Sasha Saunders's Album: Wall Photos

Photo 1 of 1 in Wall Photos

Here are some of my memories of the beautiful Lou.

I loved spending time with Cian and Lou as a kid. Lou was always very welcoming and always gave me a big hug, she made me feel at home whenever I visited.

I remember staying with Cian and Lou at their home in the bush, somewhere around Bellingen. Cian and I had a fabulous time sitting in the cool water of an outside bathtub and singing loudly. Lou would encourage our play, check if we wanted anything, and give us lots of time to hang out. Time never felt rushed.

Another time, a tiny firetail finch visited Cian and Lou’s garden and sat in the palm of Cian’s hand for a long while. Lou was very impressed and said that the finch was drawn to Cian. I think Lou’s love and appreciation of animals and nature reinforced to me how important these things are.

I remember Lou had a great old van, she had decorated the dashboard with all manner of crystals, feathers, rocks and dried flowers. I missed Cian so much when Cian and Lou moved away from Bellingen. I was excited when I knew they were coming to visit, I waited impatiently, hoping they would come around the corner. The sight of their van pulling up in our driveway made me super happy.

It was always an adventure visiting Cian and Lou on the community land near Kempsey. Mum and I would drive down, along dusty old roads. If I remember correctly, once our car either broke down, or maybe a causeway was flooded, preventing us from getting to their land. We had to park further away and walk in, reaching their land at dusk. We stayed in the teepee and Lou told us funny stories of marauding possums, Lady getting into mischief, and chickens escaping the chook yard. I was also fascinated by the idea of a spirit quest, which Lou explained. I thought she was very brave to spend a whole night alone in the bush in the darkness. I liked the idea of her finding the perfect spot, where the energy felt just right.

When I moved to Sydney, I hardly knew anyone. I can’t even tell you how much it meant to me to reconnect with Cian and Lou. A nice memory I have from the Glebe days is of Lou excitedly beckoning me to climb through the window onto the roof, to appreciate their new sitting spot, “Look how good this is!” she said. More recently in Canterbury, Lou showed me some feather decorations she had made. I was admiring them and she said, “Go on! Choose one you like. You can have one.” I have this in my lounge room, and it’s a lovely reminder of Lou. I loved seeing all her feathers and beautiful crystals and jewellery. I also have a nice memory of Lou in the garden, maybe about a year ago, she was showing us her plants and you could tell she was in her element.

It was so wonderful that Lou could attend Cian and Andy’s recommitment ceremony. I had a really sweet conversation with her there, in the afternoon sunshine. We talked about Cian and Andy, funny stories from when Cian and Andy first started dating, special spiritual moments for her and important things in life. I also absolutely loved her outfit, she rocked an amazing tie-dye cardigan and red dress. I hope I can look that cool when I get older!

Lou loved Cian with all her heart, she was always there for Cian, and Cian would do anything to help and support Lou. I think it’s pretty amazing that Lou fought cancer for 3 years, when the initial prognosis was saying only a fraction of that time. I think the love and care she got from Cian and Andy would have meant a huge amount to Lou. Lou was a strong, resilient, creative and warm person, and I was lucky to have known her. She will be sorely missed.
1 comment