It is funny, I have been sitting here at my computer looking at the keyboard trying to figure out how to say what I want to say today. I hope that it comes out the way I intended.

Earlier this year, our community lost a shining star. Because of the world we live in today, the world of social media allowed all who knew Sy to express their feelings on facebook, in articles written about him, and so much more. There is even a “Sylebration” event that will be held this september in his honour to remember, share, and raise money for charity.

I was actually in Hawaii when this event happened, yet through the wonderful world of the internet, and social media I was connected to ‘home’ with comments from friends, and people who were writing, commenting and posting photos about the tragedy of the event.

Eight years ago it was a different world. People actually made phone calls to pass on news – good or bad. I remember my mom getting that phone call like it just happened.

Eight years ago a shining star was taken from our friends, family, world. I remember that day – what was going on, what happened in the days to come and how our community coped with the loss of Aviva. 

If you had the chance to have Aviva as your friend, you were lucky. She was amazingly smart, funny, caring and loving. She lit up a room. I had coffee with a high school friend last week and she told me that she was telling her husband that one of the things she remembered about me was my laugh. Well, Aviva had a laugh you wouldn’t forget either.

This is not meant to be a eulogy for Aviva, but a reminder about who she was, and the kind of legacy that some people leave in your life. My brother brought Aviva into our lives when he was at York, and I know that we will be forever grateful. I will also always miss her – and what we didn’t get to share together.

Take a moment today and remember someone you love – whether they are here with you or in spirit.

Luv you V,