Photos
These are photos and memories of Maria's first visit to us in Australia, 2014. So many wonderful memories of the many trips we went on in the 3 weeks she was here, travelling around north Queensland. She doted on her niece and nephew - her 'pumpkin pie' and her 'cowboy', and they adored her. Tom, Liam, Kaylee and I will never forget that first visit - we packed so much into such a short time. The next few visits Maria just wanted to come and relax by the pool, the beach, Magnetic Island, and spend time with her brother and our family - she did just that. We are so grateful to have shared our home and our lives with you, both in Canada and Australia. You will be deeply missed and always remembered.
In loving memory of my dear friend Miya (Maria)xoxo
We had both worked at the same school, Father Lacombe HS, different areas, for some time. Then 2016, we happen to be in the staff room at lunch at same time, as I was talking that I was going to a seminar, Maria asked, that sounds interesting, she’d like to come and join in with me, well absolutely I said. And our relationship began.
As our conversations grew, we became daily companions on text and phone calls. Then we started to have more lunch time together, till my lunch hours didn’t coincide.
In mean time, we had been doing walks together, the most serene ones at and around her community lake, have any of you walked with her?
Oh my, her little body frame, she is furiously on trek all the way, and at same time, beat any wind (which she knew I absolutely hate and yet settled for nothing less). For me, it was painful, for her a joy. I’d say what are laughing at, she’d just say I suck at this, I had to agree with her! (crying with ear aches)
Then I did couple sleep overs’, in her loft, so not to drive across town, lol, you know what I mean, keep it safe, oh my… her breakfasts I appreciate truly, however let’s remember English is her craft… not breakfasts, eggs were not her specialty, but we looked at each other & laughed. She was so much fun always did her best at what ever!!
The time, she asked me to call her Miya instead of Maria, she explained why, meant a lot and that was closeness, I will always cherish and be grateful for the closeness.
On her way to Australia, we kept in touch to ensure she made it safe, at departure, transit point and arrival to Australia, then the trip there went sideways, but she kept me informed thru out. But she made it to her brothers, which is a long distance away. But she kept me in touch.
I didn’t even know I could do international text!! lol. That’s what we did for each other, keep each other company. And up to tech too.
Like time up in Edmonton, for marking, she texted, no TV in room, was not ready to get hooked up on Tv yet at hotel/motel and steps to steep, so keep safe. (you know what I mean, she was sad to not have a glass of happy to keep safe) Kept in touch companionship up, she was always so forward. I always got a kick out of her.
Her hurts when her dad didn’t recognize her anymore, we sat on phone, when my engine blew up on the highway to see my dying mother in law, she was there to support, neither one of us knew anything about engines, it was just great to have support, we were in constant support like sisters.
When she was catching her flight to Australia, we were on text while she’s waiting to board, that is the depth of communication we had. Yeah, she already taught me texting international was ok.
There are miles of texts that we shared, the most important on her personality that has taught others what she shared, didn’t have to like her boldness in life, but oh my, huge learning, when you get too much, she’d send me words, from “board of wisdom”, that’s the way she rolled.
There are so many years of inter connection, she came for Randy’s surprise bday party at our home. So I tapped in to just some of the memories we have had together, I cherish so much, cause you can not with Miya. She was unique!
My condolences to her parents, Nikki and Justin, Brother and family, friends, she left us way to soon.
Miya, you texted me last on Nov 01/20, I said I would send you Reiki energy, I hope the Reiki gave you some peace, understanding, acceptance and connection. xoxo
What I know for true, Miya always talked about, she loved her children, did her best ,sometimes were hard, and I know she was always aiming for best outcomes for herself and her children, she was full of love and care for them , she spoke of future happiness and successes for them and everyone. She was a constant at caregiving for her parents. She had a set routine that she never missed.
She was a light, had so much insight, to the point, never a push over, a great friend and support.
I will miss you Miya, in heart and soul what we have, you will always be in my heart forever! Your Strength has affected me, thank you so much, I love you girl, you behave in heaven ok, I’ll see you again (not soon though ok)
Love, xoxo Jay Louie-Martel
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