Life, Thoughts & Coffee

On 24 July 2007 my cousin Viv died – one year ago tomorrow. Family and friends think of her often. Never did I feel she would be the first of our generation to die. Maybe that sounds strange because who ever really knows. It’s just that she certainly wouldn’t have come to mind. We talk about her during phone conversations; I think we always will as we hold a lot of love in our hearts for her. Why is this? Well, she was a force to reckon with. She generally 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; often she was right. And when she wasn’t, that slight smile at the corners of her mouth was still there as if she knew something you didn’t. She was a first-class thinker and doer.

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.

She had a logical mind. At the same time, she was a spontaneous person. Often logical and spontaneous don’t go together, but oftentimes it did with Viv.

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 – no matter what.

Viv took her last breath knowing she was well-loved; she was at peace. I’ve no doubt that love and peace went along with her. We don’t cry; we have many fine memories. I know Viv feels the love.