Our friend Nicole has been gone for a couple of months now. I wrote about her here shortly after she died. Her death has been a particularly difficult one for the community, me included. Until last week I hadn’t been able to bring myself to bike or walk past the location of her death, despite the fact that it is on my usual route between Parkdale and home. I simply found a different route.
Then, last Tuesday Erinn and I were in her car, and drove past the spot together. We had a good cry, and prayed. Later that day Meagan, Erinn and I went to the spot together, buried a treasured possession of Nicole’s that she had given to us, and prayed some more.
The next day we saw Nicole’s partner at drop in, and he told us that he had gone to visit her grave on that same Tuesday. I knew that her birthday was in September, but I had the 21st pegged in my mind as the date. However, unsurprisingly, my memory did not serve me correctly. Tuesday September 19th, the day that we visited the site of Nicole’s untimely death, would have been her 43rd birthday.
I am grateful that, despite my poor memory, we ended up remembering and honouring Nicole on her birthday. I am grateful that her partner was doing well enough to have made it out to the cemetery that same day. I am grateful for a little bit more closure.
Nicole has left a hole in our hearts and our community. My prayer is that we (all of us) continue to grieve well.
The site of our little unofficial memorial
joannacatherinemoon 
Thank you for sharing, and my continued condolences to you and your community. I pray God will fill the hole with his love and assurances.
Awww! May the peace that passeth understanding be yours!
Safe in the arms of her loving Savior and Lord Jesus Christ no more pain & suffering. As we mourn and remember Nicole we one day will meet where there will be no more dying there. No more sorrow, no more tears. ” For God Himself will wipe away every tear”. Bless your heart Joanna.