It’s a real comfort to see so many people here who loved and cared about Milo. I found this a daunting task. I cannot put all the feelings and experiences of our years together into one speech. What I thought I would talk about is what you might call all the in-between bits of life.

Milo, I’m not saying that all the big events, the important events, the adventures, were not amazing with you. They were, of course they were, together we made them so. But there is no replacement for all the in-between bits of life with you. Just normal, daily life, which you brought meaning and purpose to. Which you made every moment of enjoyable. Which meant that I would look forward to an evening or a weekend with no plans, so that we could just potter around together, play games together, go out or stay in together, be silly together, just be together, because I always knew with complete certainty how wonderful those times would be. This is the stuff that everything else was embedded into, which made us so happy and so strong.

I am not a morning person, but you were always ready to have a little dance and sing a song in the morning to make me smile. You’d put your arms around me and help me stir my porridge.

When you were playing videogames, you’d let me put my head under your t-shirt and fall asleep. When I woke, you’d tell me with glee all about what you’d achieved.

We would draw funny pictures for each other on long train journeys, and we’d leave notes for each other in coat pockets. Except for that time you left your note in our housemate Will’s pocket by mistake. He didn’t find it though, but I think you were actually a little bit sorry about that, given how close you and Will were!

Walking home together late at night, we’d stop to watch the bats flying in the park around the lamp-posts.

We would choose a book to read aloud to each other in the evenings before going to sleep. We had nearly finished The Book of Dust together before Milo became ill.

I loved listening to you. I could listen to you talk about anything. Your conversations were so interesting and lively, and you could always explain things so well and so patiently. I even enjoyed when you told me about the latest maths you had been studying, though it did worry me when you’d say things like, “Sarah, did you know that there are different sizes of infinity?” Or if you were playing a game, I loved hearing your running commentary, listen to emotion fill your voice - excitement, surprise, frustration, sometimes even absolute rage (though always followed with a laugh at yourself).

You gave me what will always be the best nine years of my life. You made my life so big and full. You were so kind and caring to me, and to those around you. You listened so well, and knew me better than I knew myself. You held me close and made me feel warm and loved. Your sense of fun meant that life was a joy to live. You always gave people your full attention. You had time for everyone’s interests, and never judged what other people liked, but instead showed respect and enthusiasm for what was important to other people.

You achieved so much in your life, academically and personally. You developed yourself, found your interests, worked carefully towards your goals. And I have so much respect and admiration for you for finding your own way.

I learned so much from you, Milo, and for your sake I will try my hardest to keep up all those noble qualities you showed me. Being patient with people, listening fully and thoughtfully, being appreciative of everyone’s diverse interests, showing kindness and compassion freely, and making as much fun and joy in everyday life as possible. I think most importantly, you showed me the true strength that people can offer one another: that when you have a problem, you don’t need to hide it from those around you for fear of being a burden on the ones you love. Rather, the ones you love always want to help you, and they feel closer to you when you are open with them.

You are the person I most wanted to see, hear from, talk to, and hold, every day. We loved each other so much that sharing our lives was more beautiful and fulfilling and happy than I ever thought possible.

Milo, my constant companion, you are the very best and I love you now and always.

Thank you.

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