A year has passed since Mama Sue’s sudden and tragic death.And as she would have wished it has been a year of love and laughter – with private tears, too. Mama Sue would not of wanted her Happy House family to dwell on sadness, she would have wanted it to be happy, that’s why she called it the Happy House.On Thursday, the anniversary of her death, her beloved husband and soulmate, Papa Dave, led a gathering to remember and celebrate Mama’s life, at school where there is now also a memorial. The memorial, where Mama’s ashes are buried, is just inside the school gates so that her children can greet her each day when they arrive and when they leave. Papa, who is devoted to keeping alive Mama’s legacy at the Happy House and at school, has had to be strong as he misses her so much. On Thursday, he used humour before opening the gathering, He then spoke of how Mama’s drive and passion had brought them to Africa. He managed to keep his emotions in check until he eventually called on head teacher, Mr Duncan, to take over. Mama’s loss has left a gap in so many lives both in Watamu and in her wider Happy House family around the world.One of her very first Happy House children and management protege, Evans, echoes all our feelings when he says:”We miss Mama so much, we will always remember her through the beautiful memories she created in our minds.”
