MY SISTER PASSED AWAY

Dear All

On Wednesday morning, 22nd November 2007 at approximately 6am my sister passed away. She had battled with cancer for a long time. She suffered an enormous amount of pain yet she always wore a smile.

Our family have been overwhelmed by the messages of support and condolences from everyone. We have been offered so much unconditional support and love that I can only say we are truly blessed.

I would like to say a massive thank you on behalf of the family to all who have sent their well wishes.

My sister was indeed a trouper, a warrior. One thing that has materialised from finally meeting people she worked with, the nurses, and patients at the hospital where she was cared for was that she was a positive, determined individual who stood her ground and fought a good fight.

She certainly deserves a medal not only of bravery, but for touching the hearts of many with her attitude.

She never once let this cruel disease take advantage of her in that she gave into its cruel talons. She was strong in mind and will and with that she was able to endure this disease and even laugh in its face.

I was there the night she passed away. God had spoken to me over the weekend. He told me that my sister was going to pass on Tuesday or Wednesday this week and that I would be there with her and to prepare myself. I have never prayed so much in my life, yet a quiet confidence in knowing what must be done enveloped me.

I had an important role to fulfill and whether or not I wanted to, God had assigned this to me. It was my unconditional duty on behalf of my sister whom I had grown to love even more over the past year. My mother and sister also had their roles to play and when the time was right they too would continue do this well.

Spending time with her, laughing with her, comforting her, looking after her, sharing her pain, watching her in pain, watching her struggle to maintain her independence as it slowly slipped away was painful. Yet just knowing she was surrounded by a wonderful network of individuals i.e my mother who did a fantastic job, my younger sister, myself and a strong network and body of friends and family was enough to keep her sane and in good spirits and hopeful.

I am very blessed that I have and had a strong relationship with my now deceased sister as well as my younger sister. My sister and I were very close. Some people described us as having a husband and wife relationship. She helped me raise my children, we went most places together, we spoke every day at least four or five times. And during her time in hospital when I stayed with her on many occasions, our bond grew stronger. My mother often mentioned that on the days I could not stay with her she “pined” for me.

I would therefore like to end with this. A massive thank you to all those who have sent their condolences and well wishes. We are blessed with a strong network of friends whose unconditional support and love is not only overwhelming but strengthening.

Deborah, my wonderful sister, I salute you, I Love you, I grieve for you, but knowing you are not in pain anymore, gives me peace.

Father God, thank you for your insurmountable strength and love. And I thank God for the close friendship I have with my one remaining sister and the strong body of friends, true friends that surround us.

Thank you to my partner, Delroy, for sending out the original message of condolence and for his quiet yet strong support.

Thank you to my best friend Lubna for her support and help always, Claudette Shaw, Geraldine Reid, Roz Griffiths, Lesley Watson, Maria Genco, Sarda and Sam (Deborah’ and many others for their help.


Love you always