I have had a hard time deciding what to write for my first entry. What could be significant enough to inaugurate this tribute to my big sister? What would Helena like us all to remember her by? Feeling slightly overwhelmed by the task I have decided to start with something very small......
One of Helena's favourite pieces of jewellery was her gold charm bracelet. I am sure many of you remember it. She wore it almost everyday, and its charms are as varied as Helena herself, portraying a mix elegance, adventure and sophistication. In a sense the bracelet traces Helena's life experiences and all those things she cherished. So let me take you through a few of them:
The first charm is of Matterhorn; a mountain in Switzerland which is the back drop of Helena's favourite places on earth, Zermatt. We spent many family vacations there growing up, and Helena never could get enough of its beauty or glamour. We had the chance to go back there in February, and Helena took to the slopes and five star dining experience with the same zest for life as usual. It was a very special trip, and I will forever be grateful we were able to go back.
The elephant and rhino charms remind me of our colourful childhood in Kenya and Uganda, as well as Helena's love for the east African landscape and aesthetic. I think much of her style and elegance was inspired by its beauty and simplicity, and I know she was always drawn back to Africa's beauty and sense of adventure.
The clog and traditional Swedish doll tells us about Helena's love for Sweden. Helena really was a proud Swede, and her ability to seek out Swedish communities abroad is a great testament to this fact. Whether it was singing in the choir at the Swedish church in London or hosting a ball sponsored by Absolute during her masters, Helena always found a way to make Sweden a part of her surroundings.
Finally, the sun charm help signify Helena's radiant smile, which truly could light up a room. It is one of the things I really miss most. I am not sure if it was the smile itself or the confidence and cheekiness with which she smiled, but I always feel warmth when I think of it.
Well as you might have guessed for this post the bracelet has been passed onto me, and I wear it with a great sense of pride. Every time I fiddle with one of the little charms and hear them jingle I think of Helena's many adventures and accomplishments, and I feel a little stronger knowing I have her so close by.
Do you remember the bracelet? Do you have a story about it? Please make any comments about Helena or the post below.
I remember when Helena called me about a year ago, asking me to sit down, telling me the most horrific news - about her having Pancreatic Cancer. She was in Nairobi with me at the time. I remember the charm bracelet, she used to take it off, before we would walk together after work. I remember her voice when she used to pick up my phone calls and her every affectionate, "Hi Darling!!" - I will never, ever forget Helena. I knew her for such a short time, but the impact she made on me was amazing. Everytime I get tired or sad, I look at Helena's photo in my Kenyan frame in my bedroom and I smile and keep on going. To my angel Helena, I love you always xxx
ReplyDeleteBeautiful Annika!
ReplyDeleteLife without Helena will never be the same and it so happens that her life coincides with my life at Sida(Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency). I started at Sida in December 1980, when Helena was only a couple of months old and after I had spent months looking after her as a baby when Anne went to classes at the university (we had "paternity leave" already in those days in Sweden, though a bit unsual among fathers). Helena continued to be very close to me over the years and though the comparison is not entirely correct or even possible, perhaps I should finish my time at Sida now when my memories of Sida are as light and smiling as those of my dear Helena. Oh, I miss you. Always in my heart!
A year...how much has changed. My memory of Helena is vivid with her illuminating smile and aura. She is a testament to graciousness and strength. I miss her. Annika, this is a beautiful way to keep your sister's memory alive with all of us. As you play with those charms know that you have an angel watching over you...her name is Helena.XXXXXXX Paulina
ReplyDeleteDearest Helena, your smile was like the sun because it always made people feel good. You had a twinkle in your eyes when you smiled. A lively and a bit mischievous twinkle. Right now you are smiling at me from a big photograph taken at Gotland last summer. You stand in the garden under one of the old apple trees. You smile your very special smile and it makes me feel good. But all the time it is like we all still listen, we listen after your foot steps and you coming out of your room to join us. You always joined us when you had had enough alone time, studying or painting one of all your lovely aquarelles that now are hanging on the walls in my room here in London. You would come into the room dancing and singing, you were like music to me Helena. Your whole life was so full of music, when you sang “thank you for the music” you meant it. The last song we heard you singing was Michel Bublé’s “ I have not met you yet”. You danced and your sang and we all used to join in, how lovely it was. Your sisters still sing and it happens that we dance, and think about you. You are always with us, and we try our best to do everything the way you wanted it. My dearest Helena we miss you, but you know what, somehow you are still and always will be with us in your own very special way.........
ReplyDelete