It is almost amazing how death reminds us, how it makes us reflex and how it inspires us to actually write. Over time there have been many posts that I should have written but it is only now that I am actually doing it.
Today was Natalie’s funeral.
As I listened one of the thing that stood out was her friend talking about he significance of the number 18. It is a question Natalie had asked not long before passing away. About a year ago Natalie had a heart attack and final did a heart surgery on July 23 this year only a few days after her 36th birthday. She awoke from surgery to find that she was on ward 18 in bed number 18. She later died on aught 18, 2015. I did also mention that she was 36 (2 times 18). I have not yet mentioned her son who is 18 years old.
For some 18 means life, bondage and freedom from bondage, for others it means prosperity. I am not quite resolved on its significance but Natalie is gone.
Natalie was my friend. One of whom I have fond memories. She was quite the talk and I always felt quite free, honest and comfortable around her. She was a third of a party of 3 who floured me on my 11th birthday. That was my first experience of flouring one which I have never forgotten. They made sure to wait until late afternoon after I had my bath and dressed up for my birthday. It made a birthday which I would have otherwise forgotten a most memorable one.
I remember her smile, her infectious laughter, her inquisitive personality, her brilliant reasoning, her free spirit and her caring ways.
So as I learn to remember death, not just accept it, I write: requescat in pace et quae lux pertetua luceat ei.
Natalie Harris – Nelson
- Born: July 17, 1979
- Died: August 18, 2015
- To mother: deceased Angella Philips (later married Nelson)
- Begot: Oliver Junior Nelson (godson of my mother)
- Number: 18
