A Special Friendship

Sheena was a wife, a mother of two boys, a daughter, a sister, a daughter-in-law and a special friend to my daughter Sam.


Back in May on Livestrong day I asked you to say a prayer for Sam's friend Sheena.
Last Friday I got the call I was dreading to tell me that Sheena had passed away peacefully in her sleep during the night. It was not unexpected, we knew she had slipped into a coma, but it was still very upsetting to hear the words. I am pleased that Sam was able to see her friend one last time on her recent trip to England.

This little group of five have shared a friendship that had lasted since they were in Junior School together and became stronger when they went on to attend the same secondary school. They all lived within half a mile of each other so shared many leisure activities as they were growing up. As parents we shared transport to various guiding events and over the years there were a host of birthday parties. There was the time after their exams when they spent a week in a caravan, I worried myself sick but they had a great time and probably had no idea how worried we were back home. Beccy was always on the fringes of the group because she was younger and you might like to read what she has to say about the friendship. This was taken in 1984.

Sam and Sheena were particularly close, they went through a hippy phase together, long skirts, different hair styles, large hoop earrings, all part of developing independence and their own style. I remember the time they drove to Devon in Sam's first car a Morris Minor to go camping (1984). I don't think I slept a wink thinking of all the dangers that could befall two young girls alone and camping. Luckily we all survived and as far as I know nothing too disastrous happened. I'm sure they wouldn't have told us if it had. Although I like to think my children would confide in me, I'm sure I didn't know every thing that went on!! (and there were some things I knew but chose to ignore!)
After they left school they all went their separate ways to college and university but still managed to meet up occasionally. Back in 1992 Sheena stayed the night with us when Vicky got married.
A few years later they all brought their children to my house one time which was great fun.I think the last time all five were together was that Christmas when they all came here to see Sam on one of her visits home. I believe this is one of the last photos taken of these five friends together.
Sheena cared for the environment, she loved nature and she was devoted to her family. Today I go to help celebrate her life and say farewell but it will be tinged with sadness that she will not around to see her sons grow into the fine young men I know they will become due to her influences. She was a very special person to so many people and she will be greatly missed. Please think of Sheena's family today.

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OCTOBER 10th 2006: Apple Crumble