This memorial website was created by Donna James in the memory of her sister, Christine Richardson who was born in Australia on June 16, 1960 and passed away suddenly on April 30, 2004 at the age of 43. We will remember you always and you will forever be in our hearts.
I will never forget the phone call from Christines husband, Mark, to say that she and their son Daniel were involved in a car accident. They have been taken to the emergency section of the P.A. Hospital. Both are O.K. but Christine is still asleep, hasn't woken up but Daniel is alright. They have both had tests done on them and there is nothing wrong. Just waiting for Christine to wake up. Even though I was told this, I left work straight away and went to the hospital. When I got there, other family and friends were there as well. Daniel was sitting near his mum and waiting, like all of us, for her to wake up. A few times nurses came over to observe Christine and again saying that there was nothing wrong, we just have to wait for her to wake up when she is ready. She would have been so traumatised by the accident, that it may take a day or 2 for her to wake up. We felt in a way relieved to hear this and also noticing that there were no marks on her body. No cuts or bruises. Everything looked ok. So we just had to sit and wait. After a few hours, Christine was transferred into a ward. It was hard leaving her that evening. We all wanted to wait for her to wake up. Again, nurses telling us that all is fine. She will be sitting here waiting for you in the morning. I left the hospital and went home to my family. The very next morning, after taking my kids to school, I went back to the hospital. Couldn't wait to walk in and see her sitting there, but NO. Mark was still by her side. Christine still asleep. I will always hold to my heart when I walked in, Mark said to Christine, 'Sweetie, Donna is here". I went and stood by her side as she reached out for my hand. She took my hand to her lips and she kissed the back of my hand. She whispered "I love you". This breaks my heart every morning and night when I remember this. Christine was a wonderful big sister and I will never let her go. She was the best wife to Mark and mother to Daniel, Brent and Kirsty that I have ever seen and will ever see. She gave all her love and devotion to Mark and the kids. I stayed all day and left about 2.30pm to collect my kids from school because they were desperate to go to the hospital to see her. We went home and the kids got ready. Then the phone call from my other big sister Debbie who was still fortunately with Christine, to say the she had gone into cardiac arrest. 'Donna, you better get here straight away". My heart sank. My husband Shayne and I went straight to the hospital. Christine was put into intensive care. After a few hours, a doctor called us all into a room. I am sorry to say that Christine is critically ill. A vein that runs at the back of her neck, which the blood travels to her brain has severred. If she does survive, she will never walk, will never see, will never hear, will never talk. We don't think she is going to make it. I remember hearing the words over and over again. I remember hearing the words of the nurses saying, "Trust me, Christine is fine. There is nothing wrong". I remember her children screaming with pain. My mum and dad went to pieces. Mark was.......... I can't even explain the look on Marks face. Such an incredible man. His concern at that present time were his children. The next day Christine passed away. They say God has his reasons but I am sorry to say that I will never understand why. Losing Christine is the saddest loss of my life. Of all our lives. I know friends try to help by saying "you have to move on", "you will get over it". I will NEVER get over the loss of my sister. I miss her so much. I can only imagine how Mark and their children are coping. Christine was so devoted to them, that she would do anything and everything to make them happy, but it also made her happy. She wouldn't have wanted it any other way. I know no one will ever take her place and no one will ever fill her shoes. Mark and Christine were soulmates. They had the greatest love of all. I talk to Christine every day. I love Mark and the kids so much. I will do anything for them. It won't take away their pain I know, but if I can help and make it that little bit easier, I will do what ever. I am so lucky that I had that time that morning when she kissed the back of my hand and said she loved me. I will keep that till the day I die and I'm with my sister. I love you so much Christine, and I miss you so much.
My Sister / Donna James (Sister)
You were my sister that truly would shineBright as a star in the darkest of times Knowing you were my sister made me so proud You would stand out in any crowd You were my dear sister whom i will always love You are ...
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What all my sisters mean to me / Debbie Brandley (Sister)
All three of my sister will always be my best friend that you keep forever They are all a permanent shoulder to lean on I would like to tell you now My sistersHow well you have filled the role And how I hope and try my best t...
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missing you / Debbie Brandley (Sister)
I am missing you day by day I wonder if your ever watching and taking care of me I hear you calling me and I turn around and I see nothing I want you by my side again hugging and making me laugh I am missing you day by day Continue >>
Keeping Memories Alive / Rosie Hill (old family friend )
Firstly i would like to say this site is absolutely amazing the dedication and love by everyone who has left messages and poems is truly beautiful. Donna you have kept Christines memory alive by having somewhere her loved ones and friends still feel ...
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Missing you at Xmas / Ashleigh James (Niece)
Its hard to believe that another Christmas is upon us, another Christmas without you. It certainly isn't getting easier. You are still thought of and missed dearly especially at this time of year. We love you Aunty Chris.
Christines legacy is one that we will never forget! She was a wonderful wife, mother and sister. Christine was married to Mark for over 20 years. They had 3 children - Daniel, Brent and Kirsty. It was unbelievable the love she had for them. She was the eldest sister to myself, Debbie and Catherine. Christine was very devoted to Mark and their children. She would do anything and everything for them. Christine was a nurse which she enjoyed especially in the theatre room. She got great pleasure in helping people back to recovery. I would have to say that her greatest pleasure was spending time with her soulmate and husband Mark, and their kids. Along with working, she was always there to take her sons to their soccer games and training sessions. She was there to take them where ever they wanted to go. Christine was such a remarkable human being. She loved her friends. Every year Christine went along on a girls weekend that she would share with her close girlfriends. There were many. She loved being participated in Kirstys sports days and in her schooling in general. She was always there for love and support. Christine loved entertaining. She loved people just popping in. She would always make you feel welcome. She loved company which she always had because her friends knew her so well and knew her for so long. Christine loved children. She adored her nieces and nephews. She loved to see them together having a laugh, having a great time. Everyone is so deeply mourned by her loss. She is and always will be missed. Christine was such an inspiration to us all. Thank you Christine for being my big sister. Thank you for being a great wife to Mark and the best mum to Daniel, Brent and Kirsty anyone could wish for. Thank you for being the most loveable Aunty to my kids, Ashleigh, Adam and to Debbies kids, Candice, Lisa and Aaron. Thank you for being such an incredible human being. We all love you and we all miss you so much! All our lives have changed since Christine has passed away, and our lives will never be the same. The only thing that gives me peace is knowing that one day I will be with you. Till Then.....
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