This item on the 101 Adventures for Jill list, for me at least was the most important item to complete. The plan was always for Anna, Tessa & I to meet up and do this one together, but we were honoured to be invited to a birthday celebratory lunch hosted by her family for what would have been Jill's 37th Birthday. We would have absolutely understood if the family just wanted to spend the day with their family alone, but the fact that they extended the invite to us was so special and there was nothing that was going to keep us from attending this at Jill's family home in Montville.
Jill's birthday, Saturday 19th August, her first heavenly birthday, was always going to be an emotional and tough day for her family and friends. Despite everyone's emotions running high, the day was beautiful and was the perfect tone as we remembered/celebrated our birthday girl. The Stevens family have always been so kind, loving and inclusive and I marvel at their strength as they continue to navigate through their grief. I will always consider Jill's family my family too and I hope they know that I will always be there to provide them with love and support.
Jill's birthday was the perfect occasion to debut our beautiful custom made Kitenge dresses, organised and gifted to us by Jill's friends Amanda & Coby in Tanzania.
Spending time with Jill's beautiful family was so special. Not only spending time with her immediate family but also getting to know better some of Jill's extended family too was a pleasure. There was so much love for Jill in the air, so we were in great company.
The little nods to Jill were beautiful and her presence was absolutely felt. I know Jill would have been so proud of everyone coming together to celebrate her life in true Jill fashion.
A big thank you to Bron & Megan for our beautiful handmade Jill dolls. It is the most unexpected and thoughtful gift I think I have ever received, and I will treasure it always.
A big thank you to Kelly for showing us around the property and showing us your beautiful home and for driving our heavy cargo up hill in your buggy 🤣 Oh and also thanks to Anna for keeping me safe on her lap 🤣
A big thank you to Kaye & Andrew for driving us up and back to Montville and for making a stop at a bottle-o along the way when we realised we had forgot our wine (Oyster Bay Sauv Blanc - a Jill favourite). We would have got to Montville by any means but your offer to drive us really helped us out greatly. We also enjoyed Andrew's lessons in sports, politics & religion on the drive back to Brisbane.
And finally, a big thank you (Asante) again to all of Jill's family for inviting us to this very special Jill Day. Vic & Bron, we love and miss your daughter so much and we would not have wanted to be anywhere else that day except with your family. Much love always 💕
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