I'm sad to say that I found out that a friend of mine passed away on Sunday from an unspecified illness. Details are sketchy just now, I only found out because her sister texted me to give me details for the funeral. I can't go to the funeral because it's too far away.
She was only in her early 40's. She leaves two beautiful daughters, Josie Cash and Eden, and a loving partner called Ege.
Paula "Red" Francis was my lifeline this year. We met through our mutual friend Tom, through a mutual love of bitching about materialistic idiots who think the price of a pair of shoes is a status symbol. She told me I should move to London and study to be a makeup artist like she was, and she saved my sanity when I was turning 30. The nicest thing she ever told me was that I reminded her of herself at my age. If I'm anything like Paula was... I'll be a happy lady. She was amazing.
Paula was a makeup artist who worked on music videos with the cream of 80's new wave stars. She loved Poly Styrene and was devastated when she passed away. I like to think she's sitting chewing the fat with Poly now.
Paula was gorgeous. She was also a lovely, deep person who experienced the same torrent of emotions daily as I do. We were kindreds in that respect. She was always quick to tell me that I was beautiful and that everything was going to work out for me, and that I deserved it. I always appreciated how she believed in me.
I hadn't heard from her for a wee while, but that wasn't unusual as she was always busy with something. I will miss her random texts and chat. I wish I'd thought to contact her sooner. I wish I hadn't left it. I didn't know she was ill but from what I hear nobody knew and this has been a shock to everyone that knew her.
I'm waiting to get an email from Tom to tell me what happened. I went back onto Facebook just to leave her a message... I didn't know what else to do... and I'm adding a red crystal to my sleeve tattoo just for her.
I'll never forget you Paula and I miss you so much it hurts. I've shed so many tears today. There'll be more before bedtime.
You always believed in me, now I have to believe in myself. I'll do it for you and I'll do it for me. I hope you watch over me. I hope you watch over us all.
The world is a sad place, and your loss is tragic.
Love you much, Red.
xxx
*Tom updates that she had massive liver failure, ended up in a coma after an infection hit her brain, and it killed her. He's trying to organise a memorial gig with the Specials, as she was friendly with Terry Hall. I'll get there even if I have to hitch.
She was only in her early 40's. She leaves two beautiful daughters, Josie Cash and Eden, and a loving partner called Ege.
Paula "Red" Francis was my lifeline this year. We met through our mutual friend Tom, through a mutual love of bitching about materialistic idiots who think the price of a pair of shoes is a status symbol. She told me I should move to London and study to be a makeup artist like she was, and she saved my sanity when I was turning 30. The nicest thing she ever told me was that I reminded her of herself at my age. If I'm anything like Paula was... I'll be a happy lady. She was amazing.
Paula was a makeup artist who worked on music videos with the cream of 80's new wave stars. She loved Poly Styrene and was devastated when she passed away. I like to think she's sitting chewing the fat with Poly now.
Paula was gorgeous. She was also a lovely, deep person who experienced the same torrent of emotions daily as I do. We were kindreds in that respect. She was always quick to tell me that I was beautiful and that everything was going to work out for me, and that I deserved it. I always appreciated how she believed in me.
I hadn't heard from her for a wee while, but that wasn't unusual as she was always busy with something. I will miss her random texts and chat. I wish I'd thought to contact her sooner. I wish I hadn't left it. I didn't know she was ill but from what I hear nobody knew and this has been a shock to everyone that knew her.
I'm waiting to get an email from Tom to tell me what happened. I went back onto Facebook just to leave her a message... I didn't know what else to do... and I'm adding a red crystal to my sleeve tattoo just for her.
I'll never forget you Paula and I miss you so much it hurts. I've shed so many tears today. There'll be more before bedtime.
You always believed in me, now I have to believe in myself. I'll do it for you and I'll do it for me. I hope you watch over me. I hope you watch over us all.
The world is a sad place, and your loss is tragic.
Love you much, Red.
xxx*Tom updates that she had massive liver failure, ended up in a coma after an infection hit her brain, and it killed her. He's trying to organise a memorial gig with the Specials, as she was friendly with Terry Hall. I'll get there even if I have to hitch.