For most of us, the festive season presents a perfect opportunity to spend time with our loved ones. But for others, the holidays bring back memories of loved ones who have passed on. Therese Bonnici speaks to Beverly, wife of the late David Chircop, about spending the first Christmas without him.

Beverly was only 14 when she first met David, and by 24 she had already gave birth to their two children, Jacob and Matthea. David passed on September 26, at the age of 41. "Perhaps it was destiny which led me to David so early in life. He may have only lived until the age of 40, but he managed to do so much in such a short period of time," Beverly says.

David joined Media.Link Communications back in 1998, shortly before NET TV station was launched. Later, he served as head of operations at the same media agency. During his career, he visited Albania and Sri Lanka, transmitting the sufferings of people afflicted by wars and natural disasters. In his spare time, he embarked on carpentry, not only for his own use, but later for the new PN headquarters.

"The thing I admired most about David was his loyalty towards me and his children. He used to take all given opportunities to spend time with the family. I don't know he managed, given the nature of his work, but somehow he did.  We did everything we wanted, David always told me not to wait for tomorrow, and thank God we didn't. Mind you, there were times when we ended up at work after going out, because he was  extremely dedicated to his profession. But not once did he go back on his promises or commitments with the family. He particularly loved summer, and during his days off, he used to take off early in the morning to go fishing with the children."

Beverly admits that the upcoming holidays are a difficult period for her and her family. "I miss him; I've lost so much when I lost David. But at least I know he's rested, and free of pain. Maybe he is not physically present, but I feel him with us in spirit." 

For ten long years, David battled against cancer.  Symptoms started back in 2004, after he got back from South East Asia to film the aftermath of Boxing Day's Tsunami. Doctors blamed asthma for the persistent cough David had, but later on, tests confirmed it was much more serious.

"David used to ask me not to focus on what I'm unable to do, and to carry out the tasks I can today. I've done everything for him, until it was no longer in my power. Today, I have two children to bring up; there is no good in looking backwards. He is looking down on us, that I know for sure," she says, in a message to all those suffering the loss of a loved one this Christmas.

David's sense of faith remained strong up until the very last minute; completely offering himself to God. "David passed on to me a great deal of love, and strong principles, which we managed to pass on to our children. It is only because of him that we are who we are today."

Beverly recalls the first time she met David. "I remember noticing his pale blue eyes, and we shared a joke.  From then on, we never looked back. We talked about our days, we shared everything we had."

"Everyone had a lot of respect for my late husband. Each person I meet has a story about him to tell. I was surprised by the amount of messages after he passed on. I knew he was loved, but the funeral mass was prove of that. David did indeed touch the hearts of many."