Tuesday 29th December

“To us his name will ever be
The key that unlocks memory
Of a dear Son gone, but cherished yet
A beloved face, we’ll never forget.”

In December 2006 we joined my father on his yacht in Boot Key, Marathon. It was our first ever visit to the Florida Keys, and we fell in love with the place.

We flew into Miami, collected a hire car, and then began the short trip south to the start of the keys archipelago. The magic carpet ride of the Overseas Highway is splendid as the road through small islands suddenly turns into a bridge over channels separating the Atlantic Ocean from the Gulf of Mexico.

A stunningly beautiful fifty mile drive, drinking in the amazing views sees us stop just before our destination for a bite to eat at the Islamorada Fish Company: a superb outdoor restaurant with excellent food.

The sun is setting as we arrive at the marina, unload the car onto the tender, and motor out to the yacht. It is quiet and peaceful onboard, with only the sounds of the gentle waves lapping against the hull. Such a relaxing way to spend the holidays.

You enjoyed quiet beach walks, eating out at bars and restaurants overlooking the water, finding a friendly coffee shop that served terrific ice cream, trips to Key West, Bahia Honda State Park and the Dolphin Rescue Centre. Your favourite though, after swimming with the dolphins, was probably a day trip to Miami, to the Dolphin Mall. You loved walking around looking at all the stores, spending your Christmas money, and then meeting up in the food court for lunch.

After spending the afternoon at Sombrero Beach, we found a great place to eat called The Dockside Tropical Café. Burgers, fries, onion rings and salad went down well with ice cold beer for us, and sparkling lemonade for you. Then you went walkabout, and came back excitedly telling us you had found your dream car ~ a stretch limo had parked up outside……….

29th December 2006. Look at what I've found.....

My new ride ..........

You had such a big grin on your face.
Little things that made you happy, made me smile so much.

And hearing your name
Will always be
The key to unlock
More memories.

A key.
The Keys.
The beginning of many more trips to this special place.
For you.
For me.
For us.

I miss you so very much.
Love you to the moon and back.
Dearest Angel son.
xxx xxx