"Com Amor:
PAI! (10Dez2024)
This summer I had to hold on to your words a lot more than I ever thought I had to do. Not sure I can do what you asked me. Not sure I am strong enough sometimes.
Still, I hear it in my head…,this summer a few days earlier, by your kitchen counter, while helping you with the salad: “Are you happy Rita ? That’s all I need… that you are happy.”
You were constantly asking these questions.
I definitely have to be happy for you NOW and help my family to be happy too… in your memory and my sweet little Leonor! Our only baby girl.
It was the first day of our summer holiday trip!
You asked me last year for this remember? So, there we were: Peneda do Gerês- an idyllic location, a peregrines destination on the top of the world. A village locked in time. The Sanctuary of the Lady of Peneda.
Stunning! 
You looked happy, mum was too. I am so glad I granted your wish now!
You were with us that morning and suddenly just gone. There was no goodbye, no pain, the switch just turned off suddenly almost in front of the sanctuary.
I didn’t know. I was not expecting. My body refused to react. I had no words.
And that evening was the longest, saddest car trip I ever took back home…
Because we had to leave you behind.
Because one laughter was missing.
Because life suddenly looked so fragile and I was so lost.
Cardiomyopathy hypertrophic took my dad and soon after my sweet little niece.
Yes, Leonor- Nono- Leo- Nonova- so many fun names we used to call you my love.
We returned to London on the last day of August to make sure we were all together as much as we could as we needed each other’s strength. 
That, to ear the most dreadful news 3 days later. I wish I was there with you too.
My little girl…that kept making me smile, that, with a kind heart would try to give us aid. Back then, you were also so sad but always trying to make us happy.
What happened that evening I still struggle to comprehend.
You were smiling and without warning gone as well.
You are my sweetest memory of happiness.
Only a memory now that I refuse people to forget.
And that is the only reason why I am choosing to get my heart out there and ask for help!
Tia Rita"


Want to join me in supporting a good cause? I'm raising money for Cardiomyopathy UK and your contribution will make an impact, whether you donate a lot or a little. Anything helps. Thank you for your support. I've included information about Cardiomyopathy UK below. 


Cardiomyopathy UK is the only UK charity dedicated to providing support and information to anyone affected by cardiomyopathy.  We want prompt diagnosis and treatment for everyone with cardiomyopathy to save lives and improve quality of life.  


It is estimated that 200,000 people are affected by the disease in the UK and it affects people of all ages, including babies. 


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Rita’s fundraising for Cardiomyopathy UK