Jen…

The reason that Rich went to Canada in July was that Jen, his sister, had chosen to have a medically assisted death after a long, painful and traumatic illness. Luca and I got to say goodbye to her virtually, it wasn’t the same as being there, it is at times like this that makes us realize just how far away we are from our family.

She died on the 26th of July 2022, a light went out in the world when she left us and the hole that remains will never be filled.

When we lived in Canada she used to come out and visit, Luca adored her, they are truly kindred souls, and spent many hours together doing the things they love. I am so very grateful she was such a big part of his formative years, she made it better in so many ways. These times will be with Luca forever, and have helped shape him into the young man he is.

Jen and I communicated in one form or another most weeks and the hole she has left is large, I miss sharing our life with her, and am so sad she never made it here, she so desperately wanted to, but was just too sick to make the trip. Now when I see something beautiful, usually nature related, that I know she would love , I can’t message her, but I do think of her and always will.

We made a trip to her home on Cortes Island in 2019 just before we moved to Costa Rica, it is a gorgeous place and she loved it there, she had truly had found her home and tribe.

There are things that remind us of her dotted around our home, her felted creations and art, a book she and Luca made ,(truly treasured that one, Luca has carried it all over the world with him), hand sewn linen, and Luca and I wear a daily reminder, (a watch and bracelet). These help to keep her a little closer but the grief is still fresh and we are all still struggling with the loss.

My words can never really truly express how much Jen meant to us and how much she is missed, I feel so honored to have had her as my sister in law, she brought a joy to our life like no other and I feel so very privileged to be part of her family.

Love you Jen xxx