This is how I’ll remember her

November 13, 2011

I must have been about two, maybe three when this photo was taken. The young girl standing next to me is my cousin Shirley. I can remember thinking how pretty she was, and as she had a Canadian accent, she must have seemed impossibly glamorous to me.

Over the years we heard different family news about her and it was when I was travelling round the US after uni that we decided to stop off at her house in Texas.

She was a recovering alcoholic by then, she’d changed her name, and although we got on the visit didn’t go completely smoothly.

Back home, my own life took over and we didn’t really keep in touch. I heard stories from time to time and then the last thing I heard was that she was getting her life back together, and she was back to being Shirley.

But then in September, the really bad news came. She had been badly injured in a housefire. She had gone back in trying to rescue her pets.

She was in a coma for four weeks, and then she died.

So this is how I’ll remember her. As my beautiful cousin.

I hope she’s finally at peace.

9 Comments

Crystal Jigsaw November 15, 2011 at 2:41 pm

That’s a lovely way to remember Shirley; so sorry for your loss.

CJ xx

Ben Wakeling November 13, 2011 at 11:55 pm

So sorry to hear about your loss xx

Love In The Nest November 13, 2011 at 6:39 pm

So sad. This is a lovely way to remember her 🙂

Tattie Weasle November 13, 2011 at 6:37 pm

I am so sorry to hear your loss and glad that you remember Shirley as you first met her, she obviously made a big impression. {{{HUGS}}}

English Mum November 13, 2011 at 2:33 pm

I meant to ask you recently how she was doing and then forgot. I feel bad now. Sorry for your loss my lovely, and what a gorgeous photo xx

Mama Syder November 13, 2011 at 10:08 am

How tragic, so sorry for your loss x

Vivien November 13, 2011 at 9:08 am

I enjoyed ‘meeting’ Shirley through your blog. I think many of us can relate to your story. Thank you for sharing this. This blog has reminded me of some of the important people who have a special place in my heart. Thanks again.