T O R I A ‘ S J O U R N E Y
Victoria documented her cancer journey in a facebook blog, her intention was twofold – one to allow others suffering from the disease, a “warts and all” view of her experience, and two it enabled her to just ‘say it once’, allowing her to conserve her energy for the fight ahead.
She wrote in her little funeral planner “try to take away a little stress and sadness, and remember good times”
This is Toria’s ‘Other’ Journey.
T is for Toria and tattoos Toria, a name given by her brother, Andrew, when as a youngster he was unable to say Victoria. So Toria she became to most of her family. Toria documented her more recent years in her tattoos, “Live in Hope” the “Dreamcatcher”, the “New Zealand fern”, and the “floral/crystal skull”.
O is for Oreo Oreo is Victoria’s kitten, only 7 months old, but he has made the biggest impact on all our lives. He became the new ‘love of her life’. He was named Oreo, not just because Victoria liked the biscuit, but it was an easy name for her to pronounce, when her speech began to change. He’s continuing to keep us entertained, along with his new pal Paddy our dog. David finished wonderwebbing the curtains a few days ago!
R is for relatives The Johnsons, the Broadbents near and far, and the Turners all of whom have influenced Victoria’s life in some way. Today is the one year anniversary of my Dad’s passing, and along with Victoria’s other relatives, and newly made friends who lost their lives to this disease, we know she will have lots of love and attention, wherever she may be.
I is for insects Yes insects, and I’m not talking about Casper, Stinky and Stretch the stick insects that Victoria collected as a child, but butterflies. Victoria talked about seeing butterflies in her dreams recently. The butterfly represents spiritual rebirth, transformation, creativity, endless potential, vibrant joy, change and an ability to experience the wonder of life. All these relate to Victoria.
A is for animals Victoria will have somewhat of a menagerie to care for up there, having been ‘Mummy’ to 2 hamsters, 2 rabbits, Snowy and Elvis, Maddie the cockatiel, our dogs, Sukie and Peter, and Puss our first cat and Victoria’s first word. Still with us, Of course we can’t forget Paddy, our 12 yr old Labrador, nor Timmy the family tortoise, who is at least 60 and I imagine will outlive us all.
S is for smile Everybody commented on Victoria’s smile. We both had an infectious laugh. I remember us in hysterics, trying to blow maltezers across the kitchen table into each other’s mouths. Even the last weeks, we had our giggles trying to drive the wheelchair around the hospital and acting like kids on Blackpool seafront. Remember the times she smiled with you.
J is for Jenny & co Victoria met Jenny 16 years ago. Along came Dan and their colourful friendship hasn’t faltered since. They have been there for each other through thick and thin, and along with the rest of the gang were the last friends that Victoria allowed to visit.
O is for Others There have been other meaningful relationships in Victoria’s life. Her neighbour, who as well as taking in her many Amazon deliveries, was her ‘normality’ in the last 2 years. There are all her pals from Armley Moor Children’s Centre. Those friends she met online. Those who have helped her cope with her illness, the medical team, the Macmillan nurses and others going through a similar journey.
U is for Understanding Victoria understood her disease and shared it all on her blog. She also understood that not everybody wanted to hear the doom and gloom, so she stayed brave and positive throughout, posting regular smiley updates. I understand why her passing came as a shock to a lot of you.
R is for Riverford Victoria was proud to be a co-owner of Riverford Organics. She loved her job, even the driving. She made a whole new circle of friends across the country – the veg gang - and as a family I think we’ve eaten enough of our 5 a day to last a lifetime. She was also grateful to Riverford for supporting her through 2017 and again this year. It’s also been heart-warming for us to read the kind words her colleagues have had to say about her.
N is for New Zealand I don’t think there’s anybody here that doesn’t know about Victoria’s exploits in New Zealand in 2015. She made more new friends, gained more strength and independence, lived out of a suitcase - (not sure how she managed that seeing how many clothes she’s acquired since her return) She had thrilling, adrenaline filled adventures, and experienced the beauty of the North and South Islands. She had planned to return this year.
E is for Everyone Everyone here today and those who have been in touch on social media. Everyone has kind words to describe Victoria: I quote She was a lovely young lady who was : inspirational, smiley, courageous, beautiful, brave, amazing, caring, positive, vibrant, strong, and had a huge heart. Our family know that, and that’s what makes us so proud.
And finally Y Just that - Y so young!?
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xUNqsfFUwhY - Here come's the sun - The Beatles
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zaGUr6wzyT8 - 3 little birds - Bob Marley
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IGMabBGydC0 - Rusted Root - Send me on my way
https://allpoetry.com/poem/5138473-I-m-There-Inside-Your-Heart-by-Rushifurus-Angel - I'm there inside your heart