First off, I definitely don't own the rights to this song or the lyrics.

It belongs to the incredibly talented Ed Sheeran.

No copyright is intended and yes, I changed one word of this song to fit my narrative.

Secondly, the world lost a formidable woman yesterday, whether you're from the UK, part of a commonwealth nation or part of a spectator country. You can't deny that she lived a long life, dedicated to her country and her service. Her loss is felt far and wide. 96 years old. 70 years of service.

Grief is the price we pay for love.

Queen Elizabeth II

(in reference to 9/11)

Thirdly, I heard this song on the radio today and I had to shazaam it, to find the name of it. Because I see a small story in between the lines of this song when I listen to it.

I took the supermarket flowers from the windowsill

I threw the day old tea from the cup

Packed up the photo album that you had made

Memories of a life that's been loved.

Gibbs watched from the doorway, feeling numb, as Tim moved around the room, cleaning the room up, after his mother. As he tried to hold himself together, failing miserably. Moving into the centre of the room, he pulled Tim into a hug, letting him know, he wasn't alone in his grief.

Took the get well soon cards and stuffed animals

Poured the old ginger beer down the sink

Dad always told me, "Don't you cry when you're down"

But mum, there's a tear every time that I blink

Tim reined his emotions in tight. He could not help it. He had been trained b his father that emotions were unacceptable. It was that tough love tactic from his father that enabled him the skills to keep holding on so tight.

Oh I'm in pieces, it's tearing me up, but I know

A heart that's broke is a heart that's been loved

So I'll sing Hallelujah

You were an angel in the shape of my mum

When I fell down you'd be there holding me up

Spread your wings as you go

And when God takes you back we'll say Hallelujah

You're home

Tim's mother Nikki has passed away in the early hours of the morning, surrounded by Tim, her ex husband John and her new love, Gibbs.

Gibbs had met Nikki when she came into town six months ago and they had fallen hard and fast, starting a whirlwind relationship right away.

Gibbs had known she was terminal, but he hadn't minded. He fall in love with her anyway.

Fluffed the pillows, made the beds, stacked the chairs up

Folded your nightgowns neatly in a case

John says he'd drive then put his hand on my cheek

And wiped a tear from the side of my face.

With everything Gibbs had ever heard about her Nikki's ex husband and Tim's father, Admiral McGee, he was surprised to find him deeply affected by his former wife's death.

As soon as they were done here, John would come back to the house and collect Gibbs and Tim to head over to the Slater Family Funerals and discuss the arrangements for Nikki's service.

Gibbs could have driven, but he didn't have the mental strength and capacity to argue with her ex husband. More importantly, he loved and cared for Tim too much the put him in that awkward position.

I hope that I see the world as you did 'cause I know

A life with love is a life that's been lived

Gibbs had been attracted to Nikki from the beginning by her carefree attitude and zest for life. Smitten by her heart of gold, a trait she shared with her son, the man that was a son of his heart.

He had asked Tim for permission to ask his mother on a date. He expected his agent to punch him, but he didn't. He was hesitant, made sure it was what his mother wanted, then gave Gibbs his blessing.

So I'll sing Hallelujah

You were an angel in the shape of my mum

When I fell down you'd be there holding me up

Spread your wings as you go

And when God takes you back we'll say Hallelujah

You're home

Tim stood numb and grieved hard for his mother in the days leading up to he service. Slipping a mask in to hide his true feelings, only letting it slip around Gibbs.

The team tried to be there for atim, but he was tok wrapped up in his grief to notice.

Gibbs kept encouraging them to give Tim time. He knew how Tim was feeling, because he shared those feelings.

Hallelujah

You were an angel in the shape of my mum

You got to see the person I have become

Spread your wings and I know

That when God took you back he said Hallelujah

You're home

The two men stood solemn, side by side, at the graveside service for the life of Nicole McGee, nee Fitzgerald. The service long finished and the rain pouring down, the wind was whipping up from the bay and they were soaked right through.

"I loved her, Tim." Gibbs had whispered.

"I know." Tim had replied. "Even in death."

Gibbs had felt strangely at peace after Nikki passed on. Peace that Nikki felt no pain now and he held firm in his belief that Shannon and Kelly had welcomed her with open arms to the other side.