remembering isobel on her birthday

September 16 would have marked my Isobel's 26th birthday. I wish she was here to celebrate it with me and my son Sam. 

As I'm typing this, a pop-up notification pinged across my screen with a prompt for her birthday. As if I needed to be reminded.

It's been ten months since Isobel passed away and not a minute goes by that she's not on my mind. Particularly when I reflect on years past of decorating her room's door with streamers and balloons, getting ready for a special dinner together, or since 2023 having an overseas phone call to hear about her plans in Japan.

Back when we were just dating, my husband Adam and I were having lunch on the patio at the once popular Lox, Stock & Bagel in Toronto's Hazelton Lanes. A little girl kept running up to our table and wanting to play. Her name was Isabelle. I'm guessing that this is the spelling but have no way to confirm it. 

Adam and I were so taken by her that we said "if we ever have a daughter, her name will be Isobel." Her dad wanted the name to be like the song by the famous Icelandic musician Björk. 

I'm adding a link here for you to watch the music video on Youtube, for a song that has so much meaning to me and remember my Isobel. She was such a beautiful, intelligent, talented and lovable young woman who was taken from the world way too soon.

Thanks to the many who have brought me flowers, made donations to The Isobel Fanaki Memorial Fund, listened to me talk about Isobel and how much she is missed and the offers to go for walks or sit together. All of it helps. 
​