Over 20 years ago even before I moved to Sydney I discovered this really amazing shop called Kookaburra Kiosk. There the even more amazing owner Sally sold a mixture of 2nd hand items and clothing. I was starting on my op shop frenzy and 50's fad which lasted about 10-15 years.
When I moved up here I found myself a regular customer, as well as at the cafe Dov down the road which also became a regular haunt.
As it happened her sister Tamara was the year ahead of me when I was studying here and we became quite good friends. I ended up flatting with Tamara for a few years down the track too.
At some point I ended up working at the shop on and off for about 10 years and in the process became fast friends with Sally, her family and all of her friends too. I have seen her son Mitch grow into an amazing man.
I also lived down the road from Sal for about 12 years in Darlinghurst - her home was a sanctuary in the eclectic neighbourhood that Darlinghurst is/was.
I can't count the times I have sat drinking tea with Sal or bringing cups of coffee to her the shop - and then the other shops that she has owned over the years. There was always a shoulder and an ear to be had for each other through love, breakups and various other life's twists and turns.
She made you feel like you were so very special and touched so many people with the amazing ability.
For the past 3-4 years Sal has been fighting cancer, the tertiary cancer in her liver is finally what caused her body to just give up last early this morning. I didn't get to be there but I am so happy she was at home surrounded by her family and friends.
I just can't believe she isn't there any more.....
