Almost a year since the untimely death of Liam Payne, his sister Nicola Payne is paying tribute to her little brother in a touching message.
To commemorate what would have been the ex-One Direction star’s 32nd birthday on August 29, Nicola recalled her last memory of him when looking back on their last family gathering together.
“Today a year ago, we were so full of hope and anticipation for what the next years had in store for you,” Nicola posted on Instagram. She remembered their humble but sentimental celebration: a bowling night and McDonald’s with laughter, happiness, and aspirations for Liam’s future. “That evening, marking your birthday with bowling and McDonald’s, we celebrated you, your show, your aspirations, and discussed all of the things you had planned for the future.”
Nicola’s update showed how much that night meant to her, because it would turn out to be the last time she spent with her brother, who suddenly died in October 2023 after a fatal fall from a hotel balcony in Argentina. “We had ended the night with a hug, praising you and saying how much we loved you,” she went on. “If only I’d known that would be the last time I’d ever look at you,”
She wrote her regret over not having more time, “I wish I had a time machine so I could go back to that night, hug you closer, take in your smile and voice, ask more questions and get it all written down so I never forgot.
In finishing off her birthday note, Nicola addressed Liam personally: “I hope you’re happy, at peace and know just how deeply you are loved. I miss you every single day… So today, on your birthday, I want to wish you the happiest heavenly birthday. Wherever you are, I hope you’re celebrating and hopefully you’ve scored a few strikes too.”
Liam’s girlfriend Kate Cassidy was also seen mourning him with the followers, writing a heartfelt birthday message. “It breaks my heart being that I can’t hand you a physical birthday card today. That I can’t hear your laugh, or tell you all the things I wish I’d said a thousand more times,” she wrote.
Cassidy, 26, recalled the amount of happiness and light that Liam had in her life and in so many others. “In your 31 years on this planet, you brought so much joy, happiness and hope to so many, especially to me. I hope you know how brightly you still shine, even up there.”
Vowing to keep his memory alive, she went on, “I will celebrate you even more today, honor your life, and hold dear the lovely moments we’ve shared. August 29th will be a date which will reside in my heart for the remainder of my lifetime. I love you so much.”
Both tributes prove that Liam Payne left an enormous mark on those surrounding him and how his untimely death has created an enduring gap in their lives.
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