Julia Elizabeth, deceased.

Tracing a line backwards, from the knowledge of Julia's passing away and my initial memories of her in my life, I can recall her being a caring diligent sibling.

The 12 years between us made her seem all-knowingly bright, and someone I could really look up to, as my big sister. She was someone who responded to me and I reciprocated enthusiastically.

My first memory is of being in a booth in Harrogate train station having a photo taken with Emma, in a duffel coat, sat on Julia's lap pulling faces at the awaited flash. I was probably 7 or 8 then. The photos are still around somewhere (in a box filled with memories) capturing a frozen instant of joy formed fresh from a novel experience.

Julia gave me many memories like that until something inside broke and I saw a girl become a woman in pain - which was a burden too hard for her, or anyone, to carry.

Mostly I will remember her sharing experiences truthfully and without malice, not absentmindedly or distracted from my need to know.

As I was passing through Perth, and adolescence into adulthood, one of the final time I saw Julia we ate 'lollies' on a Saturday evening watching a BBC period drama being televised on ABC - it was 1999; she loved peanut M&Ms.

Until recently we conversed regularly then, as is so often the case, I did or said something which caused a separation between us. And now I am sincerely sorry I didn't take the time to patch up our differences as I never meant us to part on such absymal terms!

Rest now in the "Peace" you so preciously sought in life, Julia, my big sister!