Liam Payne’s sister Nicola has shared a heartbreaking tribute to the singer a year on from his tragic death. The One Direction star died last year following a fall from the third floor of a hotel in Buenos Aires, Argentina aged 31.
A year on, his family have been sharing devastating messages. Now, his sister Nicola has said today “marks a date I never wanted to see again.”
In an emotional message shared on Instagram, Liam’s sister shared: “A year ago today marks a date I never wanted to see again. The day our lives changed forever and our hearts were left broken, with pieces missing. That night, unaware of what you were going through, that you were alone.
“Me and Ffion watching Dinosaur on the TV and me saying to her, Next time we see Uncle Liam, he’ll be able to tell you all the dinosaurs, as he loves them. I didn’t know that as those words left my lips, and the pictures I took of the dinosaur to show you, that still sit on my phone today, that there wouldn’t be a next time.
“There wouldn’t be that chance to do something so normal to everyone else. It would never happen for us. The next thing finding out you had gone. Without a moment to comprehend, we found out with the world, praying the world had got it wrong until hours passed and it was confirmed.
“We didn’t get to say goodbye, we didn’t know all of the lasts had already happened. We sit and listen to the world’s view, a view of what we should be doing, what they think they know, and like a lot of your life, it just doesn’t seem fair. We have only received a minuscule amount of the ridicule you received in life and in death and, it’s been unbearable.”
She continued: “Over the past twelve months, you’ve never left my thoughts. We retell stories to bring you closer. I apologise and I thank you all the time for everything you have done for us and all that you allowed us to see. Those memories will be cherished forever.
“I continue to acknowledge you every day, as though you are still here with us. I talk about you with Ffion and include you in everything we do, searching the sky for the brightest star, because that’s Uncle Liam. Calming the rain before we walk to school, because that’s Uncle Liam.
“Seeing a rainbow, a butterfly, a cloud, because that’s Uncle Liam. Accidentally losing a balloon that floats gently towards the sky, knowing that means Uncle Liam has joined the celebration. But with these moments comes a pain, a pain that will never heal. There is always something, someone, missing, and I know that will remain for as long as I live.
“We will continue to talk about you always, so the kids know the precious, kind, outstanding, so utterly talented, one of a kind uncle they have. We will ensure Bear knows everything about the amazing daddy he has, not just your achievements and success over the years, but all of the things that made you you.
“The little jokes you used to tell as a kid, the things we’ve laughed about over the years, the little pranks, your thoughtfulness, how you cared, your laugh, your wish for everyone to succeed. You always loved to be our cheerleader, and the plans you had, so many plans.
“My hopes and dreams for you are still the same. That you are happy, that you know how loved you are, that you are at peace, that you have friends up above, people you can chat to, people you can be you with, that funny, loving person you are.
“I hope you still light up the spaces you enter, that your laughter brightens people’s mood, that our nans and grandads are getting you to perform whenever they get a chance, and that crowds appear to listen to the boy that sings and smiles like he was born to do. But now, I also hope that you are able to watch over us from the best seat in the house.
“Sometimes I find comfort in believing you can see the things I want to share with you, but other times it breaks my heart that we can no longer hear about your life or tell you about ours.
“I also hope that you are proud of us, and that if you are, you continue to feel proud. We really are trying here, but sometimes it’s just so damn hard. I don’t want you to be a picture on my shelf or a video on my phone. I want you here with us, where you should be.”
Nicola ended: “I love you, Liam. I will never not miss you, and will forever be so proud of you.” Liam’s sister Ruth also shared her own message to her little brother as she said she has been “paralysed” by the grief.
Liam had flown to Argentina for a five-day holiday with girlfriend Kate Cassidy to see his ex-bandmate Niall Horan’s show. Their trip got extended to two weeks, with Kate later flying back to Miami days before his death.
Liam’s blood showed traces of alcohol, cocaine and prescription anti-depressants, which would have left him severely impaired. Two suspects have been charged with supplying drugs, and both deny the allegations.
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