Sara - a tribute
I normally love when Facebook shows you memories of photo uploads, statuses, etc. However Facebook reminding me of the picture above was bittersweet. Facebook notified me that I had made the above picture my cover one on 23rd August 2020 and as far as I remember I haven't really changed it. Unfortunately I saw the memory hours after the lady in pink passed on 23 August 2021.
Who is this lady in pink? Sara Louise Fox - a fellow blogger on Mixed Thoughts and also my husband’s big sister, making her my wonderful sister-in-law. She was ill for a very short time and unexpectedly passed months after her 40th birthday. It’s all still feels very surreal a month on from her passing and a week since the funeral (as of the publish date of this post), and the pain of this untimely passing is hard to comprehend. I thought I would dedicate this post to her.
It's hit me over the last month that there are some qualities Sara and I had in common:
We both LOVE bright colours, patterns and sequins,
Baileys is a mutual favourite drink,
We both love the song Waymaker,
We both are bothered when people add a "H" to our names 😂,
As well as other family members, we are incredibly proud of my husband and his achievements.
There are more things that come to mind and whilst I always knew some these deep down, I hate that it's taken Sara's passing to appreciate these things at a deeper level. Sara, your passing has left a huge, HUGE hole in MANY of our hearts, especially that of your parents and siblings. This grief has been really heavy, and yet at this time I've been learning how to grieve from you.
Mr Robert & Mrs Sara Fox. Photo by Peter Branch at their wedding in Portugal 2017.
At Robert Fox's funeral in July 2019, I remember David & Carrie singing "I Give It To You" and in the midst of the tears and confusion you stood up, lifted your hands and sang your heart out - "I give it to Yooooooou". When you got up to speak, you were very real about the unfairness of his, too, sudden passing and the shortness of your marriage. After Robert's funeral, I remember you mentioning that it's ok for us to talk about him even if you cried. You continued to be open and honest about the realities of your grief in conversation, on your blog and page. The truth stated over the last month about "There is no right / one way to grieve" - you showed that and encouraged it.
Your zest for life, firm kindness, hugs and infectious laugh were so life giving. You always championed people to pursue what they loved to do and you were never afraid to change things up when you felt like it wasn't going in your path to purpose. It's hard to think of life without you. You passed way too soon and in hindsight I'm so glad that we got to celebrate your 40th back in April.
Sara, sis, I love you and miss you. I have so much to say thank you for but I will say thank you for for nearly 15 years of kindness and love. Thank you for encouraging me to work towards my dreams and my blog. Thank you for my last birthday card which was AWESOME . I will do my best to look after your brother, especially during this time.
Make sure you have a laugh and a giggle with mi Uncle C. I know you’ll love him 💖💖💖💖
Photo by Sara’s friend Mike
