I think often of my cousin Dooter, whose time with us came to an end nearly 10 years ago.

Tall, graceful, and as beautiful as they come. I laugh as I remember how I’d make her strut across the kitchen in my parents home, trying to nurture the seed of a career as a runway model. Who knew life would happen and Dooter would leave us at 18.

Dooter with the voice of an angel. I don’t know what angels sound like, but when she sang that’s what came to mind. Till date whenever I hear the song ‘In Christ alone’ memories of Dooter flood my mind.

I think often of my cousin Dooter, in that black dress I gave her, the one made from light chiffon fabric with embroidery in the front.

“Aunty Iember, I like your dress. Please dash me.” It was probably my favourite dress at the time but I happily let go of it. If you ever heard Dooter speak you’ll understand why it was nearly impossible to deny her request. Dooter with the sweet and gentle voice.

I think often of my cousin Dooter and wonder what life would have held for her. Would she have indulged me and taken my modelling dream seriously? Would she have nurtured her singing and made a career out of it? Would she have been a mom with children as beautiful as she?

I think often of my cousin Dooter.