Mitch.

Mitch was a man that once drove an old VW Beetle with wooden doors and roll down windows. He had crazy grey hair and glasses that made his eyes look really big. He was always a tall man to me, not only because I knew him since I was very young and everyone is big when you’re little, but because he was very intelligent. He used to give talks at universities and he knew so much about anything you sprung on him and he travelled the world and could amaze you with facts about plants. He said “man" a lot and just felt like an uncle to me.

When I found out that Mitch has passed away, I didn't know how to react. He was ill for a while but I guess we just saw him as one of those people who get ill but recover and start again. I guess this time it just got too much. We don’t know how he died or where he was, but I’m in shock because he was such a fighter with a passion for life.

I see him everywhere. I know it sounds strange but I see him in people all the time. His laugh, his enthusiasm, his constant buzz. He made his mark on the world by bringing so much happiness into my family's lives.

I miss him a lot, and he’s certainly missed in the Fidler household.

RIP Mitch.
I hope you're keepin' it real, man.

Lauren x