Australian swimming icon Lisa Curry has received an outpouring of love and support from fans across the country as she marks the third anniversary of her daughter’s passing.
Jaimi was only 33 years old when she tragically passed away in 2020 after reportedly suffering from a long health battle.
Australians from near and far rallied around the 61-year-old after she posted a series of moving photos celebrating her daughter’s life alongside a touching message.
“3 years ago, our beautiful daughter Jaimi took her last breath,” she wrote.
“We all love you and miss you everyday Jaimi and hope you’re at peace. It still feels like yesterday.
“It’s been a shit and sad week, where I’ve needed lots of hugs and constantly wiping my tears away. I tell myself to breathe because I know it’s a bad day, not a bad life.
“I’m doing ok… but feeling sad on the inside while trying to be happy on the outside is overwhelming and feels exhausting. Sometimes I look in the mirror and see a mess, sometimes I see the old Lisa. The path to recovery is long and can only be done in my own time.
“The last 3 years has been a long, slow, painful, uneventful decline in my health and my soul I talk out loud, frustratingly scolding myself to get my shit together. There are days when I don’t care about anything.
“I need to change that talk to be more positive and give myself permission that it’s ok to move forward.
“Moving on doesn’t mean letting go. I will never let her go.”
The post garnered an outpouring of support and love from fans and those close to Curry, many expressing their admiration for Curry’s strength and resilience in the face of such a devastating loss.
“Sending all my love and hugs your way Lis. Thinking of you and holding you in my heart always,” one fan wrote.
“You’re very brave Lisa, sending strength and a big hug….we who have lost a piece of our heart knows how hard it is.”
“The words I say will never ease the pain but know you are a beautiful strong woman who inspires more people than you would ever know with your honest and raw feelings on grief. Hugs to you,” another commented.
“I hope that you find a little comfort in the fact that you would have helped so many other people going through similar grief. Sending much needed hugs and sunshine.”
Since losing her daughter and later her mother, Curry has remained candid about her grief and the challenges she has faced, using her platform to raise awareness about mental health and offering solace to others who may be dealing with similar struggles.
In a previous post, Curry opened up about the importance of persevering through personal anguish to support others.
“Get up, dress up, show up and do what you need to do no matter how hard it is,” she wrote.
“Today I spoke at the Nurses & Midwives Wellness Conference in Melbourne.
“My topic was Demonstrating Hope – on strength and navigating through crisis.
“A very difficult topic for me but each time I speak it does get a tiny bit easier. It’s still hard, and there were plenty of tears, but I knew I was safe in this conference and could be myself.
“I know I am not alone in walking this unimaginable path. Grief is a process we have to go through but over time healing starts to take place. At least I can laugh again. But I’m exhausted and my body aches. I feel like I’m in a hole and I just can’t get out. But each day the brave face goes on and I keep going.
“I have to remind myself: the crack is where the light starts to shine through.
“You don’t know how strong you are until that’s the only choice you have.
“A huge thank you to each and every nurse. You are so appreciated. You are living your life to help save others.
“When we are exhausted, overwhelmed, and our battery is at 1%. Take a breath. Look after your SELF Make the healthy choices. Everything will be ok.”
MENTAL HEALTH DISCLAIMER: If you or anyone you know needs help: Lifeline — 13 11 14; MensLine Australia — 1300 789 978; BeyondBlue — 1300 224 636; Suicide Call Back Service — 1300 659 467; Headspace — 1800 650 890; Kids Helpline — 1800 551 800