Tribute to Helen - Emma Slywa (nee Escott)
Helen was one of my oldest and dearest friends. I have known her since primary school and all through high school remained so close; there wasn’t much we didn’t experience together.
For the past 8 years I’ve lived in Australia but we never lost contact. Whenever I think of Helen I have a smile on my face and in my heart, she was truly a special person. Crazy is definitely a word that springs to mind to describe Helen, from her homemade crisp packet earrings, chewing on anything and I mean anything she found at the bottom of her bag, to sending me toffee apples in the post last month when I mentioned we don’t celebrate bonfire night in Australia! Other words which best describe her are; beautiful, honest, hilarious, thoughtful and just like the rest of the Kirk family completely selfless.
I have no doubts in my mind that Helen led a fulfilling life, although there are many things she will now never do, she was happy and will have no regrets. I am blessed to have known her and it pains me to know I shall never see or talk to my friend again, she touched my life deeply. The world has lost a wonderful person but heaven has surely gained an angel.
On Sunday 23 April 2006 our son Ajay Benjamin Slywa was christened aboard Australian navy submarine HMAS Sheean. To honour the memory of my best friend we named Helen as god-mother. The day went off without a hitch, we had glorious sunshine and Ajay was on his best behavior.
We were definitely being looked down upon. I was truly blessed to have had Helen as my friend and I miss her more each day. But her spirit can live on as my son is now blessed with his own special guardian angel.
May Helen rest in peace xxx
