Dearest Jocelyn, Fiona and Laura

If you should find I''ve left this world

Let the wind make sure the flag''s unfurled.

For life has marked my Earthly years

With love and joy and happy tears.

The surgeon''s knives all played their part

Securing me to find my heart

And loving you and you alone

And loving you will still go on.

It is, of course, my wish that you never read this letter. It is my earnest hope that when I return from Pakistan I can shred this note. Not because I am ashamed of it, but it is redundant when I can tell you I love you in person.If that should not be the case, then this is my valedictory letter to a family I will always love. I am so very proud of you all in all you have achieved to date and I know you will continue to make your mark on life as the years unfold.Remember that life comes to an end for all of us. It marks an end but also new beginnings for those left behind. Let me stay in your memories as a husband and father who wanted to do the best for each of you, although as you all know, I failed so often. Please forgive the times when I failed in your eyes. Then remember the laughter, the fun, the holidays, the photos, the friends, the pets over the years we enjoyed, the music, the books, the garden, the attempts to master the oboe, finding the guitar again, the travels by car and train and aeroplane, my soups and the Christmasses and Birthdays. We have so many good memories.You saw me through the years of change from missionary to student, student to social worker, from social worker to Children''s Reporter, to Author, Guest Speaker, Writer in Residence in Dumfries Prison and finally Camp Manger at Mundihar in the North West Frontier Province of Pakistan following the Earthquake in Ocober 2005. Be strong, follow your beliefs and leave me to enjoy the company of those who have gone before me. Should I find myself in a New World, then let me express myself in the wind in your face, the warmth of the sun in summer and the flakes of snow in winter. In each of these ways let me touch you all again and return the love which you freely shared with me.My love is always there for you.

Miller  xxx