“Some friendships are so strong, they can even transcend lifetimes”
Uncle Iroh – Avatar
Recently I lost a beloved best friend.
I am fortunate enough to have met Charlotte when I moved to Gisborne in 2017; we became instant friends.
Charlotte and I, along with our fellow flatmates and new BF’s Sarah and Hannah spent the next two years not only learning how to doctor but becoming life long friends (with the Gizzy Gals including Britt, Ella and Gawin of course).
What followed was countless adventures, river floats, pot-luck dinners, hikes, road trips, swims and travel; both around NZ and afar.
I am unable to put into words what an incredible, brave, caring and hilarious person Charlotte was. She was someone I admired and imagined in my life forever.
Charlotte or ChareBear as I nicknamed her was many things for me:
- the Momo to my Appa
- a Gizzy Gal
- tropical island travel friend
- Eminem rap battler and Barbie Slumber Party Mix singing companion
- gymnastics watching partner (despite the fact we cheered on different competitors)
- personal therapist
- fellow dance choreographer
- the Grinch quoting enthusiast
- best horizontal blue and white stripe wearer
- learn to swim coach
- career (or my lack there of) advisor
- bone buddy and fellow ‘blonde one’
- inflatable duck rescuer
And most importantly one of my closest most cherished friends.
I could share stories of our motorbiking adventure across Bali, hike up Maunga Hikurangi, her spending two months teaching me to how swim for the Gisborne to Mahia swim-challenge, days spent island hoping in Fiji, flat baking mishaps, fancy dinner feasts, rom-com movie marathons, dance battles in our living room, hours (more like days) spent watching gymnastics competitions, after work antics at Waikanae Beach on our inflatables (hers a flamingo and mine a duck), her calls and messages of support while I struggled personally and professionally with what I was doing the past two years, her joining in on my Te Araroa trot and more… but none of this will sadly ever bring her back.
To have known, worked alongside, lived with, laughed with and been able to call Charlotte my friend will be one of my greatest joys.
These memories I will hold onto forever ChareBear! xx
At this time her family and friends feel understandably broken, but if anything please use this as a reminder to take care of the people around you and tell them you love them.
My deepest condolences I send to Natalie, Bernie, Phoebe and Fergus at the loss of such an amazing person.
Arohanui
xxx
GC Chronicles 
I’m so sorry for the loss of your beloved friend…hugs and love to you xoxo
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