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| Ali with 6 year old Claire Costa in 2009 |
It is thanks to her Auntie Linda that Claire Costa got to know Ali. On a trip to the United States in the 1970s Ali met and subsequently developed a close friendship with Linda Singleton who, like Ali, was born with spina bifida.
Ali (right) with Linda (left) and her mom, Carolyn, and sister, Carol, behind.
Linda's early death in 1984 was a great loss for Ali and she was pleased to keep in touch with Linda's mom, Carolyn. Some time after Carolyn's death in 1993 Ali very happily renewed contact with Linda's younger sister, Carol, who was to marry Christopher Costa and in due course give birth to Claire on that happy day 18 years ago today.
In June 2009, just a few weeks after Claire's 6th birthday, Ali and I were able to spend a few days with Carol, Christopher and Claire while visiting their home town of Colorado Springs.
Ali with Christopher and Carol Costa and six year old Claire
Ali had not seen Carol for some years and it meant much to her to see her again. Given her relationship with Linda, Carol was like a younger sister to Ali and she looked forward to meeting Christopher and Claire, who was especially delightful. 
Carol with Ali
One day, we took a trip together to Pikes Peak, which is the highest summit of the southern Front Range of the Rocky Mountains, and a place of spectacular views. It is usually mild weather in June, but on that day (5th June 2009) it was exceptionally cold, with more snow than is usually found in January or February, as the media reported. It was quite treacherous underfoot and Ali wasn't the only one to stay in the car. But Claire and I were determined to have our photo taken at the Pikes Peak sign!
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| Ali, with Claire and Christopher visible, at Pikes Peak |
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| Claire and Colin freezing at the summit (5 June 2009) |
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| Photo taken at (almost) 18. Happy Birthday Claire! |
