Feeling shell shocked and numb after enduring a murderer's endless stream of lies, I took the evening off WS and sipped wine, cuddled my dog and yes, shed a tear for Helen and Boris.
When I returned to the forum tonight, it was such a comfort to read so many warm thoughts about Helen, that big- hearted, elegant and eloquent lady who unwittingly walked into a serpent's den with her little dog, never to return.
I can't add much to all the wonderful, authentic tributes I've read here tonight but I'd like to say this: Human beings spend their lives looking for their happy ending, and that's how Helen met her tragic fate. As we observe the trial in anticipation of justice being served, we are reminded over and over that for Helen and Boris, there will be no happy ending, and that is truly heartbreaking. For myself and I know for many of us, Helen is a friend I hadn't met yet, and now sadly never will.
Helen's future sparkled with promise. She offered that wonderful future to IS, and he stole it from her. But he can never steal her style, her wit, her intellect, her empathy, her joie de vivre, her humour, her generosity, and all the special things she was, to all the people who loved and admired her. Helen will live on in the memories, hearts and minds of so many people, many of whom will never meet her. He could not even steal her love for Boris, for their love also endures.
Thanks Cottonweaver for the Smiths' song, I'm a similar age to Helen and it was one of my favourites as a teenager. 'There Is A Light That Never Goes Out' are such fitting words for Helen and Boris. Their energy and beauty will endure, long after their insignificant killer has turned to insignificant dust.
God bless Helen and Boris and everyone who shares here. X