the world just got a little emptier

Our friend Tash (with the glasses) died yesterday after an 8 year long battle with breast cancer. She was diagnosed at the age of 26 so she had a very short innings. Peter shared a flat with Tash and Michelle (also in photo) when I met him. They were part of my introduction to Australians and Australia - this introduction also included going to see "The Castle" at the cinema and eating TimTams. I enjoyed getting to know Tash and Michelle as well as Mark who was to become Tash's husband. The Tash I got to know was vibrant and positive, generous and kind. We found about her cancer diagnosis during the lunch where we were going to tell them about us being pregnant again (Turtle). Even as her future had just become a whole lot more uncertain she was unreservedly happy for us. Although I am sure she had her down moments, Tash was not one to succumb to bitterness and self-pity. Instead Tash and Mark decided that although the cancer was something they had to live with, they were not going to let it rule their lives. They went on holidays to places they had not visited before and Tash embarked on new ventures such as developing a passion for knitting. Sadly, we left London before the Vespa era. I could picture Tash zipping around London on her scooter though and will keep that image in my mind.

I am grateful to have known you Tash and to have been even a very small part of your life!