I am writing this tribute in memory of Jessica Tomlinson. To many people she was known as Jess. To me, she was just plain old "Mum". So what can I say about Mum that people don't already know? Well, not much really. Mum was kind, caring and gentle. Family came first, then everybody else. Mum would go out of her way to help people and put them first. Mum also had a stubborn side, which always surfaced in the assembling of flat pack furniture. Her way was the way it had to be fitted, even though she hadn't even read the instructions! Looking back now it was very funny, although at the time people did take quite an ear bashing. After a few months of being ill, Mum was diagnosed with cancer in November 2009. Her initial response was that she would miss Christmas with the grandchildren (she loved Christmas with the family). After an operation and several consultations with various doctors, Mum was given just six months. To say Mum took it badly was an understatement, but to her credit, she soon got over it and decided to fight. And fight she did. Over the following two years there were numerous chemo sessions, which Mum never let get the better of her. To look at her you would never have known. Over those two years, Mum never put herself first. Her priority was Dad and helping him through his illness. Then came the rest of the family making sure we were happy and helping with any problem that arose. This is who Mum was as a person. A person I would have been proud to have known and called a friend, but the fact that she was my Mother, somehow makes me feel that little bit special. On the 7th November 2011, almost two full years after being diagnosed, Mum, sadley passed away. It was the day we all had been fearing and dreading, but it still came as a hugh shock. Mum was still planning ahead for Christmas and the year ahead, and still had more holidays planned(she did like like her holidays!). Looking back, I just wish Dad could have seen her one last time, I think that he feels a little guilty that he was in hospital the same time Mum was. He needs to know that it couldn't have been helped, and I would do anything to have given him that moment. If anybody reading this would like to write something similar, especially Dad, Lisa and Steven, please feel free to do so. Finally, for now, I want to say that I will cherish the times we shared. The little talks we had together, and I hope that they helped you as much as they helped me. Your time with us was cut short, but your memory will live on with me forever. Miss you. Love you.xxx