Thinking of you Mons, remembering the time we got “lost” on the Garibaldi Lake hike :) Was really special to catch up with your mum earlier this year.

The Tour de Victoria raced through the city yesterday. I will always think of you flying past the finish line with a huge smile on your face. I love you!

Remembering you always Mon, especially when the hummingbirds visit us on our deck. With love forever, Maureen and John

Thinking of you today, Helga, Andy and Colette -- and the many many others who will always feel the loss.

Here we are again.
This is not a day I want to remember.
After three years it is still too painful.
The memory of your presence, your laugh, your hugs is so clear.
The sense of loss hasn’t diminished.
I miss you so much Monica. 

I wore your pearl earrings when I went to the Butterfly Garden because I thought you would love it. You were there with me, laughing at the parrots as they dominated the conversation.

Happy Birthday Mons. We always feel the connection with you and are thinking of you. It was so nice to catch up with your mum earlier this year and reflect on all the smiles. Lots of love.

Happy birthday Moni!!! I think of you always and miss you so deeply. Remember when I wanted to treat you to Disneyland for your birthday in 2007 and your friends all kept you out so late partying and I dragged you out of bed with a splitting headache and no sleep so I could whisk you away to LA and we got to epically and thoroughly enjoy the happiest place on earth???? I’m pretty sure I could have booked a later flight, but what would have been the fun in that? It was the best birthday gift I could think of for my favourite person in the whole world. Some highlights were you getting a makeover at the Bippity Boppity Boutique and riding EVERYTHING! Aw man, I forgot that we got season tickets to play land and would go all the time too. You were always the thrill-seeker. From sandboarding to sketchy border crossings and the best rollercoasters, we enjoyed life to the fullest together and I miss you. We made sure we left no stone unturned and did as many side quests as we could, and even got to see the best parade with the best and most heart-triggering music that sent you into tears!!! I poked fun at you at the time and we both laughed at how Disney can just GET YOU, but Man, did I think of you when we went to Disneyland just this last year and covid restrictions said “no parades” but then there WAS a parade and I genuinely felt that you had something to do with that. Especially cause I burst into tears thinking of you, and then laughed thinking of how that would be your way of getting back at me. It was a magical trip and I felt your presence the whole time. I love you, Moni. My dear dear friend.

Thinking of you always.

Happy Birthday Monica.

Its your birthday, miss your greatness mon-ster

Love & Miss You, Momo!!!

We share a birthday month Mon. Always have, always will. I'm thinking of you and sending you much love and best wishes. You're 38 today and on June 28th, I'll be 75. I know you'll be thinking of me. xoxo Maureen aka Mo Mac

Mon, I'm always thinking of you and wishing you a happy birthday today. The summer sunshine, ocean breeze, and mountain views make me smile thinking of all our fun summer adventures, including trips to Sean's cabin on the Sunshine Coast, camping in the interior, and road trips to the Gorge to watch our favourite concerts. Your friendship lasts forever and still brings joy and magic! xo

Seeing your smile in my mind's eye today, and it's warming my heart.

Thinking of you today and missing you ever day..

Spent the day in the mountains yesterday, found some beautiful wild flowers and the night prior played some hilarious relay games (egg on spoon in mouth race, boot toss) and thought of you. Tomorrow is your birthday and I’ll be sure to find some Gerbera Daisies ❤️

          
            E V E R Y D A Y
            thinking of you
             remembering
   your positive playful energy
your smile, your giggle, your laugh
  your firm, loving, focused hugs
              missing you
               everyday

Monica, Thanks for coming to me yesterday at a time when I really needed it. You made me smile and brought light into my dark day. I can always count on you for that. Love you!

Hey Mons, thinking of you today and sending well wishes to all of your family and friends. We are all so lucky to have shared such great moments together and be inspired by you.

Keeping Monica in my heart and in my thoughts today, as I take a walk along the river and soak in the beauty of nature. 

Dear Monica,
Yesterday was your birthday. I think, in true Monica fashion, you were a busy bee spending time with the many people on this earth and elsewhere who love you.

This morning I was leafing through an old journal and came across your name. A sacred pause. Of the many gifts you shared in your life and beyond, this one I feel especially grateful for.

When you sidle up in my heart, there is no other option but to pause. I close my eyes, feel my eyelids fluttering as your come into my consciousness. In my chest, a kind of hum--which is so fitting and makes me smile. This vibrating, hummingbird energy spreads through my body and there is a sense of being connected to you.

In my mind's eye, we are side by side, surrounded by this big, beautiful, fuchsia energy.

I miss you Mon. I'm going back to Vancouver for a visit this week and feel a heaviness knowing that I won't get to see you, at least not in the traditional sense.

I'm remembering how on past visits we would often meet at Starbucks on Kits Beach. I would always get a coffee of some variety, but you, being the sweet-loving hummingbird woman that you are, would get some unusual creation, like peppermint tea with a few pumps of chocolate-flavoured syrup.

We would walk along the beach and talk about our work and relationships, foods we were into, random things that had happened, plans for the future...

Lots of laughter but always too, some foray into the bigger questions. A comfy swing between the mundane and profound. Never a dull conversation with you Monica. And always, your incredible ability to lift me up from some of my darker moments, into the bright sunshine-y light.

It's a beautiful day today. In a little while, I will take my coffee down to the secret garden, a lovely shady area in the backyard that I think of as our spot. I will sit on the wooden bench, listen to the wind riffle through the pear trees and the hum of the highway (you would have a positive spin on this particular sound I know).

Pause. Feel the weight of this grief.

But feel too, the sense of magic and tiny bubbles of joy that arise when you are near.

I miss you friend, today and always.

I'll be here in our spot, saving you a seat beside me.

Hey Monica,

Today is your birthday and I’ve been thinking of you all day. It’s been a warm sunny day, just the way you like it, and we have a large brightly colourful bouquet of Gerbera flowers on the kitchen table.
I saw Oma today. We talked about you, looked at old photos and remembered your annual birthday request for Oma’s pie made with fresh strawberries and a pecan nut crust.
I miss you Monica and in recent weeks I’ve really been missing your genuine, exuberant laugh. No one else laughs the same as you. I’ve been searching unsuccessfully for a video of you laughing. Thankfully Ryan has found and shared one with us. I’m hoping more of those videos will surface in the coming weeks.

Sending you Hugs Full of Love,
Today and Always,
Mom

P.S. Your webpage reached a milestone 17,000 views today.

Thinking of you on your birthday and all the great memories we shared together…

Happy Birthday Monica, my birthday Buddy! You are so greatly missed by oh so many people. Remembered for your kindness and active spirit, you will always be loved. Just one more hour left in our birthday but you of all people know how much can get done in that time. ;-)
 I keep the hummingbird feeder fresh, and think of you each time one comes by. Your Hummingbird Spirit continue to live on. Fly high and far.
Love always, Auntie Edie

Wishing Monica a Happy Birthday today and sending lots of love! xo

Do not stand at my grave and weep
I am not there; I do not sleep.
I am a thousand winds that blow,
I am the diamond glints on snow,
I am the sun on ripened grain,
I am the gentle autumn rain.
When you awaken in the morning's hush
I am the swift uplifting rush
Of quiet birds in circled flight.
I am the soft stars that shine at night.
Do not stand at my grave and cry,
I am not there; I did not die

This poem made me think of Monica and some others we lost last year.

do-not-stand-by-my-grave-and-weep-by-mary-elizabeth-frye

Just randomly this week a colleague told me what a hummingbird symbolizes in their culture: It's when you're able to do something that you shouldn't be able to do.
Seems like it describes our Monica well :)

A year has gone by Monica and it still feels like yesterday.
This website offers to "leave a candle" which reminds me of the time in San Francisco we went to that church in Haight Ashbury and left a candle for our grandparents, lamenting that we sorely missed them. I didn't ever think that I'd be here doing the same for you (albeit virually).
Your spirit still lives on and I often find myself thinking WWMD.
If there's any respite in you being gone, it's the positive impact you have had on all of our lives to be and do better, and I'm still thanking you for that.
Love and miss you beautiful xx

Hey Mons, I miss you. I think you know how I’ve struggled with the fact that you won't be there when I visit Van next. Forgive me for not posting on here earlier but hopefully you’ve heard me in other ways :) Remember that time on the seawall and how we always said that no matter where we end up in the world, Vancouver will always be home!? Can't wait to visit Van again and do the Grind in your honour and find some way of paying tribute to the incredible impact you've had on my life and so many others. Miss you and love you. 

Dear Monica, I've been missing you for a fiew days now...our family was together last week in Paradise, we all thought about you. Your visits here were always so joyous. I find solace in all the memories you gave us. I'm sure you are having and guiding adventures and making an impact on the next souls you encounter. I hope they have plenty of peanut butter and bananas..lol.. I miss you Monica and wish I would have had you for longer. Love Ann xo

Miss you Monica…

Hi Monica,

It’s raining today, just like a year ago, although the rain isn’t quite as heavy as last year. We have a bouquet of sunflowers and a lit beeswax candle on the kitchen table along with some cut watermelon.

I have believed for many years that you were heaven sent. The tributes, stories, comments, reflections received this past year have me more convinced of it. You were here to show us how easy it is to enjoy life and make this world a better place. You demonstrated that it doesn’t need to be difficult. It just takes a little will, a little thought, a little effort. Every small change makes a difference. By your example you have influenced others. YOU made a difference. Some people have said, “We need more Monica.” We would have loved to have had more Monica in our life. Now WE can endeavour to BE more Monica. A little more Love, Joy, Compassion, Adventure, Social Consciousness, Environmental Awareness that’s all it takes. It starts by avoiding excuses. Just do it and make it happen.

Heaven has recalled an Angel. Some people say “Rest in Peace” and I chuckle. The Monica I know is not resting. I believe you are as active as ever. Not only are you socializing, running, swimming, cycling but now you are FLYING! With the energy, efficiency and effectiveness of a hummingbird you continue to do what you do so well. You are greeting and embracing the overwhelming number of souls who are joining you. Someday, but not too soon, I too look forward to being welcomed and embraced by you. In the meantime I will try to remember little things do make a difference. I will try to let go of excuses and make this world a better place. I will BE more Monica.

I am very grateful for the years I had with you and so very proud of the adventurous, compassionate, accomplished, globally aware person you became.

Thinking of you today with my broken heart
and as always I am sending you
Hugs Full of Love,
Mom

PS Just in case you wondered -
Your memorial webpage is approaching 16,000 visits!

So many heavy hearts today, around the world.  But that smile is every bit as bright in my memory.

I think of Monica often, but more so today. It's still so incomprehensible. I'm not a person she knew for years or had a long history with, but the time I had with her meant a lot to me, and hopefully to her as well. I miss her. With her in mind, yesterday I bought myself a luxury can of Passionfruit scented shave cream (you'll have to find a previous post of mine to read why) and smiled. She made a lasting impact on my life, and I'll always feel lucky that our paths crossed, even if it was for such a devastatingly short time. Holding all those who loved her close in my heart, and praying for all to find some moments of peace and beauty today.

Thinking of you Mon, and sending out love to all your loved ones missing you today xo

Thinking of Monica this morning, and how she continues to be a light in the lives of everyone she met.

Remembering, and sending love to Andy, Helga, Collette and Ryan.

I know this is really late, but I only found out about her passing today. I'm not sure how I could miss something like this.

The first time I ever met Monica, she said "Hey! I'm a hugger!" and gave me a lovely embrace. I worked with her at Jump! when I was recommended to reach out to her by an old teacher of ours. The first few times I worked with her, she made me feel so welcomed to the programs and so involved, even though I was just a newbie. She was so incredibly understanding when I would get overwhelmed with new information, and helped me figure it out in such a kind and gentle way.

I worked with her after her haemorrhage and I could not believe that such perseverance could exist in a single person. Just because she was blind in one eye did not stop her from much, just driving a car. She told me about a special shirt she made to wear during triathlons that said "left side blind," I'm sure that made her competitors all the more impressed. But she would just do it out of love of the sport.

Monica is what I want to be when I grow up, even though I am already 22. She was always, always positive in the face of adversity and loved life more than anyone I have ever met. The last email I sent her was thanking her for everything she has done for me and others, and how much I admired her strength. 

Thank you again, Monica for agreeing to meet with me that one April afternoon. I could never thank you enough.

Love (especially to everyone who reads this),
Tria ❤️

Monica..The BEAUTIFUL .., I dreamt about photography last night, I'm sure Monica felt my longing..to be inspired , to remember that life is precious and to find beauty in everyday moments. To see things big or small as miracles that affect our existence. A story comes to mind with this an occasion in which her wonder and excitement overflowed. It was a warm summer morning and Monica returned from her run...she was bouncing with excitement ( literally bouncing) " I have to tell you something!" As I looked down on her from the upper cottage bedroom window I smiled and felt excited to hear what the next adventure would bestow us. Her charm was infectious...Monica was awaiting something..a sign. It was her 6month recovery day from her brain stroke. Miraculous as it was she dared to push boundaries fiew of us will ever imagine. Her innocence and open heart to receive allowed her to experience and to my benefit hear the sprinkling of magic she shared. As her run came to a close that day she encountered a sign..for her crossing the dirt road in our Paradise was a glistening spider web...( if you know Monica she did not like spiders or their webs...another funny story) she knew she had to break the line..it was a beginning but also a finish line..she recalled how she put her arms up in the air and ran through it..." I made it !" Tears filled her yes...Ryan hugged her and I said " that was beautiful!" Oh Monica...I miss your stories, how you saw light in all. Thank you for coming to see me in my dream, I will try to capture more life from the memories you gave and remember that you are here with me, in Paradise to share all the beautiful moments life has to give. Love xo

Dear Helga, Andy and Colette,
We wanted to share a memory of Monica that has touched us so many times over many, many years. Monica wrote Mum, Ida, a note about how Mum influenced her love of travel. It wasn't the context of the note that touched us, although very dear, it was the fact that she took the time to write this to our Mother. The note hung on Mum's bulletin board for many years and we all remember reading it many times over those years.
The Davis family holds a special place in our hearts and we will all miss Monica and her beautiful and kind heart very, very much.
With Love,
Silvia, Isabel and Karl Reichenback

This week marks 3 months since Monica's passing. I am reminded of her daily - of the friendship we shared, the values she lived by, and the sadness of her loss. While we stay separated during this difficult fall/winter, I am reminded of how positive Monica was, how she pushed herself through challenges and always treated others with love and respect. I am also reminded that she rarely, if ever, would buy a to-go drink if she didn't have her own mug! I've done well avoiding coffee shops where they only allow single-use cups right now. Thanks Mon for inspiring me to do better even when you are gone. xo

I've really enjoyed reading others tributes and stories about Monica. A common theme is this positivity and lightness that she exuded. I love the connections people have made to hummingbirds, dragonflies, and butterflies. I think of Mon when I hear wind chimes. I was just out for a walk (it was a beautiful, blue sky, fall day) and I heard some ringing just as I was coming home. I like to think maybe she's saying hi :) I'm thinking of her often and she's still making me smile.

We had a small gathering today to remember our friend, and Helga asked me to post what was read before we all joined in for the Monica Davis Memorial Scream Race. It felt like exactly something she would have loved. Here's the prayer of thanksgiving that was read:

Thank you God for my friend Monica.

We are thankful for our time with her. Her joy and enthusiasm has left a lasting mark on our lives. Although we so desperately wish there was more time, I can’t think of a person who made better use of their time on earth than Monica.

We are thankful to have experienced her spirit and energy. Monica was like a lightning bolt. She changed any environment she entered, charging it with energy. Her spirit and energy was infectious. I know we will all try to continue her good work and spread positivity and kindness in her memory.

Thank you for filling her life with meaning and wonder. Listening to Monica’s stories, it was obvious that her sense of wonder went around the world with her. She was inspired to discover what the world had to offer. She chose jobs that meant something to her. She was always passionate and articulate speaking about the meaningful work she has done, and had so many stories, I wish I could hear them all.

Thank you for guiding her and Ryan to one another. Ryan has always held a special place in my heart, we’ve grown up together in a sense. When we met Monica the first time, there was a sense of “yes, that’s the one. He’s found her”. I’m so grateful for the love they shared, and my heart breaks at the loss.

We are thankful for each other. We have strength together, and we know that we can lean into one another as we process what our lives will look like with a piece of our hearts missing. We will continue to celebrate together, laugh together, and love together. It’s how Monica would have wanted it.

I miss my friend, and am thankful for the gift she was to my life.

I recently remembered a moment that I was really grateful for Monica's grace and positivity. It was our 10 year high school reunion at London Pub. During all of the angst that comes with an event like this, one of our classmates passed out (not from booze!). I personally felt a little awkward and wasn't sure what to do, but then enter Monica. She helped her to her feet, got her sorted out and was able to settle everybody into some relieved laughter. She made it look easy. I'll remember her as a great woman who encouraged people and built them up. Xo

Dear Colette, Helga and Andrew,
It was with complete disbelief, then shock, that I heard this news that Monica has died. I won't be able to fully express (like many others!) my sadness but want to say that I have been thinking a lot about you and your family and Monica's fiance (who I haven't had the pleasure of meeting). I am just so sorry, Colette, that you have lost your sister and, Helga and Andrew, your daughter. I cannot imagine what you have and are still going through. It is the kind of scary thing that makes you hold on tighter to the loved ones you have, and makes everything in the world look and seem different. I am sure every action and conversation is now laced with both sadness and happy memories. My memories of Monica are both soccer (soccer and soccer!) and how good of a sister she was with you, Colette. You are both cut from the same practical, adventurous, fun and always funny cloth. The lasting image for me will be Monica with her toes in the sand and the handheld radio crackling.
Sending you all huge, non-physically distanced, covid inappropriate, hugs and love. Liz.

To Monica's family & friends - it was a shock as I am sure for all of us to here of Monica's passing - I met Monica in August of 2018 while being contracted to work for Educo. Monica's smile and warm heart will be missed. A true light has gone on to universe for all of us to see. May you find peace in remembering her good adventures on our earth plain. Karen

I met Monica when she was only 13 and she was a sweet and enthusiastic participant in my youth group at St Mary’s Kerrisdale. She made everything more fun! Whether it was a “bigger and better scavenger hunt” (adult tricycle) or a bible study (1John) or a weekend of fun at Whistler (boys in the girls’ room, tsk tsk) or Salt Spring Island (painted toe nails) her bright smile and bubbly personality lit up the event. When Monica was 19 she went with me and a group of young adults to El Salvador. I remember visiting a prison in the city of San Miguel and how BIG her eyes were as we entered that terrible place. We were there to lead worship among the prisoners and I remember how clearly and sweetly her voice carried across the enclosure as we sang songs like “We Are Marching In The Light Of God.” She brightened a dark place. Afterwards, in the scorching heat on a dusty street she reflected on the experience while sipping Coke from a glass bottle; she found the significance in that experience so rare for a kid from the west side of Vancouver, and commiserated with Eileen who had had a sudden onset of tummy troubles in that very inconvenient place. Years later, she caught up with me and another group in El Salvador while she just so happened to be backpacking through Central America. At Christmas in 2009, while she was staffing the Olympic torch relay she joined me and my family for Christmas dinner in London, ON - it just so happened we were all in the same city at the same time. Then, in 2013 (I think?) I was back in Vancouver on the same weekend as the Vancouver Sun Run. And who but a Monica should just happen to have been on the floor of the stadium after I crossed the finish line? Typically, she greeted me with “Kebino!!” and hugged me like I was her best friend in the whole world. She had a way of making people- me! - feel special and loved. I miss Monica even though we haven’t seen one another in a long time. She was a beautiful soul, a rare example of what it is to be fully alive. Truly, her quip was true: “‘Why not?’ is the slogan of an interesting life.” I thank God for Monica’s life, even though it was too short, and I am so glad she filled it with so much living.

Dear Ryan, Andrew, Helga, Colette, and Monica's two nieces,

Several weeks have passed and my heart is still aching over the news of Monica's passing. As I try to come to terms with the gut-wrenching loss of the most beautiful and loving friend, my thoughts are with you and I send you love and strength as you navigate the unimaginable pain and the long path of grief and healing. I haven't met all of you, but Monica spoke of you often and somehow I feel like I do know you through her stories - she spoke of you often and loved you all so much. She was especially proud of her two little nieces.

I met Monica in 2014 when we worked together at the David Suzuki Foundation. I'm so grateful that our lives collided because she became a dear friend. I have many memories - lunchtime walks at DSF, dinner dates after work downtown when our offices were just a few blocks apart after we both moved on from DSF, a sweet weekend at Mt Baker with Ryan, Andrew, and Edgar, picnic dinners in the park, movies, the ghost train in Stanley Park. In a city where it can be difficult to make connections, Monica was so generous about inviting us to connect and hang out. I last saw Monica on a sunny Saturday in July when we met up for take-out Thai food at Kits beach. I remember that she looked so radiant - beautiful and glowing with happiness in a lovely summer dress, so full of life and excitement for the future. We really connected through conversation that evening and I'm so grateful that I have that final special memory and feeling of closeness to cherish.

As so many have already expressed, Monica was a ray of light and optimism - a good counterbalance and antidote to my cup-half-empty personality. Being around her always encouraged me to see the world more positively and find the light in darkness. I've been reflecting lately how I can honour Monica's life. Reading the stories on this page, I realize how much we all treasured the effort that Monica made to issue invitations, to visit when nobody else would, to make everyone feel like they meant something special to her. Over the last few weeks, I've been trying to reach out to friends more, say hello on the street when I could look the other way - and I feel her with me each time.

On the day that I learned about Monica's death, I walked - stunned and in disbelief - to a beach in Stanley Park. As I looked out at the blue ocean and tears stung my eyes, I was overcome with the feeling that although she didn't want to leave us so soon, her spirit was somehow at peace.

To Ryan and Monica's family - please reach out for support when you need it. I know that if this tragic situation was reversed, Monica would have been the first to reach out and be there to support. We're here for you.

Keith Clay & I adored Monica. She was so full of life, with a most beautiful smile that would light up a room! Her infectious laugh made her so much fun to be around.
We looked forward to running into her occasionally on the seawall or around Spanish Banks. She had a gift of making us feel like we were the most important persons in her life at that moment.
She was so kind to others and was a real treasure. We will miss her and are so blessed to have had the opportunity to know her, if only for a short while.
The world was a better place with Monica in it.

Our hearts go out to her family, her fiancé, and her many friends. Keep memories of the happy times you had with Monica close to your heart.
Her spirit will be with us forever.

Monica was a special kind of person.

Everyone she talked to felt important.
She was welcoming and unafraid.
She touched many people's lives with her endless energy and positivity.
She connected people.
She saw opportunities.
She said 'yes' without hesitation.

She was always open to embracing new challenges and experiences, but especially to embracing people.