In the tapestry of life, each thread is woven with moments of joy, sorrow, laughter, and tears, creating a mosaic as rich and complex as the human experience itself. Today, I find myself reflecting on one particularly vibrant thread, a strand that added not just colour but a profound depth to the fabric of my life—my Aunty Vera. Her passing has left a void, a stark reminder of the fragility of life and the enduring strength of love.

Aunty Vera was not your typical aunt; she was a force of nature, imbued with a sass that could light up the darkest of rooms. Our relationship was unique, marked by jests, laughter, and an unspoken understanding that beneath our banter lay a deep well of mutual respect and affection. She had a way of turning the mundane into the magical, infusing every interaction with her indomitable spirit.

As I prepare to head to her house, a place now transformed into a sacred space of mourning and remembrance, I am reminded of the cultural protocols that guide us Papua New Guineans in our farewell to those we hold dear. The body, though now a mere vessel, is treated with the utmost respect and care, a testament to the life once lived and the soul that touched so many. These moments, gathered around her in both silence and song, are not just rituals; they are bridges connecting the past, present, and future, weaving the essence of Aunty Vera into the stories that will be told and retold.

In the midst of this profound farewell, a truth resonates with a clarity that pierces the veil of grief: the importance of expressing love to those we cherish. Life, with all its unpredictability, waits for no one. The moments we have are fleeting, making it all the more crucial to shed the weight of resentment, to navigate the complexities of human relationships with honesty, and to allow space for healing.

Telling those close to us that we love them, in spite of and because of everything, is perhaps the most courageous thing we can do. It's a recognition of our shared humanity, an acknowledgement of the imperfections that make us who we are. Aunty Vera taught me that it's okay to be angry, to feel frustrated, and to wrestle with the myriad emotions that define our existence. But in the end, love—the kind that is loud, unabashed, and unyielding—must be the anchor that grounds us.

As we say our final goodbyes, surrounded by the warmth of friends and family, united in our grief and our love for Aunty Vera, I am reminded of the indelible mark she has left on each of our lives. Her laughter, her sass, and her unwavering spirit will continue to inspire us, a beacon of light guiding us through the darkest of times.

So, as I stand on the threshold of farewell, I carry with me the lessons of love, resilience, and the power of human connection. Let us not wait for tomorrow to express our affection, to mend bridges, and to celebrate the beautiful complexity of our relationships. In honouring Aunty Vera, let us also honour the love that binds us, the memories that sustain us, and the shared journey that continues beyond the confines of this mortal coil.