Diana's Story | Julia's House

Sibling, Diana, shares her story

Julia’s House Young Ambassador, Diana Lawrence, remembers her sister, Gabby, who was cared for by Julia’s House and her mum, Maria, who both died within a very short space of time. She shares her moving story in support of our Forever Butterflies Appeal to help others like her, living with loss.

We’d like to thank Diana for her strength and dedication as we support her through a difficult bereavement process. Thanks also goes to those who buy a Forever Butterfly in someone’s memory – which will enable us to support families like hers at Julia’s House. It’s only because of the help of people like you, that sibling worker, Maria, can continue to be at end of the phone, ready to take Diana out for a chat and a hot chocolate whenever the days feel too difficult.

Forever Butterflies - in memory of loved ones

"When my baby sister Gabby was born she soon started having seizures and that’s when we realised she wasn’t a healthy baby.

We discovered she had a rare brain condition which meant one side of her brain was stronger than the other - and this would be shown in her face - she had a little bit of a puffy cheek on one side which was the sweetest. Her condition led to scoliosis of the spine, epilepsy and learning difficulties and she stopped being able to swallow.

Gabby didn’t ever let her condition defeat or define her. She was the bubbliest, happiest girl you could meet. Gabby loved lights and music and she would always try and pull you in for a cuddle. She was unable to talk but could communicate in her own way and her laugh would light up the whole room!

Towards the end of her life it was very hard because Gabby cried a lot. That was the only way she could communicate. After Gabby had died Julia’s House looked after her for those final days. The nurses and carers reassured us and told us we could stay by her side and decorate the room just how she would have wanted. We had some photographs printed and put them up all around the room. We played her favourite songs and projected the night sky above her. It all looked so peaceful. She looked like she was just fast asleep, tucked into bed.

Some time after Gabby had died we were invited to a remembering day at the hospice. We spent the day talking about Gabby and how bubbly and happy she always was. Gabby wasn’t just missed by us - but by all the staff at Julia’s House. We found it really comforting to talk about the memories we had ALL made together.

Sadly, the night of the remembering day my mum grew her wings and went to be with my little sister. It was a complete shock.

Even after Gabby and then my mum’s funeral – the support from Julia’s House never stopped for our family – they are always at the end of the telephone, especially on the harder days like the anniversaries. It’s a real comfort to know they will continue to be there for me."

"For us at Julia’s House, it’s being a part of someone’s whole journey that’s important - sharing the fun, happiness, tears and the sadness. Sometimes it’s also about sharing the loss with them too. Our Forever Butterflies are another way to reflect and think about those we have lost."

Maria Carroll, Julia’s House Sibling Worker

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