comfort and joy

i will let this pass
i will weather the storm
i will wordfully execute
my personal life rescue
nothing else better
to do?

How touched am I by the single flower

The sweet perfume of the perfect bloom

The head held high catching my eye

And I reach and pluck you to my lips

Embrace the beauty with a gentle kiss

Yes you are in your prime

When I bring you in

But you sang to my soul

You required my time

And my lips replied

Before I knew my mind

Hello Mother, I murmured as I carried you in

And now I have placed you

Where my gaze can rest

Whilst I care for my family

Ease the pain in my chest

Take the crease from my brow

And the weariness eases

The lingering love

in that one single flower

Fills my heart and my soul

With its ardent power.

Sun shines your warm smile and loving heart
The Ocean calls your adventurous spirit
Green fields lay the parchment for your vibrant history
I am on the train to Edinburgh
My mother, I am glad you are with me.

Anne Christine Clarke – nee Stening, lately of Manchester. Passed away peacefully at the Alexian Brothers Care home on 30th April 2008 aged 85 years and One day. Loving and much loved Mother and Grandmother.

Anne was born in Upminster in 1923. She dedicated her life to the service of God and to her family. Her work as a Christian Missionary took her across the world to China and to the Pacific. Along the way, she studied to become a Congregational Minister before marrying and adopting her 3 children. A gifted linguist, she read or spoke Chinese & Hebrew, she was also a highly respected Educationalist, specialising in Early Years Education and Residential Care.

Many people were touched by the gift of her love for God, both as a Companion of Brother Lawrence and as a Lay Preacher. She preached for several years across the Methodist churches in the Forest of Dean, Gloucestershire.

Anne will remain forever in our hearts.