Sad News

If you read my previous post, you will be aware how seriously ill Ma has been over the last week. Last night the inevitable and rapid deterioration in her health continued. Having been with her all day we had decided to go for a bite to eat at my brother Bill’s, Cafe du Soleil but before we had a chance to finish eating one of the nurses from the hospice rang to say that Ma’s breathing had changed and that it would be best if we returned to be with her. We hurried back and gathered around her bedside. The nurse talked us through what we should expect to happen and reassured us that she was in no pain.

Even though Ma was finding it much harder to breath the Hospice nurse told us that she might keep going for many hours. Ma finally gave up her fight for life at about 10:20pm. She was surrounded with her family. We were holding her hands and telling her how much everyone loved her as she left us. She passed away peacefully. Our biggest regret is that Bill and Emmanuelle had been unable to be there in time, but we kept in touch with them all the way. They arrived home this morning and we have all been down to see her this afternoon.

I don’t think there is much else to say at this point except thank you to all those who have visited or sent messages of love to Ma in her final days. Naturally she has always been loved by all her family but it is so comforting to know how many close friends she has made over the years who will miss her, as we will. We are now starting to make plans to give her a big send off and a celebration of her life.

This photo was taken just a few weeks ago with my sister, Alison and is how we will remember her.