Sally and Bernie were one of my earliest friends when I arrived in London for the first time in the 80’s. I was in my early 20’s, never left India and by wonderful good fortune had them as my neighbours for 8 wonderful years. Being world travellers, both of them very quickly took me under their wing. Sally was of Indian ancestry which added its own charm for me.
 
We brought in new year with them multiple times (I didn’t know we were also celebrating a birthday) and met so many of their friends. Sally was an outstanding cook and very house proud. For a new home maker like me, Sally was a great role model.
When my first son was born, Sally became a surrogate grandparent to him as his grandparents were in India. In fact, it was more than that. My son so adored Sally that he could not end a day without his “Sally fix”. Sitting in the garden drinking her famous cold coffees, blowing bubbles with my son, eating delicious meals at their home. I cannot begin to think of those early years in London without Sally being part of my story.
 
Sally and I met very recently and had agreed that we would go out for lunch someday. That day will not come to pass. Instead, I will remember all the lunches and dinners that I have had in her home with great love and affection and be thankful for my two friends Bernie and Sally.
I want to end with a poem that I read recently.
 
Ruth Burgess
 
Into the freedom of wind and sunshine
We let you go
Into the rain and mists
Onto the earth and waters
Into the dance of the stars and the planets
We let you go
Onto the earth and hills where we still walk
We let you go