Congenital Heart Disease (CHD) Awareness Week: Remembering Alysha’s Journey with CHD
“The Red Rabbit”
Written by Emme Couture
Alysha had a spunk like no other. Ever since we met (and I couldn’t even tell you how little we were) she had a bright sassy energy that lit up a room. She was smart, mature, and didn’t let anyone screw her over. I loved that about her. She was the kind of girl that would order your food for you at the Winter Club cafeteria if you were too shy, even at the age of 10.
I always admired how mature and intelligent she was. Her math skills were crazy and always had the best marks ever. I always thought she was going to end up running the damn Winter Club. The way we used to strut around that place in our matching “Bobby Jack” sweat suits just said it all. I thought it was so cool when she started working at the Pro shop, saleswoman since the age of 13. A lot of our good memories were spent there, thanks to the Oliphant’s I felt like their third daughter because of how much I was there. She always made sure I was taken care of too.
Nothing ever stopped Alysha. She was always active and wanted to be involved in all the fun stuff. She was determined no matter what she did. Whether it was long bike rides, swimming, or the hours we would spend at the mall, she did it. We had a pretty deep connection when it came to that kind of stuff. I could always tell when she was getting tired and not feeling well, and without her telling me I knew when we should take a break. She was so strong.
The best memories of my entire life were with Alysha at Mara Lake. I looked forward to it every year, and we could never ever stop being excited. Swimming and pretending to be mermaids, biking to Licks n Splits, browsing the Bargain Shop, late night fireworks, and hot days on the beach brought us so much joy. We were inseparable (Kelsi, you were our lovely third wheel however hehe). I loved every minute spent with her. She made me laugh, made me like country music, and was always there for me. I miss those days a lot. We would take so many goofy pictures and laugh while doing it. Never a dull moment with Alysha that’s for sure, and of course she was sassy the whole time. I loved it.
Don’t get me started on this woman’s level of taste. Her knowledge of classy accessories, beauty products, and clothing was wicked. She knew what was on trend, the quality of products, and what wasn’t worth her time or money. I liked when she would straighten my hair and do my makeup, it always looked so nice. She knew exactly what to buy at the mall too. She was the go to girl for that kind of stuff, and wasn’t afraid to say if something was down right shitty. This was all just a bi-product of how smart she was. Queen of product research. Alysha was classy, sassy, and chic 24/7.
I always (and still do) consider Alysha my best friend, even when we grew into teenagers. She always had my back even when I was being a punk. I looked up to her during these times. She was well beyond her years and was going to do big things, I just knew it. It made me want to straighten up, for her. The best part about Alysha was she was never judgmental. Even with some of my worst decisions, she never made me feel bad and was always there to listen and be my friend. She cared so much about everyone in her life, and I thank her for that. She loved everyone around her unconditionally. The Oliphant’s were always there for me and my family, and always will be. The only phone number I still have memorized other than my own, is the Oliphant’s home number. We would talk on the phone constantly. Who knows about what. I’ll never forget when Todd and Alysha picked me and my brother up after my Dad had a heart attack. We were little and scared, and he made sure we were taken care of and happy while my Mom went to the hospital with my Dad. Alysha took school off that day too, despite having a big school project. We went to the Winter club (surprise) and had some fun despite the circumstances. I am so thankful for that day and the compassion both Alysha and her family showed.
I think about Alysha every day. It’s always good memories and thoughts, so I know she’s with me. She’s with me every day when I drive her cool red Volkswagen Rabbit around with the Saskatchewan Rough Rider sticker on the back. Sometimes when I’m having a difficult time or facing a dilemma, my sunroof will open and close without warning. It’s Alysha telling me everything is okay. She will never stop caring about her loved ones, that’s just how she is. Alysha’s spunk, energy, sass, maturity, attitude, and love will always be with me. I do wish we had more time together, especially as adults. We would be cruising around right now with our nails done and Starbucks in hand. I love you Alysha, always have, always will. And also, double loser, with horns HONK HONK.
Love, Emme
