On 24 July 2007 my cousin Viv died. She was a force to reckon with. I never thought she’d be the first of my generation to die. She usually said what was on her mind, eyes looking up sideways, a slight smile at the corners of her mouth, waiting for a response after she said something that was contrary to what you were thinking, She was sharp; she was a thinker, and she had more ideas than she knew what to do with.
I remember many stories, this is the one that comes to mind now – the year Viv died, we were in a furniture store when a song filled the room; it was a song that clutched at both of us, as we listened we noticed a nearby couch and automatically walked over to it. We sat talking about a few experiences relating to the sentiments in the song. Then, out of the blue, we began crying – heartily. Then we began laughing – just as heartily. We walked out refreshed, renewed and raring to go. I can’t remember why we were in that furniture store. Perhaps that was the reason. Therapy at its best.
There were wonderful, wacky, fun, moments; there were tense, uncomfortable, not-so-fun-moments. Though whatever was happening there was a trust, a love, a friendship that could never be dissolved.
Viv took her last breath knowing she was well-loved; she was at peace. She spent her last week at a hospice and shortly before she died, her bed was rolled into the garden where family and friends had gathered to say goodbye and give her a last hug. Wow! The energy on that day in the garden was felt by everyone. Love and peace is what it was all about.
That’s the way I want to leave this fascinating world – with love and peace surrounding me.