TRIGGER WARNING – Some readers may find this content upsetting to read. Reader discretion is advised.
This year has been a test. It starts a bit like a sob story this. But please bear with me. It’s just the start of something a bit different, I promise ☺️
In March we lost Jim – our everything – inherited his small farm (a lot of work), and learnt my mother had pancreatic cancer. Truthfully, I can’t believe it. Even writing it out feels like it’s all happened to someone else.
I gave up a career in Archaeology in 2016 to raise my family which grew and became my main purpose. Im now a proud stay at home mum to 4 small children, aged 2-9, and once I’d finished being mum during the day and the hard work of carrying the life load was done. I’d take off my mum hat, and I took to piping through the pain of navigating our new life circumstance in the evening stillness, once everyone was tucked up in bed.
It seems cliche to say, and I know it’s been said by others who share the weight of grief, that when those tiny respite moments take hold, and you forget for a minute or two, it’s such a complicated feeling. Guilt for forgetting, relief from the weight, hope that light will touch life again. Well that. That respite became the head space I so desperately needed. Cakes became my purposeful outlet. But it brought so much joy with it. Unexpected joy I can’t describe. But better still people around me loved it, loved the cakes, and that warmth crept back in.
My skills sharpened (I’m not perfect or the most skillful) and by June I started Rose Farm Bakery. Fledgling and small it’s grown and spread more happiness than I ever thought possible. I don’t feel lost anymore, I can share the love that we have for Jim, and all he did for us and better ourselves and our farm at the same time. It’s not life changing financially but it’s given us hope that though we are all just passing through, we can make a difference and the ripples of love go far. Custodians now of our families direction I’m confident I’ve made the right choice to work in a sector that brings joy in all the biggest and most beautiful of life’s milestones.
I know Jims’ proud. He gave me the confidence to do anything I set my mind to. We have an owl who comes to keep me company on the late evenings. It’s my favourite time of day when I’m piping and singing away to my ever watchful, wise old owl. I know it’s him.
I bet that’s the first time an owl featured in one of these stories 😂
But honestly, I don’t think I’d have written that if winning was what I was hoping for. I’m not about to say please pick me because the truth is all I’ve got all I could hope for and a dream has already come true. I care more that I can tell from the roof tops of our Jim, and all be worked so hard for, and how I’ve got hope, for the first time in a while that we can carry on his legacy. I’m fulfilled that the conclusion of this is that at least one other person knows about Jim and all the good he has done.
At the end of the day that all we want isn’t it. That someone remembers us fondly.
Thank you for listening. May the light touch your life today too.
By Hannah Rose, Rose Farm Bakery
NOTE FROM ADMIN – PLEASE FEEL FREE TO LEAVE A COMMENT OF SUPPORT AND OR CONGRATULATIONS FOR HANNAH
Hannah, what a beautiful story…..well done with your award and I hope you continue to build and to grow. I’m sure your Jim would have been proud of you even if you decided to start peddling hessian bags, but I’m sure he’s looking over you and saying…..that’s my girl…..you go forth and just kick butt.
All the best
Pat
Thank you so much, Pat. You know he loved a useful sack so I reckon you’re right 🩷
Oh my goodness… A very well deserved award to one talented but also amazing and strong lady. X
Thank you Tara x
Oh Hannah you’ve made me cry 😢 I will always remember that beautiful dancer who is as beautiful inside as well. You always had a calm gentle way about you when you talked not only to my younger children but those around you. I followed you through your journey from afar knowing you had married and started life with your family on a farm. I saw the wonderful home games, craft and activities you made the children and shared. I copied a few for the grandkids! As always in life you never know what happens behind front doors and to know that you have had such a hard year is heart-rending. But it so wonderful that you have used these sad times to help channel your grief into something so meaningful and stunningly beautiful. I definitely think your Jim is watching proudly and I know your mum certainly is. I send her and all your family much love. Congratulations on your well deserved award and I look forward to see Rose Farm Bakery grow 🌹
Thanks Tania, I know mum really appreciates all the love as well x
I am so, so proud of you and beyond pleased that you were awarded this as I know just how tough things have been – but you have powered through, selflessly always putting others first.
But this is all you and testament to what you have worked for. So soak all this up and move forward with confidence as you know you can do absolutely anything.
I will always support you where I can and look forward to see what is coming next. Much love ❤️
Thanks Sue! You’re the best x
What a beautiful story.
This award has been given to someone who truly deserves it. X
Thank you Emma, it seems to have resonated with a lot of people x
Hannah, this is so touching and beautiful. You are such a strong, determined, selfless, generous and loved lady. You really deserve this award Hannah. I can’t wait to watch Rose Farm Bakery grow and I hope to support your business in any way I can and I hope your Owl continues to support you on your late evening bakes. Sending you love and strength. 💕
Thank you Heather. It’s been about a week since he’s been I can’t wait to hear him again