During the week in hospital Royce had to have many tests, one day he came back with tears in his eyes, when I asked him why he answered 'I'm thinking about my funeral.' I told him not to be so daft and turned away so he wouldn't see the same tears in my eyes.
I tried to give him a dignified, chilled out funeral and I think I achieved it. It was cold but the sun was shining, His friends carried his coffin. They were all dressed the same as Royce in tracksuits and trainers and wore T-shirts with a picture of Royce and bearing his nickname, Ducky.
He was carried by his brother Simon, his friends, Myrun, Devon, Daniel, Marcus and Shaun. I'm sorry I had to leave lots of you out but it would have been impossible for you all to have done this deed. I know you were all there and I'm sure Royce did too.
HIS BROTHER JUNIOR WAS SO DISAPPOINTED HE COULDN'T MAKE IT BUT HE WAS THERE IN THOUGHT AND PRAYER.
We had Aaliyah 'Let me know' playing on the way in 'Dilemma' by Nelly during the service and P.diddy 'Tribute' on the way out. I stood and said my speech for my son loud and clear, I wanted everyone to know how special he was to me. The church was packed and I was so proud to be his mum and his best friend.
I tried not to cry as Royce hated me crying but it was impossible. The tune by Nelly will always have me in tears. It was his tune and he would play it over and over again.
We had a football match at Highfield Rangers in Royce's memory. He'd played there many times. It was so hard for me to watch as it reminded me of watching Royce play. I had to hold back the tears a few times. I don't know how many people noticed the gust of wind that came when we were having the 2 minute silence but I know I wasn't the only one. Do you really think Royce would have missed a match!!
It was a great friendly game and the lads had a good laugh (some of you need to get fit!) Royce's uncle was the big bad ref (the grey haired one in the middle) and Devon played in the Ducky shirt (and scored a home goal) can you imagine the stick Royce was giving him.
THANKYOU TO WEBB AND JOHN FOR ARRANGING IT ALL.
Royce is buried at Gilroes cemetery very near his beloved grandad. Please don't forget him. I know it's just his shell there and his spirit is above us but it's nice to know you've passed by now and then. I know he will be missed by you all.
Please try to keep his memory alive in any way you can.
AS FOR ME I HAVE LOST A MUCH LOVED PERSON FROM MY LIFE. WE WERE VERY CLOSE AND I CAN'T BELIEVE HE'S BEEN TAKEN FROM ME. ALTHOUGH HE WAS AWAY DURING THE LAST FEW YEARS WE SHARED SOME SPECIAL MOMENTS AND SOME SPECIAL SECRETS. I HAVE TO GET ON WITH MY LIFE BUT ROYCE WILL ALWAYS BE WITH ME, IN MY THOUGHTS, IN MY HEART AND BY MY SIDE.
