It is time to move from the "Care Giver Support" area into the "Dealing with Loss" section.
Sharon's passing on the 26th was as nice as I had ever hoped for. All her family was here for the whole weekend, including some nieces and nephews and one of our closest friends visited on Saturday. Our wedding anniversary was Saturday and my sisters birthday was Sunday. When I went to bed beside Sharon that Saturday evening I didn't sleep but lay there wondering which of those two celebratory days would, in the future, also mark her passing. As the clock passed midnight I kissed her and told her that we had made it another year and that my sister would be happy to share her birthday - Sharon passed away a little before 3:00 a.m. I stayed with her until 6ish, put the coffee on then went to wake our daughters. They said I could have come earlier as none of them had been sleeping all night either, but, I had enjoyed my last few hours in bed with her.
On the Monday we had a family farewell to Sharon before she went off for cremation. Sharon's life had been about children and family. She had worked in and supervised childcare centres, taught Parenting Skill courses, provided family counselling, and lead courses providing literacy, numeracy, and empathy skills to children and their families. In keeping with her background I chose a very simple unfinished wood casket that the children decorated with markers and the adults inscribed with messages of farewell - it suited her perfectly
This past Saturday we held a community memorial and a celebration of Sharon's life at our local hall. I never knew I could cry for 4 hours! But early in the day the tears changed from those of sadness to those of joy, gratitude, and appreciation as I was reminded again and again what an impact Sharon had on people. From childhood friends to present friends, from colleagues to neighbours, from distant relatives to old friends we had lost touch with over the years, the outpouring of support and tribute was wonderful. One of our closest friends did a painting of Sharon, based on a photo I took several years ago, that I will treasure forever as it captures her so well.
Yesterday the last of our family left. I was alone for the first time. It is strange, but I am still exhausted and grateful for the quiet. Today I am making the calls notifying banks, insurance, etc. and cleaning up. Actually, right now I am procrastinating - but coming on TP seems like a good break from those other chores.
The pics are of two of our grandsons decorating Granny's casket, and of the painting our friend did for me.
Sharon's passing on the 26th was as nice as I had ever hoped for. All her family was here for the whole weekend, including some nieces and nephews and one of our closest friends visited on Saturday. Our wedding anniversary was Saturday and my sisters birthday was Sunday. When I went to bed beside Sharon that Saturday evening I didn't sleep but lay there wondering which of those two celebratory days would, in the future, also mark her passing. As the clock passed midnight I kissed her and told her that we had made it another year and that my sister would be happy to share her birthday - Sharon passed away a little before 3:00 a.m. I stayed with her until 6ish, put the coffee on then went to wake our daughters. They said I could have come earlier as none of them had been sleeping all night either, but, I had enjoyed my last few hours in bed with her.
On the Monday we had a family farewell to Sharon before she went off for cremation. Sharon's life had been about children and family. She had worked in and supervised childcare centres, taught Parenting Skill courses, provided family counselling, and lead courses providing literacy, numeracy, and empathy skills to children and their families. In keeping with her background I chose a very simple unfinished wood casket that the children decorated with markers and the adults inscribed with messages of farewell - it suited her perfectly
This past Saturday we held a community memorial and a celebration of Sharon's life at our local hall. I never knew I could cry for 4 hours! But early in the day the tears changed from those of sadness to those of joy, gratitude, and appreciation as I was reminded again and again what an impact Sharon had on people. From childhood friends to present friends, from colleagues to neighbours, from distant relatives to old friends we had lost touch with over the years, the outpouring of support and tribute was wonderful. One of our closest friends did a painting of Sharon, based on a photo I took several years ago, that I will treasure forever as it captures her so well.
Yesterday the last of our family left. I was alone for the first time. It is strange, but I am still exhausted and grateful for the quiet. Today I am making the calls notifying banks, insurance, etc. and cleaning up. Actually, right now I am procrastinating - but coming on TP seems like a good break from those other chores.
The pics are of two of our grandsons decorating Granny's casket, and of the painting our friend did for me.
