Karen

On the 2nd of August 1972 my little sister was born at WestCumberland hospital Whitehaven.
Although it was only 13 years later when she died, she had crammed a lot into her short life and so people tell me, she touched the hearts of many.
She had many friends in school & out of too. she was a brownie, girl guide, member of St John's ambulance, she danced, played the violin & the piano & at 13 was a damned good cross country runner. Inspiring me to do better in school runs as well.

Being a big brother meant I never saw her the same way as others did, we were both quite shy and in our own way quite sensitive. But she always had a smile for everyone, where I was always dreaming an adventure story in my head. I guess I took the time we had together for granted.

Looking back I think my biggest regrets in life, ironically, include living with regret and guilt & pretending I was Ok!
At times I felt so empty like a piece of me was missing & whereas things like this should bring families together. I found a brick wall built between us & for years I could never speak to my Dad.
As a young boy I stumbled into adulthood like a blindfolded hyena in a padded maze. Still smiling, still laughing at nothing important, still running round stupid, bumping into things.
Having children has proven to be the best thing for me, after all you can't keep an eye on them with a blind fold on, though I wish Karen was here to share these special moments.

I don't remember how I found out about the accident, though I do remember talking to a friend on the school stairs after collecting my coat for lunch!

I was told she'd broken her leg whilst out on the cross country run with her classmates & although I didn't want people to see me worry, I remember joking about her being on crutches, but really my insides were screaming to hurry up home.
And my journey home was a bit of walking with the occasional couple of faster steps, at least until I got to the cutting opposite the station hotel, then when i was out of sight i ran.

I can't really explain how it felt to find out that it wasn't just a broken leg she had suffered but nearly every bone in her body.
I don't want to be too detailed on this as there are others who have memories to live with that no one should be burdened with.

There are so many memories that could have been, should have been, but like a book, life has twists and turns that are unpredictable. But unlike a book you can't relive your best bits, and sometimes memories are forgotten.
As children Dad had a camera, but we didn't have the video recorder's, smart phones and other technology there is now.

Living right now, with technology so good, is truly amazing. I could make a video of my children growing up. But that job is left to my Dad, the proud Grandad, ensuring their memories will be recorded forever & hopefully their lives be long and happy ones.