My Darling Eileen
When she came along with Ben on the '25th', Sarah brought me some lovely 'gifts'.
A bunch of freshly picked beans from their garden - which were delicious - and some notes recalling the time when you worked together at Lexicon.
This is what she wrote...
' My memories of Eileen date from the day she arrived at Lexicon.
At that time, the company was split on two sites. We were in different buildings so I didn't see her much.
I sometimes covered on receptions back then. When I had to put calls through to Eileen, I always thought how rude and abrupt she was.
A real Dragon!
When the company amalgamated on a new site in Shipley, I was - to my horror - told I would be sitting next to Eileen.
If I am honest, I was terrified of her and really worried she would not be easy to get along with.
How wrong could I have been!
Eileen was the warmest, funniest, most encouraging and loveliest woman to know.
I learned a great deal from her - not just about work but about life.
Eileen was always there for me.
I went through some difficult times myself back then. I had an illness that meant I had to take three months off work.
I took Chinese medicine to help my recovery. It tasted awful and I hated taking it.
When I came back to work Eileen made this concoction up for me religiously and MADE me take it twice a day.
She cared enough to do this for me - and I will always be very grateful for that.
Even though Eileen and I never met up again after she left Lexicon, we still stayed in touch by letter and by e-mail.
Looking back through these, this is one of her e-mails that I found particularly funny...
"This weekend we have been decorating the lounge - and it has been disastrous!
Had to paint the ceiling three times 'cos each time we found streaks.
I then emulsioned the walls finishing the first pot of matt paint. Started on the second tin.
Two walls later found it was a tin of silk finish NOT matt!
So quick trip to Homebase was needed.
Cali then walked along the window sill which I had just undercoated, leaving a trail of little pussy cat paw marks.
Trevor came home from work last night and, while having a cup of tea, lent against the radiator I had just glossed.
But today I think has been the bee's knees.
Glossing the skirting board, looked back and there was an army of ants stuck to the paint right along the skirting board."
Eileen was a wonderful combination of a Mum and a best friend.
That's how I'll remember her - and why I'll always miss her'
As we all will.
Thought the 'paint episode' would bring back memories and a smile to your face.
Love and miss you so much 'my lovely dragon'.
Yours - for ever
Trevor xxx
