16 Comments
Mar 28Liked by George Perrin MBE

Every bit of love I have goes out to you all; thank you so much for sharing this, George. She was just so fucking brilliant, kind, cool, smart, funny, loving and so much more it’s impossible to put into words. You, the kids, Barbara, Camilla and everyone else who loves her will carry Imogen forward in their hearts, and we’re all better people for her influence in our lives xx

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Thank you Dan. I loved reading your words about Imogen.

When you’re with someone for 19 years and spend a good half of that bringing up three children, you can lose sight of some of what drew you to each other in the first place. Not forget it; maybe just focus less on it.

And you’re right; she was very cool and very funny in her own unique way. Brilliant, kind and smart - absolutely. And so many stories have come to us over the last few weeks and months of the impact she’s had on lives she’s touched. She drew some comfort from hearing those towards the end.

I suppose what your words make me think is ‘what a waste’. Do you know what I mean? Like, what a pointless and self-defeating waste of good stuff.

And the only way I can think to ease the loss is, as you say, to make sure that each and every way she touched our lives is celebrated; and that we carry a flame to that brilliance every day.

She was the leader of our little family. So now we ask ourselves: WWMD. What would mummy do.

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Mar 28Liked by George Perrin MBE

Hi George,

We were at CHS together, and I started reading your blog via a link from the school. I just wanted to let you know how sorry I am for your loss. You and your family have been in my thoughts a lot over the last few weeks. You write with such honesty and love, and Imogen sounded like a truly wonderful person, partner and mother. Wishing you all lots of love for what must be an extraordinarily difficult time and all the best for the future.

Rick Galazka x

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Hi Richard - it’s great to hear from you. I’m grateful to be in your thoughts after all these years.

Thank you for taking the time to read the words; it’s some solace to know that even to those who never met her, she still shines through.

And you’re right; she was so many things to so many people.

One of the hardest things I’m finding is that I haven’t lost one person I love - I’ve lost several. My best friend, my lover, my children’s mother, my professional ally; it’s like the rest of the cast have left the stage and you’re on your own trying to carry a whole show alone.

And the loneliness of that is almost unbearable.

So thank you for reaching out.

George x

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Mar 28Liked by George Perrin MBE

Thank you, George, for sharing these tiny slivers of your journey with us. They've brought light and love and sadness and gratitude. May you and your three be blessed with strength and love to be with all the feelings during this time, and hereafter. And may Imogen's spirit live on in each of you. ❤️

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Thank you Derek - it’s lovely to hear from you. I’m grateful to be in your thoughts.

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Mar 27Liked by George Perrin MBE

Dear George, my dearest Arthur, Audrey and Orson, Camilla, Barbara.. and all our touched lives; she was a true sensation, and I feel very privileged to have swept through in lockstep such an important chapter in our paralleled lives (and the fun, chaos and newfound lands we had with those hazy early days of trying to navigate what on this green earth was happening with this 9 (maybe even 10) pounds of beings we had belched out of ourselves) .. so much more since, I know, but those are my memories and I hold them so very close to my heart .. dear Imogen, in peace. George, you are beyond remarkable, and you too must now rest before these new beginnings (and more buses pass), and be cared for.

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Thank you Jo. It’s been a big support to know you have been sending love from the other end of the words and the A2. I hope you know how much Imogen valued going on that early part of the motherhood journey with you and how often we talked about needing to get back to see you all. She would be happy to know we’re back in touch and that you’ve offered so much support over these past few weeks and months. x

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Mar 27Liked by George Perrin MBE

George, she was extraordinary. You, your words are extraordinary. I hadn’t been able to read them until today. Thank you for them, thank you to her. I am heartbroken for you and your family. Much love, Gemma x

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Thank you for sharing such wonderful words about Imogen. They’re a comfort to hear. I appreciate you taking the time to read the words Gemma. Love gratefully received. x

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Apr 1Liked by George Perrin MBE

Thank you for sharing your thoughts and words through this unthinkable time George. I always had huge admiration for Imogen and I’m deeply sorry for you and your family. You are in my thoughts and sending you all my love and strength x

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Hi Lucy - thank you for your kind message. Imogen had huge respect for you too. We’re grateful to be in your thoughts. X

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Mar 27·edited Mar 27Liked by George Perrin MBE

Hi George, I wanted to echo Laura's words as I was also with you at CHS (nee Cohen). I've been reading your blog since it was shared with the Old Wac's and it's completely stopped me in my tracks. You write so eloquently and with three young children myself I can't begin to imagine or sadly stop the pain you are going through right now but wanted to say you and your family are in my thoughts as I'm sure you are many others. Sending lots of love, Anna Xx

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Thank you for your message Anna and for your kind words about my writing. I appreciate being in your thoughts. Love gratefully received too. x

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Mar 27Liked by George Perrin MBE

George, you may not remember me, but I was at CHS with you (nee Goddard) I’ve been reading your blog for the last few weeks, each one causing me to cry for you and your family. I knew this post was coming and I was dreading it. I never knew your wife, but I wanted to send my sincerest condolences to you and your family. No words can comfort the pain you must be feeling, but I wanted to reach out and send you all my love. Laura xx

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Hello Laura - I do remember you and am very grateful to you for reading the words and getting back in touch. I dreaded having to write it too; although in a way, these words are the only thing that gave me the courage and strength to stay at Imogen’s side to the end. So even though I never wanted to have to write it, I always knew I would have to. Being with her as she died was the most unbearable and important thing I think I’ll ever do in my life. Thank you for your love; it’s gratefully received. X

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