An ending
Oh what a difficult post to write. I’m still seeking a balance between personal and public on this blog, so if you don’t like personal, then this post is not for you.
My mother, Barbara Lloyd, passed away May 28th – she had been fighting a long battle with breast cancer, and in the end, the disease won. Here’s a picture my Dad took of her, in happier times – this is how we all like to remember her:
Barbara Lloyd: June 17, 1931 - May 28, 2010
I will say my mum received absolutely amazing care, from her community and especially from the staff at the palliative care unit of the local NHS trust, “Y Bwthyn Newydd”. All four of her children were with her in the final week of her life, and in the end she just slipped away so peacefully with a summer rain falling on the gardens outside.
Although I have college age children of my own, I still find I’m not ready to be an orphan, probably no-one ever is, really. My mother did so many different things in her life, and did all of them with such generosity and energy. She’ll be missed and remembered by colleagues, friends and family, but most of all by her two sons and two daughters – she was many things to many people in her full life, but to us she will always simply be the best mother ever.
Those do look like happy and peaceful times indeed Sarah. The fact that all four her children were with her in her final hours of her life means that you all loved her and lived a peaceful life with her. What a blessed life.
Thanks for your kind thoughts, Rachele
Thank you Susan – I’m sure you are right. Of course we are meant to outlive our parents, but your mother must have been very young when you lost her – I’m sorry to hear that.
Sarah, I’m so sorry to hear of this loss in your family. I know how it feels. My husband and I are without our mothers too. I can tell you from 22 years without my mother that she’s with me nearly all the time…in my thoughts and my heart. I think you will find that too…your mum will be sort of a constant companion. Take care.
Sarah, I am so sorry for your loss.
Thank you Joseph for your kind thoughts – she has nothing to be afraid of any more
Thank you Kim – what you can’t see in B&W is that she had the brightest blue eyes, not like my wishy-washy hazel.
Thank you Steph – thank you!
Sarah, I am very sorry to hear the news of your mother. When you posted the information on the trip to Wales, I had a sad, sad feeling the illness was hers and that the outcome would be what it was. But at least you were all together at the end. There’s a comfort in that. I’ve lost both parents and a younger brother. My father was alone in an extended care facility, but family was there for both my brother and mother, and it helped us all, I think. Paul’s right. Keep telling her story. I do think our parents live on in us.
Sarah, I’m so sorry. You and your mum look so much alike. What a blessing you were all able to be with her in Wales.
Sarah,
I’m so sorry to hear of your loss.
My thoughts are with you today.
Thank you, Grace, Kate and Paul – and Paul, yes, I will keep telling her story.
I’m saddened to hear of your loss Sarah, you have my deepest sympathies. People go on living so long as their loved ones tell their stories. Keep telling her story.
How beautiful. I am so sorry for your loss.
Sarah, you and your family have my deepest sympathy.