In Memory of my sister Liz…miss you xox

I felt the urge to write this today on the importance of being there for each other.

It’s been 5 years since my beautiful youngest sister Elizabeth (Liz) took her life. I share as I believe it’s important for us to be open, honest and know it’s ok to talk about it. Mental illness affects each of us.

My sister Liz was a gal that was full of life, laughed lots, loved to meet new people, have fun, knew what she wanted, amazing husband/partner/friend that worshipped her, great parents, strong family relationships, she travelled, she had dreams, she loved her job, her friends, passionate about music and loved the title she was affectionately given “Princess.”

Unfortunately things took a downswing when Liz’s company downsized and Liz was let go. It was like she hit a brick wall. This was truly a huge part of her, a work family that she had invested 25 years in, seen every day, she loved them, faithful to them, she had built those trusted relationships. And in a flash it was gone!

I cannot profess to truly understand how this impacted her, but I know the months ahead were extremely challenging, in fact more challenging than we will ever truly understand. She felt her community was gone.

On May 6, 2014 many lives would change forever. To get the devastating news about Liz is unfathomable to this day. Suicide is not something we want to talk about, too many unanswered questions and what if’s. WHY???

Looking back over the years I am forever grateful that I was fortunate to have a strong community/network of people that were there for me and our family. They may never truly understand the depth of what they did by just being there, sharing a smile, chat, hug, but each and everyone played a key role in helping me to move forward these last few years after losing my sister Liz, Mom, Dad and several good friends. (I know you are here xox)

I wrote this today to share my thoughts on the challenging times we can all face and how being part of a network/community can help play a key role in helping us move forward when we are faced with traumatic experiences or crisis.

Life is ALL about Relationships!

My wish is you are part of a network/community that lifts you up and supports you through challenging times. It doesn’t matter what it is, just go forth and participate. Charity, church, business, health, wealth, fun, hobbies, sports. If you can’t find it, create it!

Have a place to show up when things are great — you never know whose life you can change in that moment, by sharing a kind word, smile, listening or giving a hug when needed. You have the means to change their life.

Have a place to show up when things are not so great — you never know who will be there that will share a kind word, smile, lend an ear or give a hug when you need it. But have a Network/Community and make it real ~(happy to discuss in more detail).

On that note I’d like to leave you with an Irish Blessing, one of Liz’s favourites and words to live by! Liz’s Legacy xox

Gone but not forgotten, forever missed, truly grateful for the many people in my life,

xox Margaret-Ann

Margaret-Ann Davis 
It's all about Relationships.
1.613.294.6263