That incredible thing called life

A few months ago when we were in Mozambique I met an extraordinary girl. She was a mum in her mid-thirties, beautiful, radiating blond girl who had come to Vilankulos from South Africa with all the women important in her life. 

Nicky was in terminal phase of cancer. She had stopped medication and knew she only had a few weeks left to live. 

She was here to fulfil one of dreams: swim with horses. All these girls and women came to accompany her on that journey and to bear witness to that incredible feat. At the time I wrote a post about it here. 

Four days ago Nicky died. 

I haven't spoken with her since we parted in Mozambique but my thoughts have been with her all that time. In a way, she was blessed to be able to enjoy these last few months - most people go without having had to opportunity to do everything (or at least as much as they can) wanted to do before leaving. She gifted life by showing us that we must not take for granted that incredible thing called life. 

Strangely, Nicky died on the same day one of the mares gave birth on the farm. That mare had been due for a while and we were all anxiously waiting for her to give birth. Nicky was passionate about horses and without wanting to sound cliche I don’t think this is a coincidence. 

Dinesh has decided to call the filly Nicky in memory of that extraordinary woman. 

Rest in peace Nicky Taylor Berriman.