17/09/2026
We are so sorry for your loss, my boy💔
We mentioned in an earlier post, Jackman spent a week down here with us while preparing for his flight to the UK for the next 6 months. During that time, he made sure to spend time with all of his family and friends and, of course, one of his biggest loves… his Poppa.
Our hearts are now breaking for our Jackman, and while we are doing our best via phone calls and FaceTime, the only thing you really want to do is wrap our arms around him and give him the biggest hugs. 🥹❤️
So as the news filtered through, only days after having landed in the UK, his Poppa had passed away; naturally, he was devastated. As a Mum, taking that call, hearing the sadness in his voice and feeling his heartache, absolutely broke mine💔🥹
Making the tough decision not to travel back to NZ for Poppa's celebration of life wasn't an easy one, but I agree it was the right one for him. So he and I watched on the live stream. Where I watched the video Jackman sent his dad to play during the celebration
And oh my goodness, son… I am so, so proud of the man you have become.
Hearing you speak, hearing the words you shared, and seeing you handle something so incredibly difficult from the other side of the world brought tears to my eyes. And I know, as you do, just how proud Poppa would have been of you🥰
Son,
I hope you know that Poppa would never want you carrying any guilt in your heart for being so far away. He would want you to keep going, to embrace this adventure you’ve worked so hard for, and to know that he was incredibly proud of you.
You may not have been able to be there to hold his hand or say goodbye in person, but you were there in your own way, and I know Poppa would have understood that.
The love between a grandson and his Poppa doesn’t disappear when someone passes. It stays with you, in the memories, the stories, the laughs, the little things that remind you of him, and in the man he helped you become.
So, our Jackman, keep your Poppa close in your heart. Talk about him, laugh about him, cry for him when you need to, and never be afraid to say how much you miss him.
We are all so incredibly proud of you, son. Keep reaching for the stars and smashing your dreams, holding poppa close to your heart and know poppa is watching over you with the biggest smile
Love Mum x