Monique was my best friend from ages 7-15. Two school years older than me, she was my big sister too. I loved her so much and will continue to. She was beautiful and goofy and audacious.
Monique introduced me to so many childhood things like rollerskating down steep hills, bubblegum, digging clay from a stream, computer games and correct makeup application.
We rolled our skirts up on the way to school, we danced to Michael Jackson in the living room, we sang duets in harmony on the bus, we played tennis in the road, we co-wrote stories and talked about boys non-stop.
We were each others biggest fans but she really looked out for me and inspired me.
When she returned to Canada she wrote hilarious letters to me of her thoughts and life.
After years of little contact and Monique's ill health, I am so grateful that I had the chance to reconnect with her on whatsapp and so sorry that she had to battle through so much for so long. She was an adventurous, kind and powerful person and will always be my hero.
