It was with great sadness I received an email last week from my dear friend Trisha Ashley, bearing the news that sadly another special character who greatly impacted my life had passed away.
Serena Nordon lived next door to Trisha in Beauchamp Road when we were growing up. Serena was born with cerebral palsy, and was confined to a wheelchair, unable to walk, talk or do many of the things that we so called 'normal' folk take for granted.
I want to dedicate this column to Serena and her wonderful mother Rose..
Despite her obvious limitations, Serena was a bright intelligent person with a ready smile and a love of life.
She was blessed with a dedicated and untiring mum. Rose Nordon was a saint. I never once heard her complain. As a mother of a child with cerebral palsy myself, I am only too familiar with how hard life must have been for Rose and Serena.
Trish and I were talking about Serena, and how as a child she'd be waiting in her wheelchair every afternoon for us children to arrive home from school.
We'd always stop to chat and tell her a few stories and jokes. Often, we'd tie our skipping rope to her wheelchair so we could include her in our games. Trisha related how she used to go some evenings and play cards with Serena and her mum, and how Serena often won.
Despite her disability Serena never missed a beat.
Little did I know at the time, but knowing Serena and Rose would impact me for the rest of my life.
Their courage and determination gave me strength in later years, when Sammi was diagnosed. I'd often bump into Rose and Serena in town , we'd always stop and chat, Rose gave me words of wisdom borne of her own experiences.
The light in Serena's eyes renewed my hope that even though Sammi's life would be different, it was by no means less of a life.
I have wished so many times over the years, that I could have found the right words as a young and inexperienced mum, to tell both Rose and Serena how much they helped me accept the challenge of raising a disabled child. I wonder did they know how much they helped me?
Years later, when myself and a few other dedicated parents of special needs children formed the Kenilworth Helping Hands Club, Serena was one of the regular attendees.
One trip we made as a club is forever imprinted on my mind. We went on a canal barge ride. It was a wonderful day. Getting Serena safely on the barge was a challenge, she had complete trust in us, she grinned and laughed as we struggled to get her on board, and safely positioned.
I remember telling her, as I huffed and puffed: "It's all right for you to laugh mate... me knees are buckling!" True to form Serena saw the humor, and was grinning ear to ear.
Serena always enjoyed our parties and discos. Music was one of her great delights. Trisha related to me that at her funeral several of her favorite Abba songs were played. Particularly touching to me, was to hear they played Robbie Williams' Angels. Serena was an Angel, she brought joy to all who took the time to get to know her.
If there is a Heaven, and I sure hope there is, there is a special place for Serena where she is free of all encumbrances, and reunited with her brave and wonderful mum.
Serena Nordon... you will never be forgotten.