Just days before Hannah Clarke’s funeral, her best friend Nikki Brooks has shared a beautiful letter she wrote in memory of her friend and her wonderful children Aaliyah, Laianah and Trey, who were tragically taken from the world too soon by Hannah’s estranged husband.
Woman’s Day has published Nikki’s letter in full, below.
To this world’s most precious and beautiful girl – My dear sweet friend Hannah.
I can scarcely believe it’s been just a few weeks since you so tragically left us, the splitting of our hearts deafeningly loud, and the ache of your absence is so heavy it’s hard to bear.
How could this world keep turning without you and our little angels?
Writing this letter, I wanted to list all the amazing memories since we first met at the local PCYC when you were 14 and I was the big girl 16!
But sadly, there would never be enough space!
Nikki (right) pictured with Hannah (left).
(Image: Supplied)
Hannah and Nikki had been friends since meeting as teenagers.
(Image: Supplied)You always made me laugh even when I knew deep down you were hurting more than any of us could imagine.
Over the years we sure made some mischief, but we always had each other’s backs.
Remember the time we came home after a few drinks and straightened dad’s hair while he slept!
Or the time you were the sober one, and you bunny-hopped us home not knowing how to drive my manual car!
Hannah with her three-year-old son Trey.
(Image: Supplied)
Nikki’s sons Ryder and Brooklyn pictured with Hannah’s daughter Aaliyah and Aaliyah’s grandad Lloyd.
(Image: Supplied)You had an irony to your wit, and that smile today even with you gone is resonating across communities far and wide – the beautiful mum and her three little miracles taken from us by someone I refuse to acknowledge.
I don’t know what I ever did to deserve you – I only know your friendship was my home.
You carried the weight of the world on your shoulders, and we all wish now we could’ve lightened your load.
I’m sorry I couldn’t protect you.
My gorgeous Tim and our boys, Ryder (7) and Brooklyn (4), will be blessed forever knowing your girls, Aaliyah (6) and Laianah (4), will always be our boys’ besties.
When your little Trey (3) came along, I loved how the older ones always held his hand and guided him down their paths of adventure.
Nikki and Hannah’s children were also really close.
(Image: Supplied)Those lasting memories will always be with us from New Year’s Day this year when you and the kids and your mum and dad, all of us on the beach with not a care in the world.
We prayed this was the beginning of your new life of freedom – sadly, that was never to be.
You really were made of equal parts stardust and sass – and you lit up lives as if shining was what you came here to do.
That light will shine forever in the next place you go.
I’ll never forget you my brilliant friend – for now I’ll just bask in your afterglow until we meet again.
Miss you forever,
Nikki
If you or anyone you know is looking for support, visit 1800respect.org.au or call 1800 RESPECT. Always dial 000 in the event of an emergency.
