Dearest Tim,
Today, it is 25 long years since you were fatally injured by the IRA bombing in Warrington.
It is 25 long years since I last gazed upon your smiling face. It is 25 long years since I last heard your voice.
It is 25 long years since I last held you. It is 25 long years of the pain of missing you, and in those 25 long years you have missed so much.
You have not shared the joy of the birth of your nieces and nephew, who’ve walked in the path that you walked.
They have all attended the schools that you did. They often hear you named in their school, whether as a mark of respect or because of a special anniversary and, of course, your high school has a memorial garden in your name.
Yours was the first name in the remembrance wall in the garden, though many more children have joined you since.
Your mum and I set up the Tim Parry Johnathan Ball Peace Foundation , named after you and three-year-old Johnathan Ball, who died on that day.
Your charity has a unique building named after you and Johnathan. It is a Peace Centre. No, it is THE Peace Centre and it is a living memorial to you, Tim, and to Johnathan.
Your charity has helped so many people, Tim. Their lives have been made better and safer in your name.
So who and what you would have become, Tim, on this day, at the age of 37 years and 200 days?
Would you be a husband or partner to someone you loved? I think so.
Would you be a father to one or more children? I think so.
Would you have a career in which you excelled? I think so.
Would your son or sons or daughters have the passion you shared with your brother Dom and me for Everton Football Club? I think so.
Would you be proud that Everton created the Tim Parry Trophy, which Dom and I present each year to awarded to one of the junior football teams in Liverpool, at finals played at Goodison Park? I know so!
Your name is immortalised by your Trophy, your Peace Foundation and your Peace Centre.
So you see, Tim, you live on in so many ways. Of course you would always have lived on through your family but now you have a family of millions. Your name is a symbol for peace, just as I said I hoped it would be, when I spoke at your funeral. Rest easy, Tim, and be assured that you have touched the lives of many people … most of whom you never met, but they have met you and they thank you for what you have given them.
It is 25 long years since I last saw you, heard you and held you, Tim, but you will be with us all until our time comes to join you and see you, hear you and hold you once again.
With eternal love
Your Dad x
