Monday, April 29, 2013

For Aleisha, In Loving Memory

Today, I'm dedicating this post to my friend Aleisha Derham, part of my London family, who suddenly passed away this past week while she was visiting London on holiday.  Aleisha was one of the first people I met in the fall, and was my neighbor in De Marillac. I remember one of the first conversations we had. I asked her if she liked Harry Potter, and she told me, "Yeah! Who doesn't??" and we became friends. We made one of our first journeys to the Harry Potter studio tour. From that day on, we would enjoy many trips to London, the Ref, the George, and of course Kingston for shopping! She was the baby of the group, and I think we all felt a little protective of her.  She would come in to my room when she wasn't feeling well, and I would give her toast and medicine. I'll always remember how indecisive she was in deciding what to wear, and how she would wear shorts when it was freezing outside. I'll remember her love of jumpers, especially her "Pow!" jumper, and her purple Converse shoes. She loved England, the Spice Girls, and TopShop, and she loved to be around people and have a good time. She was my little Aussie, and I am absolutely heartbroken that she is gone. It doesn't feel real, and I hate that we are all so far away. Aleisha was one of the most fun-loving, silly, and beautiful people I've ever met, and it was truly a blessing to have known her, for however short of a time. She will be loved, missed, and remembered by all of us forever.

"Whatever happens tomorrow, we've had today" - I couldn't say it better myself, Leish.
Rest in Peace, baby girl. We all love you, and will see you soon.