Alseulogy

EULOGY

REBECCA :
Alison Peta Lazenby came into our lives at 3.29pm on the 19th May 1980 and from that day onwards our lives were changed for the better. I had a little sister, a living doll to play with and Mum and Dad had another angel to look after. They say that Monday's Child is "fair of face" and Alison being born on the Monday was no exception. She was beautiful, and her smile made you smile - I'll always cherish this. I'll also cherish all the fun times we shared. Sleeping in the same room for at least 12 years meant we would share many things. I remember Alison always managed to fall asleep as soon as her head hit the pillow. I was three when we started sharing, at night Al would fall straight to sleep and I would take her dummy so I could do the same. As we grew older I invented many stories and games to play so we could fall asleep together.

Some of you may not believe this, but there was a time when Alison wouldn't have anything to do with men! While Dad was away in the Middle East Alison would shy away whenever a man was around, only on her Dad's return did she come out of her shell, but only for her Daddy. When Mark was born, Al and I would visit Mum and Mark in hospital. Al didn't mind saying good-bye to Mum at the end of the visit but thought Baby Mark should come home with her! Al was always great with babies. She could stop their tears and send them to sleep in her arms. After Justine's arrival our happy Family was complete. Poor Jus always felt left behind being so much younger than Al and I. We often found her fast asleep under Al's bed the morning after we'd been telling each other stories at bedtime. Since moving to Brisbane Jus and Al formed a special bond that I am sure Jussie will keep in her heart forever.

Being an Army Family moving every few years made Al very adaptable. She would leave her special friendships behind reluctantly knowing she'd never forget them, and move on to develop more. Two of Al's special friends entered her life only weeks after she was born, fellow Army Brats Camilla and Brett. Although Al, Camilla and Brett lived in different states most of the time their friendship grew as they did. Al found it hardest to leave the friendships she had developed at Siena. From Year 7 to 10 she went to school camps, participated in swimming and diving teams, went to socials, and built a special bond with her peers. Saying Good-bye knowing she'd have to start over again was very difficult. Al was very fortunate to continue her close friendship with Anna through numerous phone calls, letters, emails and occasional visits.

Al had many things she loved to do and diving was one of them. Ever since the first time Alison stepped onto a diving board she knew what it was like to fly! From high in the air into the water below,facing the fear, overcoming it and flying. She shared this joy with her baby sister Justine. Together they would twist and turn and become National Junior Champions for synchronised diving in 1996. Alison looked forward to conquering new and more difficult dives. Regardless of being black and blue from numerous failed attempts she would persist until it was perfected. During one of these times a number of teachers were concerned that these bruises were coming from home, but Al happily assured them that she was just "learning a new dive"! In time her body would prevent her from soaring new heights, but she would never lose the feeling of flying gracefully through the air. Although her diving career was cut short, she was able to continue in the sport she loved as a Coach, and looked forward to developing "her" divers to National level.

From the time she was 10 her health was a major problem. She endured many doctors' visits, hospitalisations and medications, without any complaint, the perfect patient! Despite her constant ill health, her optimism and determination were an inspiration to us all.

At the beginning of 1997 two-thirds of our Family moved to sunny Queensland to pursue Alison and Justine's diving careers. I stayed in Melbourne to look after Dad and the Cat, and was happy to hand over the role and responsibilities of oldest child to Al. She loved the laid-back lifestyle up here and developed into a mature young woman!

JAMES:
Unlike many other fortunate people, Alison has only been a part of my life for the last 14 months. It was 3.30am on the 13th August 1997 when I met everyone's favorite Girl! My first moment with Alison was brief but life-changing! I knew I had to see her again. We have been so comfortable with each other's company that since that first date, time has simply flown by.

Gradually I became aware of what Alison was offering me. It wasn't her sparkling eyes, the way she kissed me or even her innocent smile. Every emotion she possessed was shared with me and that is what I admire her for. After various parties, dinners and gatherings we officially classed each other as boyfriend and girlfriend. Having been to my Formal and Graduation she said a million times how proud of me she was. I could see now how much this was meant to be.

Last Christmas Alison and her Family were in Melbourne. Though we were apart I was content knowing that the Lazenbys were together as one. And that was all she ever wanted, just for everyone to be happy.

This new year saw Alison and Me share many special moments. Her 18th Birthday was one of them. Through all the Birthday cards and balloons I saw the bigger picture. Just like our relationship, she too was maturing, into a beautiful young woman. She really was my little Princess and her Formal was her chance to show her how much this was true.

I was fortunate enough to be her boyfriend, and even though we only saw one Anniversary, I cherish every moment we were together.

MARK:
The following is a poem that Alison and Anna Kelly discovered during Year 9 Camp. It was promised that if one of them was to die, that it would be read out at the funeral. I would now like to read that Poem on behalf of Anna.

DO NOT STAND BY MY GRAVE AND WEEP
I AM NOT THERE, I DO NOT SLEEP
I AM A THOUSAND WINDS THAT BLOW,
I AM THE DIAMOND GLINTS ON SNOW.
I AM THE SUNLIGHT ON RIPENED GRAIN,
I AM THE GENTLE AUTUMN RAIN.
WHEN YOU WAKE IN THE MORNING HUSH
I AM THE SWIFT UPLIFTING RUSH
OF QUIET BIRD ENCIRCLED FLIGHT.
I AM THE SOFT STARS THAT SHINE AT NIGHT.
DO NOT STAND AT MY GRAVE AND CRY
I AM NOT THERE, I DID NOT DIE