Thank you, Reg, for publishing the letters to Charlie. I found your book at a bookstall near Nelson, in New Zealand, at the end of January 2021. I read the back cover and was hooked. I thought it would be morbid to read it, so I put it down reluctantly and walked away. The next day I returned to the bookstall, and it was still there. I was compelled to buy it. I've been reading it slowly ever since. I can't begin to know how you feel. I have two grown-up daughters and two grandsons. The thought of anything similar happening to any of them is terrifying. Yet, I also know, as you do all too well, we can't possibly be there for our loved ones to keep them 'safe' 100% of the time.
I hope that now, 15 years later, you, Hilary, Robbie and Horsey have found some way to laugh, love and live again. Your writing enthralled me; I loved the analogies and descriptiveness of your feelings. Maybe you've written more books? Maybe you've become a teacher? Whatever, Charlie was blessed to have such a wonderful caring family for the short time she was here on earth. Arohanui from Dunedin.