Long Ashton, Bristol

A Memory of Edmonton.

Living in our family home, walking to primary school, all the kids knew eachother in the neighborhood. Watching my 2 elder brothers walking side by side, hands in pockets, up the road. I loved them so!!!!!!
As the years went on we got older, of course, first on brother married & moved out, then the next was accepted into the Queens guards, a humbling moment to encourage him & see him do so well.
One night, in the summer, us younger kids were woken and dropped off to our relatives. Our soldier brother was struck by a drunk driver in a hit & run, he was on life support. A day later we went to see him, mum encourages us to talk to him regardless of his coma, we weren't scared, he always made things good, made us laugh. This day I remember asking him to wake up and we love him so!!!
Sadly, 4 days and he was taken so tragically from us. A day after Grandads birthday, a day before his 17th birthday. My birthday later that same month.
Mum took us to see him after, he was so peaceful, not teasing me like he always did in the best of ways. I kissed his hand. He had donated his eyes as he was an organ donor. The stitches were visible. I was 10yrs old. Long Ashton was not the same without him, he had such a presence of warmth & integrity. He would call me princess, lol, fantastic memories which bring tears of joy remembering him alive.
The church in long Ashton was packed ...I mean kids took time off exams to attend, they were bursting out of the doors...he was truly loved. He was a really kind person, I'm humbled he is my brother,!! Over time the family were so close, I remember going to bed one night and watching over mum as she fell onto our Brothers bed sobing & weeping from exhaustion and despair. Over time we sort of healed. Forgiving was our biggest challenge, the drunk driver left the court laughing with a slap on the hands. Unbelievable. Forgiveness I have learnt is the only way to heal, believe me, try it, it ain't easy under those circumstances.
Over a 2year period it was decided part of the family move overseas, a long long way 24 hour flight..it was ok, we were too young to return home alone.. Some people really showed alot of racism in the other country regardless of us being white. We really felt homesick to return to Long Ashton to be with the rest of the family and be home again. My memories of our village are ones that fill my heart with joy. My beautiful homeland & birthplace which I am humbled to have those amazing memories of.
Mum & I returned 20 years ago, timed to pay tribute to my brothers turning of the page at the Cremetorium & to have my birthday on home soil again. Please feel my joy in fond memories which bring happiness, our brother taught us life is very short and to love & live to your full with love, kindness & to forgive that man somehow of taking him from us. All we can do is hold tight to those happy memory of him alive and to carry him in our hearts always. Bristol rulz!!! God bless everyone xxx

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