“Truly blessed to be her big sister” — Aliah Haste pays tribute to sister Brittany

Darwin’s Haste family is mourning the loss of Brittany Haste, 23, who died earlier this year after a five year battle with cancer. Her heartbroken sister Aliah Haste delivered this moving tribute at her funeral

Aliah Haste, left, has farewelled her younger sister Brittany with a beautiful tribute: “Whenever we have an adventure, look at the sunset, or go to the beach, the slight whisper of the wind, we will remember her.”

Brittany was truly an old soul. She was wise beyond her years. She was sensitive to the universe, seeing and feeling frequencies and vibrations the rest of us were oblivious to. She had a deep connection to the world and the ancient wisdoms it provided. She had a deep empathy for all living things, and illuminated the lives of everyone she came across. With an infectious laugh and a fun loving attitude, she brightened every room she entered.

However, I don’t need to say any of this. Everyone in this room knows what I am talking about. All of you have been blessed by her presence in one way or another. We are all connected by our love and appreciation of this amazing person. She has performed so many miracles in her life and continues to do so, uniting such a big group of people.

Mum once told me her fear was that she hasn’t made a big enough impact on the world, a ridiculous idea I know, especially looking at everyone here today. She changed so many lives, in so many ways. Whenever we have an adventure, look at the sunset, or go to the beach, the slight whisper of the wind, we will remember her. A piece of her will always be with all of us. She loved and cared so deeply for everyone in her life and will always be watching over us.

Brittany was so unapologetically herself and comfortable in her own skin. She had the self confidence that many don’t have until old age, if at all.

The Haste sisters in earlier years, from left Tiana, Brittany and Aliah.

I consider myself truly blessed to be her big sister. I remember so vividly, her as a baby, calling me “Li li” because she couldn’t pronounce my name. I got to watch her grow up into the amazing, intelligent, beautiful woman we all knew and loved and I will forever be grateful for that opportunity.

One of my favourite memories is when Britt was little and first learning to walk. She could walk holding onto things but not by herself. Well mum came home from work and Britt was so excited to see her, she decided crawling wasn’t fast enough and that was the time to start walking. Of course she took her one step and fell straight down, but from a young age Britt proved that she wouldn’t let something trivial like not knowing how to walk stop her.

Hundreds farewell young cancer victim Brittany Haste

From that moment on, she continued to drive head first into any challenge, if she wanted to do something, she would find a way to do it. She was always so courageous and just wanted to experience the world, to do and see everything possible, and as everyone knows she managed to fit lifetimes worth of experiences, and achievements into such a short amount of time.

Brittany had such empathy for all living things big and small, and saw the value in even the smallest interaction. She truly appreciated life and all it’s amazing opportunities.

Her impact and spark will be forever in our heart and minds. She’ll be with all of us during all our adventures, encouraging us from the sidelines during our challenges. She’ll be my motivation to live for the moment.

I hope all of you are inspired to live life to the fullest, to make the most of every day, every moment. That’s what Britt did. She was a spark of life, a breath of fresh air, and will forever be remembered