Tuesday, September 11, 2007

Tribute

The local news have covered my niece's accident which was to be expected. Hordes of people have turned up at my sister's house with flowers and laid them in the garden and her lawn is like a floral sea. I found the following on the site of the local newspaper and thought the tributes paid within it were very fitting. They describe Jess to a 'T':

TRIBUTES PAID TO TRAGIC JESS
09:00 - 11 September 2007

Tributes have been pouring in for 11-year-old Jessica who died following a road accident at the weekend. Jess was riding her bike on Saturday in the street near her home, when she was involved in a collision with a car.

She had started at Secondary (High) School a week before the accident. An assembly was held for fellow year seven pupils yesterday morning and a remembrance book put in the library for pupils to sign and record their thoughts. Her death has also hit the community of her Junior School hard. In a prepared statement, head teacher Dave Smith remembered a child who loved dancing.

"Jess always gave her best at school, impressing a string of teachers with her effort and application; she achieved some super standards in her classwork," he said. "But what she lived for most was her dancing. "Jess's love of dancing and her enthusiasm for performing were legendary, whether the audience was an impromptu gathering of pupils and staff in the school playground or, as in last year's year six drama production, a full hall and audience of more than 200, she loved it all - and we loved her. "She was a girl with true sparkle, one that will burn bright in the hearts of anyone who was fortunate enough to know her."

He said she joined the Junior School in September 2003, transferring from the nearby Infant School. "The younger sister of Chris, she announced her arrival with an infectious smile and a sense of fun that became the outstanding feature of her personality," he said. "As a result she made friends with teachers just as easily as she did with the boys and girls."

The secondary School head teacher, Simon Packer, said: "There are obviously many kids who knew Jess and who are very upset today. "She made an excellent start at our School and she was a popular girl in her tutor group. "At the assembly the staff and pupils had a minute's silence. Mr Packer added: "I spoke to them about thinking of the family at this difficult time and for those who knew her well, I told them to remember the good times.

"The collision happened at around 6.30pm at a T-junction off the road where she lived. A 17-year-old man was driving the black Vauxhall Corsa involved in the collision. Jess was taken to hospital with head injuries, but died on Sunday. Tributes were posted on the local newspaper website all day on Monday.

My niece had her whole life ahead of her. I am deeply saddened that she will never dance again, that she will not fulfill the potential that everyone saw in her, that the world is quieter without her and that she simply never got the chance to experience life; you know, growing up, dating, studying, getting a job, marriage and all the things that follow. I have a story. Recently she was heard remarking that she had an 'In a minute' Grandad. "What's that?" she was asked. "Well", she explained, "whenever you ask him to do anything it's always 'in a minute". She cracked me up.

I am truly touched by all the people that have visited here and left supportive comments. Each and every one of them has been appreciated. Thank you especially to Mar, Naomi of Here in the Hills, RS of Musings from the Hinterland, Melody and Beckie who reached out to the blog community on my behalf. I have never met you but it meant the world that you cared. I will not be around for awhile now but I will be back soon and I will get around to visiting again then.

52 comments:

The Turmanators said...

So, so sorry to hear about your family's loss. We've "met" a few times via Michele. I am always in awe of how people cope through such sorrow and your family is lucky to have you to help.

Janet said...

I am so very sorry to hear about your niece. What a terrible tragedy for you and your family.

Ramona said...

Oh god, Bobkat, I am so terribly, terribly sorry to hear this. It is absolutely shocking when loved ones, especially children, die so tragically. My hearfelt sympathy goes out to you and your family.
A few years ago, I met a young girl who was only 6 at the time. We were at a birthday party and dusk was setting in. The first star of the night started twinkling and Stella turned to me and said: See that star up there? That's my grandma looking down on me. She died last year, but I found out that she is still with me everytime I see the first star of the night. Needless to say, I was quite choked up, hearing this from a six yr old.
I know it's not much, but I want to pass this gift to you. Everytime you see the first twinkling star of the evening, think of the sparkling, enchanting, vivacious Jess who is now dancing in the stars. She will always be a part of you.

Beckie said...

BobKat, I missed your earlier posts....I am SO very, very sorry for your loss.

Melody said...

I couldn't stop thinking of you last night, after I read your news. Even though we have never met before I do feel like I have lost somethng too. I'm sure a lot of your blog friends feel the same. Death is never easy to cope with, let alone one where someone has their whole life in front of them. *sob* (((HUGS)))

Niall young said...

...I can't believe I have just read this..I'm sorry I was not there for you yesterday. You must be devastated. you have had so many sadnesses in the last few months...please be assured that there are those who care..and whilst it would be wonderful to reach out and hold you..there are those nearer who can do that job. Meanwhile out here in blog land..I send you my sympathy ..take care.

jeanie said...

I have come from Melody's blog - my thoughts and sympathies with you and your family. It is so hard to lose anyone unexpectedly.

Anonymous said...

BK you and your family are on my mind. I wish so badly that there is something I could do.

You have my continued prayers and continue to be in my thoughts.

Something tells me your niece is still dancing....better than ever.

Shephard said...

So so sorry to hear this news. Losses are always tragic, but being so young adds layers of sadness that just ache. Sending you warm thoughts and cyber-hugs. Take the time you need to process this. When my sister passed away, I found a real gift waiting for me on the other side of the grief.
~S

Anonymous said...

Came here from Give It a Try. This is so sad. Sorry to hear about your tragedy. I can only imagine the hell that her parents are going through. I send my sympathies for the the family.

kenju said...

I know you'll keep her always in your memory, Bob-kat. I am sorry; the world is less without her.

Bernie said...

BK, I am so sorry to hear of your, and your family's loss. Please send our condolences to her parents...

A death of someone so young is never pleasant, in fact a death never is, but if someone is suffering with an terminal illness, it seems easier to accept. This is not the case for a someone so young who has had everything taken away from her, her friends and her family...

So sad....

Unknown said...

I am sooo sorry. Words cannot express the feeling appropriately. Your family is in my thoughts and prayers.

Little Miss Muffet said...

That was a wonderful tribute..lots of hugs to u..take care..

my4kids said...

I came from Beckie's blog and wanted to express my sadness for your family. Such a tragic loss of someone obviously so brilliant!

Anonymous said...

I can't express how sorry I am for your loss. My thoughts and prayers go out to you and your entire family. I have a 9 year old son, and I just can't imagine it...I cried when I read what happened to your niece. Please know that we all truly care and are sending you all our love and prayers.

MaR said...
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MaR said...

Your niece will always be alive in the hearts of those who knew her. And of those who heard about this girl with true sparkle...

Julie said...

I am so sorry for your tragic loss. Jess' spirit will live on in all of you - just know she is still dancing, just dancing with angels.

Anonymous said...

Beckie sent me your way. I am so sorry for your family's loss. I will keep everyone in my prayers.

la bellina mammina said...

I am truly sorry to hear about your niece. Prayers for you and your family.

Anonymous said...

Lovely tribute for your niece. As for my humble efforts, I find it amazing that we make connections all over the world through this medium which actually mean something. I'm glad to have "met" you.

Karina said...

I'm here via Beckie, and just wanted to extend my condolonces and heartfelt prayers to you and your family.

JAM said...

It's amazing that she could so profoundly touch so many around her at such a young age.

God bless and give peace to you all.

Nikki - Notes of Life said...

I haven't been about for the past few days and have only just read your posts. I am so sorry to hear of your family's loss. The world truely has lost a beautful life-loving soul. I obviously didn't know her, but from what you've written she was the life of the party. May she live on through you and the rest of her family.

TeaMouse said...

I just wanted to let you know a prayer will be said for your niece. I popped over from The blog of Steph after reading the news.

craziequeen said...

Darling, I was so upset to hear about your niece, there were no words.

My deepest sincerest sympathy to your family, and there is a hug waiting for you.

Jess had such an impact on those around her in her young life that, although cut short, it certainly could never be looked upon as not fulfilling potential. She had a family that loved her, and a full enjoyable life with lots of interests and friends.

[hugs]

cq

Pirate Princess said...

It is so sad to lose someone so young... please accept my condolences and I hope your healing comes speedily.

Anonymous said...

I am so sorry for your lose and will keep your family in my prayers

MommaBoo said...

I will pray for you and your family. What a horrible tragedy. God can heal all wounds, but I know this will be hard for all of you.

Just know, people are out here praying for your comfort at this hard time.

God bless you all.

Emma in Canada said...

I am coming from Beckie's site and I just wanted to say how sorry I am for your family's loss. I hope that the 11 years of memories Jess provided will see you all through the times ahead.

Thumper said...

Oh man...I am so, so sorry. I can't even begin to imagine the pain. It's so unfair...

diyadear said...

oh dear, im deeply sorry abt ur loss.. be brave in supporting ur sister..

Anonymous said...

I'm here from Beckie's and wanted you to know I'm thinking of you and your family right now. I always think there are no words to comfort such a loss, but please know you are all in my heart as you go through this difficult time.

Sara said...

My dear Bob-kat ...Naomi just told me about you niece. I know we have met thru Michele on the week-end meet & greets - and I had to come and let you know how very sad I am to hear of your loss. Please know you are in my thoughts and I will be thinking of you and your family as you struggle with understanding this terrible tragedy.

Fizzy said...

I am so sorry that this tragedy has hit your family. Your niece sounds like a truly wonderful girl. I am thinking about you.

Anonymous said...
This comment has been removed by a blog administrator.
Preeti Shenoy said...

I feel really saddened at the unfairness of it and the helplessness of it all.
Words fail me Bob-kat.
Prayers and hugs.

Anonymous said...

A wonderful tribute. I am so sorry for your loss.

OldLady Of The Hills said...

Dear Bob-Kat....What beautiful things all these people said about Jess....She dertainly made a deep ompact on ALL who knew her....And how wonderful that people have left flowers on your sisters lawn...A blanket of beauty in memory and honor of a sweet dear child.
I hope your time away will bring a little healing, my dear...I know you can use this time to contemplate and recharge a bit.
Enjoy your time away as much as you can, dear Bob-Kat. And Big Hugs, my dear....
(((((((hugs)))))))

purplefugue said...

My deepest condolences to your family, Bob-kat. Came here via Susan Davies' blog where I read the sad news. My heart and prayers go out to you and yours. Be well.

MsT said...

My deepest sympathies to you and your family as you go through this unthinkable grief. I hope you can all take comfort in the joy she brought.

OldLady Of The Hills said...

It's early Sunday A.M. here in L.A. and I was just thinking about you and wondering how you are fairing, my dear Bob-Kat.....I hope that wherever you are you are experiencing some peace....I send you Big Hugs...(((((((hugs)))))))

OldLady Of The Hills said...

Dear Bob-Kat. So good to hear from you from Vienna...I'm glad you did what you needed to do for you....Soooo important to know what one needs, isn't it? I will be thinking of you and Jess, later today....Take good care my dear, and just know I am thinking if you and sending you Big Hugs...((((((((hugs)))))))

Anonymous said...

Your Jessy has been well-remebered here in Hollywood. During the intermission at Hollywood Bowl, the denizens of the Peanut Gallery (top row!) made a special toast, complete with cheers and applause in her honor. I think we were loud enough to be heard in Pearly Gates Estates!

I hope all is well with you and your family, Bob-kat. You and your mum and dad are in our thoughts.

Pat said...

Thinking about you today Bob-kat.

MaR said...

Dropping by to say hello, Bob-kat, I hope you and your family are finding some inner peace. I have you in my google reader so I will know when you have a new post.
I didn't post about this because it was way too hard for me, but I lost my brother earlier this year. A dumb accident and he was gone. My kid bro. At age 47 but he will always be my kid bro... It is hard but life goes on.
Sending hugs your way.

Shephard said...

Just thinking about you. :)
~S

OldLady Of The Hills said...

Hi Dear Bob-Kat....Just checking in to say I am thinking of you and hoping you are fairing as well as can be expected....Are you still in Vienna? Only answer if you feel like it my dear...Just wanting to say I send you much love and many many cyber hugs...
((((((((HUGS))))))))

Anonymous said...

I'm just checking in to see how you're doing. I trust you are well.

diyadear said...

how r u doing dear B-K?? missing you..

David Edward said...

oh, my.
I am so sorry B-K for your loss and that of your family. No words can express nor simple human expression capture the pain of such a tragedy.