In life there are people who you have been friends with for as long as you can remember, and then there are other people who you have known for a shorter time, but you feel like you have know them forever. For me Karina was one of those people.

I met Karina just over 3 years ago, while we were waiting for school to finish, we just started talking. Karina was pregnant with Charlie and I was with Veronika. I invited Karina to come to a mums group that I go to, for mothers of pre schoolers(MOPS). From there we became close friends, especially over the last year, after Mark and Karina moved to Brighton.

For the last year Karina was my hospital buddy. Amber had a bad winter, and often needed a trip to the emergency department. My Veronika was the same. Whenever Amber needed to go to hospital I would drive Karina and Amber in, and when Veronika needed to go, Karina would drive us in. Our girls are frequent flyers at the emergency department. Each trip would see us spend the usual 8-10 hours while Amber or Veronika were under observation. I guess that’s the really special times I shared with Karina, We always had something to talk about, we talked about our hopes and dreams for the future, as well as our fears. Karina was passionate about her family, faith, friends and life. Karina was never afraid to say what she was feeling. We would often joke the following day, about what the other people around us must of thought of our conversations. Our last trip was 2 days before Mark and Karina moved into their new home, just over a month ago. Karina thought she had broken her foot, so I took her to the hospital. At 2am when we were on our way home, we decided that there must be a better way to catch up without our kids.

Karina was so supportive of me and our family on our journey with Veronika. Karina was always there to listen to my concerns around Veronika’s disabilities. One of the most special things Karina was currently doing was learning the signs Veronika uses, so she could communicate with her.

Last week is one I will never forget. Monday I actually had half a day at home and Karina came over. Mark was unwell, and was at home resting and Charlie and Amber were asleep, so she called and came over for a couple of hours. Veronika was also asleep, so we actually got to have 2 hot coffees each over a lovely chat. We talked about many, many things as we weren’t distracted by our children…….this time is even more precious to me now. Karina was really loving life, she was settling into her new home with Mark, Rohan, Charlie and Amber. It was to be the last time I talked to her, just 2 days later Mark told me she had passed away during the night.

Mark I want you to know that I will help you to never let your Children forget their mother. As they grow up I will tell them how she loved them to the moon and back, how passionate she was about life, her family, her faith and her friends. How she spoke up for what she believed, even if no one else in the room agreed. What an amazing quality.

For now I miss my beautiful friend, but hold dear the memories of our friendship.

Rest In Peace, Karina. I love you…