I remember...one of our first conversations, at the Tech Music Schools freshers night in Camden Lock. Annabel Williams, one of our vocal teachers was performing and after only 30 seconds Sarah and I turned to one another, smiled in an excited way and couldn't wait to learn a few things from the lovely and talented Annabel.
I remember...booking practice rooms and plugging our mics into the PA and singing through our cheesiest backing tracks and some not so cheesy. Our affinity with India Arie's 'Ready for love' was cool and I'll think of Sarah everytime I sing it.
I remember...the first time I heard her sing! Beautiful is not a worthy enough word. She was such a talented singer and piano player and I learned so much from her!
I remember...sitting in the cafe, stealing Wi-Fi and chatting about myspace and watching the video of her singing 'Listen' by Beyonce. She told me I need to get some videos up on Youtube! I must get round to doing that!
I remember...our tradition of getting a full English breakfast in the middle of the afternoon and trying to persuade them to just top up the tea pot with hot water and not charge us for a new pot!
I remember...all the times that Sarah stayed over at my flat during our year at tech because she lived quite far out. Even though she stayed at least once a week she never came prepared! I was always joking about buying her pyjamas, a toothbrush and general over night essentials and giving her a drawer at mine! Everytime I wear my green Abercrombie hoodie I'll think of Sarah because it always kept her warm when she stayed over.
I remember...the joy when she rang at 11pm asking could she trouble me by staying the night?...'get your ass over here girl' was always my response. I miss our late night chats and laughing, alongside numerous cups of tea!!
I remember...being involved with the Global Peace celebrations in London with her and her family and friends. We sang with Ola Onabule and it was such an honour to be part of the event, even though I was ill and had to rush home after...but Sarah still phoned me to see if I was ok.
I remember...the first time I met her sisters; so much fun and so lovely. I pray we will remain friends.
I remember...meeting her Dad because Sarah was so proud of him and greeted him with a huge hug. Family always came first with Sarah...it was just how she rolled. Sarah has shown me that there are more important things than careers and even this music industry that we were all so eager to be part of. Her passion and heart was for helping people and whether that was in music or something else, it was a road she would follow.
I remember...chatting about God and community and so I shared my faith with her and then we talked about music (as we usually did) and I played her some Foy Vance and Nichole Nordeman on the ipod.
I remember...when she cut her hair and how even more stunning she looked (if that was possible). She made me laugh because she insisted on wearing extensions sometimes.
I remember...only a few months into my move to London, I was living on my own and had the flu. Even though I had made other friends, she was the only one I felt I could ask to bring me some supplies...she arrived at my door with a hug, painkillers, honey, lemon, pastries and proceeded to make me some tea and looked after me. I will never forget that.
I remember...when Sarah taught me the chords to 'To make you feel my love' by Bob Dillan and we recorded it on garageband!
I remember...when we planned to go down to the Spice of Life and do their open mic and sing our acoustic version of 'About you now' by the Sugababes...circumstance meant that we never got round to it but I went one night on my own and it just wasn't the same.
I remember...how she used to call me Baby Boo.
I remember...going to the restaurant in Tower Bridge where she played piano every Friday and Saturday night. I sang a few tunes and didn't have to pay for my dinner!
I remember...after only knowing each other a week or two, she sent me a birthday card with the most lovely message inside saying that it was lovely to meet me and that she was looking forward to getting to know me better...It was then that I knew I'd made a special friend and was grateful to God for allowing our paths to cross.
I remember...during our live performance workshop one week, she forgot the words to the song and wasn't for continuing or perhaps in the mood for bluffing her way through like the rest of us did..so she stood with her hand on her hip for the rest of the song. It was the funniest thing!
I remember...getting a lift with Annabel to her gig at the Vortex Jazz Club with Sarah and Suse...Noel Sullivan from Hear'Say was in the front seat!! I'll never forget the laugh we had that night and how we sang Il Divo songs on the way home!
I remember...how she always encouraged me to just sound like me!
I remember...her surprise and impromptu visits to my flat, especially the night I was heading out to work and was stressing over my eyeliner! She was always amazing at eye-makeup so she did it for me.
I remember...letting her stay in the flat on occasion while I went out for my shifts at the Redback. She loved being able to make herself at home and left me a note one time which I still have!
I remember...getting ready for our showcases round at mine.
I remember...when I visited Sarah in the rehabilitation centre; in the midst of her struggle, she was still asking the other patients how they were and what they were up to. I've learned how to be a better friend because of Sarah.
I remember...the first time she stayed over at mine and in the morning we were drinking tea and she read some Pride and Prejudice to us. Sarah, 'Netherfield Park is let at last!'
My lovely, beautiful friend Sarah. I'll never forget any of these times we shared. You have blessed my life and all I have is gratitude to offer to God for placing you in it!
Much love,
Baby Boo x
