Reaching school age Cheryl was now attending Newarthill Primary School. She was a very bright and intelligent girl. Never at any time throughout her schooling giving any concerns. She made friends very easily and went on holiday a few times with her schoolfriend Mary and her parents Mr Mrs Hawke. She was a great swimmer and loved going to Motherwell swimming baths where she won a medal for her skill. As a very happy family we went on holiday to every part of the country, as Cheryl was growing up we realised some company for her would save us having to go on every amusement adventure which Cheryl loved. She was never afraid of any ride or adventure. Soon Cheryl became inseparable with her cousin Kirsten and Mum and Dad had two of a family when it came to holidays. When visiting their Gran and Grandpa Burns with us they always got up to some mischief or other. Locking their poor Papa Burns in his shed, finding their Gran Burns newest perfume and pouring it down the toilet, so mischeivous, but never getting too much of a telling off. Nearing the age of fourteen Cheryl and Kirsten on holiday with Mum and Dad Hamilton would dress up in their finest to go out on the town one year was Rhyl!!!. As they were ready to leave we would ask if they had any money....oh yes we have a pound !!"each we said"? "No between us" so we always gave them a bit more to spend. This devoted frienship would carry on into adult life. Around the age of fifteen Cheryl was friends with a large group of youngsters her age and among them was Alan McDonald. This was when Cheryl met her soon to be husband Alistair Allan's older brother. They got on so well and after a few years decided to become engaged. They came in one evening to Mum and Dad Hamilton and said rather sheepishly "we are going to get engaged"...so young we thought. We gave them our blessing and deep inside were delighted as Alistair a very likeable young man, had become part of our family with his frequent visits. At the age of 22 Cheryl and Alistair got married in Kirk O Shotts Church. What a perfect couple they made. Alistair's younger brothers all had their part to play. Alan along with David as Ushers and Craig their page boy. The wedding reception was held in the Mill Hotel Motherwell. Gran and Grandad Hamilton had not been getting around very much at this time but were looking forward to this night out with such happiness. Alistair was from a pretty large family and the hall was full with relatives and friends from both sides. A good friend Ian McDonald who lived next to us in Biggar Road /played in an excellent band and they gave up a few engagements to be at this special occasion . From the very start of the night everyone joined as one family and made this wedding really special Cheryl and Alistair had bought their first house. A small flat in Manse View Newarthill. They also had added a new catty member to the family 'Micha' (said) MEESHA. Cheryl had realised her dream,her very own Moggie. By now Cheryl and Alistair's Mum and DAD Alistair and Jean had become very special to this young couple and had many many nights visiting Manse View. During many of these visits Cheryl would dissapear and would re- appear wearing her pride and joy, her wedding dress.She loved her dress and always promised Alistair's Mum Dad "I wont do the wedding dress bit !! but she would eventually go back on her promise !!. After a few years Alistair and Cheryl and Meesha the moggie moved to a new house at Dunalistair in Airdrie. By now her best pal and cousin Kirsten had also decided to marry and along with Arthur their plans were being realised. Around this time Cheryl had her first bad experience when she was paralysed down her right side with a stroke caused by an Anurism. This was a terrible time for her and also all of us around her.Alistair was her strength throughout her slow recovery. Cheryl was a brave little fighter and finally made a remarkable recovery to full health. Just some six weeks after recovering from her stroke she was a beautifull bridesmaid to Kirsten. The picture of these two rascals showed how lovely these young ladies had become, Cheryl having just come back from her stroke showed her innner courage as she looked so well, although the thoughts of her recent stroke must have preyed heavily on her mind. Cheryl was working with Barclays Stockbrokers in Glasgow and her quick thinking and inteligence had quickly saw her promoted to team leader. After a few years the constant travel was getting that bit difficult and finally she applied for a new position with the Simon Community. From a huge number of applicants Cheryl was chosen after just three days. Work was now just a short journey away in Airdrie. This was the best time in Cheryl's working life as she was now working with the homeless and had made some really true friends in Yvonne,Sandra and Suzanne. These three colleagues with whom Cheryl worked were also such a source of comfort to Cheryl's Mum and Dad,in the days before and after Cheryl's funeral. Cheryl will always be a poignant memory in these kind and compassionate young ladies lives. Moving on with their lives our young couple moved to an old house which Cheryl always wanted, they now were just a stone's throw from Mum and Dad's house. Sadly Cheryl's friend Meesha her beloved cat had died .Cheryl was working volountry for the cats protection league, it was not long before a pair of brother kittens were taken into the new house.Charlie and Oscar were now firmly part of the family. Before Cheryl's move to the Simon Community Cheryl's cousin and pal Kirsten and Arthur were expecting their first child Nicole, Kirsten knew the Godmother would be Cheryl and so it was. So for all of us who knew Cheryl our journey beside her could go on and on. This life story could be written about forever, but back then as time just went on as usual just like every other living persons life we just accepted her presence and carried on. Her last holiday to Egypt is such a reminder of the life of our precious daughter along with the person she loved most of all Alistair, our smiling young girl was never to know she had only a few weeks left to be a part of our daily lives after returning home before she would be as now a memory never to be forgotten. We cry a million tears for our brave and special wee lassie. We dearly hope and pray God will give her just some of the million hugs we would give her now. If only she could walk through our door once more to be with us.