Every now and then, someone shares a story so full of love that the only right thing to do is hold it gently and pass it on as they gave it. Ahead of her mum's anniversary, Laura wanted to share hers — in her own words, in the hope it might bring comfort to someone walking a similar road. We are so grateful she trusted us with it.

This is Laura's story.

A change in mum

About nine months before she passed, my mum was diagnosed with Alzheimer's. It was fairly mild at first, but as a family we had noticed a change in her. My dad was a pillar of strength throughout the hard days — the days when she would tell us the same thing over and over.

But one thing remained stronger than ever: her faith.

The hymns

She loved to sing. Whenever I went to see her, I would ask Alexa to play her favourite hymns and songs — and for a wee glimmer of a moment, I saw my mum again. For those precious moments she was happy, asking me about my job, telling me how proud she was of me.

Why the forget me not

Her Alzheimer's got progressively worse. The forget me not flower is very closely associated with the Alzheimer's Society, and for me it represents a strong reminder that she is always close to me. From the day she died, I vowed that I would honour and continue her legacy.

At her funeral, I gave her eulogy, and we wore the forget me not flower in her name. We asked for donations to that wonderful charity.

Saying goodbye

I went through a really challenging time. I had to give my mum CPR — to breathe life into the wonderful mum who gave me life. I managed to keep going until she arrived at hospital, and my dad and I got to say goodbye.

The bracelet

When my friend presented me with this wee bracelet, I was — and always am — reminded of my mum, and of how I will never forget her. The bracelet is just beaut. I plan to visit the Alzheimer's phone box in London to leave a message for her.

I'm happy to share my story, hoping it gives someone else hope, and the knowledge that through the hardest times she is always with me.

Holding someone close

Thank you, Laura, for letting us share something so precious — and for the love that runs through every word of it. We hope, just as you do, that it reaches someone who needs it.

For anyone carrying the memory of someone they love, a forget me not is a gentle way to keep them close. Each piece in our Forget Me Not Collection is made by hand, and can be worn every day in memory of someone who mattered.

You'll find the collection at rebeccamayjewellery.com.

With love, Debbie x