Though I now look back at my childhood and am so thankful for 3 strong big brothers making me the beer drinking, hockey watching, gas passing woman I am today, these sentiments did not always exist. There were a number of years during my childhood and adolescence where I felt side lined by the “boys club” which was my family. I was severely out numbered, and though I loved my goofy stinky brothers, I yearned for a sister to share bunk beds and secrets behind closed doors.

And then I met Nicole. The beautiful, talented, creative, strong Nicole. Even as a 6 year old I saw something so special in this girl – an invitation only she could share to the most spectacular party of the year! Little did 6 year-old me know that 23 years later she would have given me so much more than a great Halloween.

I don’t think a date could be singled out, but eventually I stopped seeing Nicole as a best friend but rather recognized her as my sister. The transition from friend to best friend, to sister was gradual and fluid. (Much like our ever-changing nicknames). But it didn’t take long for me to recognize that I finally had my sister. We had OUR sister. (And a kickass little sister too!)

After my first year of University our whole family dynamic had changed. Thomas and I found our selves back under the same roof, and suddenly it wasn’t so bad. Weekends were spent partying, our group of friends merged, and just as Nicole had transitioned from Best Friend to Sister, Thomas (and Mike) evolved into my best friends.

The three of us shared hundreds of drinks, thousands of memories, and millions of laughs. One of my favourite memories found Nicole, Thomas, Amber and I at the old Triple Crown. We teased that it was “Girls Night Out” but you could tell Thomas would not have wanted to be anywhere else. He was so happy to participate in the girl talk and for once I felt the boys club, which raised me had dissipated. Thank you for helping me blur those lines. Only two nights before Thomas left, he asked us for another Girls Night, I wish we had gotten the chance.

Sitting in that hospital room, the day we lost Thomas you were there first and only person I called. I could barely get out the words. I may have lost my brother that day, but so did you, and it was only right for you to hear that from family. You sat with me, cried with me, and helped pull me up from the rubble.

From Nicole, to Chole, to Nat King Chole, to Chole Slaw, to Slaw, to Slaw Face what didn’t change with your ever-changing nickname was your status in my life.

To say I am grateful for your presence is an understatement, for there is no me without you.

That desperate attempt for a party invitation 23 years ago changed my life forever.

Best. Decision. Ever

Love you to pieces, always.

Xoxo

Household