Life after losing Sjaan
Close family struggles with death
EVERYONE would feel important if it was up to Sjaan Van Ansem - her life mantra was to “be somebody who makes everybody feel like somebody”.
The 21-year-old liked people to feel special regardless of their age, gender and familiarity.
Her qualities will now become her legacy, as the Forest Hill woman’s family and friends remember her after she died on Friday, December 14.
Sjaan was found submerged in an outdoor spa at the family home on Wednesday, December 12, after suffering a suspected medical episode.
Medical professionals are yet to confirm the cause of the episode but suspect Sjaan suffered a heart arrhythmia, which rendered her unconscious.
Sjaan’s brother Alex found his sister and performed CPR until paramedics arrived.
Her mother, Sandy Van Ansem, thinks about her daughter in every moment of every day.
“Sjaan showed us you don’t have to be the smartest or the prettiest,” she said.
“You can still make your way in the world by being a good person and being respectful of other people by finding your passion and following your dreams.”
Sjaan was a keen cricketer, soccer player and motor enthusiast.
“I miss playing cricket in the backyard on a Sunday afternoon and I miss the million texts,” Mrs Van Ansem said.
“We would text three or four times a day about everything and nothing.
“My heart is broken into a million pieces that no amount of gold can put back together.
“I will always have a Sjaan-shaped hole in my heart.”
Mrs Van Ansem is still coming to grips with the unexpected death of her only daughter.
“I keep expecting her car to come up the driveway with country music blaring,” Mrs Van Ansem said.
“We are all struggling because this shouldn’t happen, this isn’t how life is supposed to be. You expect to bury your parents; you don’t expect to bury your child.”
Mrs Van Ansem urged others to become aware of their health.
“If anything good can come from Sjaan’s death, I would suggest if anyone suspects that they’re having a panic attack or heart palpitations, go and get checked,” she said.