said she'll save a special place for me, of this I'm truly sure

Aunt Chrissie and Jean are now together
Waving with all their might
'We'll keep a place for you Mike' they shouted
On Jean's left and Chrissie's right

Mike Coatesworth

As a child, if ever we needed a hug, my brothers and myself would run to our big sister, Jean. We knew that she would give us the comfort and love that we needed.

Although our Aunt was looking after us at the time in question on a temporary basis, it was our sister who really cared for us and ensured that we were fed and dressed properly and also ensured that we stayed out of mischief.

There were at times when it was all a bit of a strain for her, looking after her father and three brothers, but in a way it appeared she was glad to do it, as it proved that she was needed. We all knew that if it wasn't for Jean, even though she was only ten years old, we probably would not have been able to manage. To be realistic, if it hadn't been for her looking after our welfare we would most certainly have been sent to a children's home.

Her brothers, Alan and Eddie, did help at times, but not as much as she needed, so when our aunt came to stay on a permanent basis, Jean was not put out, in fact she was a little relieved, as this gave her more time to be a child again.

Our aunt realised that even though her niece at ten years of age had been virtually in charge of the household, she herself would not simply come in and take over, she often asked for her help and advice. This in a way still gave Jean some authority and also the feeling of being needed remained.

Throughout all her life, Jean still kept an eye on us, right up to the end. Even at almost her last, “think first before you do anything, and don't go putting your big feet in,” she stated to me. “I'll still be watching you.”

The remark brought a smile to both our features.