To great shock, today I found out that Eileen has left this world and it made my heart ache. I have so many happy childhood memories of this inspirational, warm, funny, and compassionate lady. I remember loving the way she spoke in her friendly Liverpudlian accent (which was alien to my young mind) and rejoicing in her hearty laugh that lit up the whole room. Eileen would sometimes kindly drive me to school and would make me feel all grown up by talking to me as a friend, an equal. Not like a little schoolgirl to be talked down to. This always made me feel respected - which is what youngsters all secretly crave. I have one memory of Eileen that has always stuck in my mind. I was a little girl of around 8 or 9 and was at a birthday party for Kate. I remember trying to have fun yet feeling sad as my beloved cat was missing for two days. Eileen was not fond of cats (she had a phobia which I found mildly amusing - the little moggy lover that I was), so I felt embarrassed to tell her of my kitty conundrum when she asked me what was wrong. When I finally told her through muffled sobs, Eileen was so warm and caring, enveloping me in her arms and cuddling my tiny self, reassuring me with her soothing words. I had felt that she would not understand my problem, yet she expressed such empathy and love that I instantly felt better. I'm not sure why this small snippet of my life stayed with me all this time. I think this is because we are all touched by moments of pure kindness in our lives. They are engrained in our minds. Etched into our hearts to be cherished forever. Goodbye Eileen. I will miss your kind heart and honest laugh. Love Mitra xxxx