I’ve lived next to a woman names Sylvia, since mum and dad first brought me back from the hospital in 1996. She was a creative lady, who had tendencies to hoard a lot of useless shit. Seriously, as soon as you step into her house you’re swallowed by mountains of junk she’s collected over the years. Ever since I was a kid I would go over there and learn how to make homemade cards. When I was about 8 she inspired me to make a mini card making business. It used to be so fun for me, and I even had an ad in the Waiotira primary School newsletter promoting handmade cards. All the locals would give me a few dollars, and I’d sit away in a little area I sat up in the corner of my room. Sylvia was like a grandma for me. She’d never forget to give me and my sisters a little birthday and Christmas present; we’d run up to the fence and she’d be standing there with a cheeky grin while she hands us our prezzies before we smuggle them back inside. She was a really close family friend, and knew basically everyone under the McCullough name. One thing I use to hate was collecting her pig scraps! Sometimes Dad and I would get a bit lazy, and leave them for a week or so before she eventually rung up and complained about them still sitting there. She was also a keen baker, the problem was… she couldn’t manage to eat it all herself being the little old lady she was, so we’d get calls to come and get some home baking. Sounds pretty good huh? Well, not really. Danielle and I have to do a thorough check of the food for hair before we even think about taking a bite. (She was a notorious hair-in-baking criminal) Sylvia always liked a good yarn, to the point we avoided going over there because she’d talk our heads off until you can think of a legitimate excuse to get away…and then there were her dogs that would bark if you came near the fence. They were cute little things, Chicki – who was a beautiful blonde Chihuahua and Bella, I think her name was, who was a chubby little jack Russel. I wonder who’s looking after her dogs now. (Probably her daughter, who barely had the time to visit her)
It was only a few weeks ago, when Danielle messaged me saying “Oh, did anyone tell you about Sylvie?” Initially I thought she’d bought something off one of those stupid TV advertisements again (She always does and I’m usually helping her put them together). But Danielle told me she has Cancer, and will only live another 6 months. That night I wrote a letter and postcard, but never got around to sending it. Last night mum messaged me and said ‘Todays is Sylvie’s day, she passed away this morning.” I was so shocked because, it was only a matter of weeks… not months! The last time I saw her was when I said goodbye before I came to Australia. She said she was really proud of me, and mum and dad would be too. She always liked my art…and I think she secretly thought I’d get known for it. She will be missed so much, by everyone, especially Chicki and Bella.
Opal necklace Sylvia gave me
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