Wednesday Words 17th July 2013

I've had a week of wonderful highs and shocking lows.

We had the weekend that will be forever in our memories, full of sunshine, laughter, friends and love. We took photo after photo and told funny stories while sipping ice cold drinks and children played around us. We had water fights long after the children went to bed. We fell asleep with smiles on our faces and woke excited with what the new day had in store for us.

And then on Monday morning while finalising a report I received a text message from my best friend which said "Have you heard about K?".

K was my assistant in my first job in Hampshire. She came in every day with a smile on her face. She taught me all I knew about my job, she supported me and mentored me in those first few months. Any success I achieved was because she helped me. She had no idea how talented she was, or how far she could progress in the business. I often encouraged her to aim higher, but she would tell me that she was happy doing what she was doing, her drive was for things outside of the workplace.

K had epilepsy. She never said that she suffered with it, just she had it, like people had brown hair or blue eyes. Epilepsy did not define her. She refused to allow epilepsy to change her life, even though she often had fits.

Sadly on Saturday she passed away after having an epilepsy attack, she was 37. Since then it has been a time of mourning, for her family, friends and colleagues. I know her funeral will be an incredibly emotional and difficult day. But I will not forget that she was not K with Epilepsy. She was K with the biggest smile I knew, She was K that would always say yes, she was K who lived her life with joy and spirit. My way to honour her will be to live my life with the same attitude as her.

With arms outstretched I thank.

With heart beating gratefully I love.

With body in health I jump for joy.

With spirit full I live.

Terri Guillemets