Central Plateau, North Island

Central Plateau, North Island
View from a friend's farm

Thursday 10 November 2011

Farewell , my Mum-in-Law

Last night Muriel, Hugh’s mum and my Mum-in-Law slipped quietly and peacefully   away on her final journey.
This photo is her with the flowers her  youngest brother, Robin, sent  on 27th April 2011.
She was 97 years old, and the flowers a wonderful surprise.
Robin was living in Sydney with his daughter Maree , and the florist delivered them to our door .
Maree, this was the best gift of all that day,Thank you again so much.
You had a good day, ate a great dinner, and at 7.30 the usual words, “ Yes, I’m ready for bed,I knew you would be coming”.
10 minutes later,  I held you in my arms, Hugh close by, and we  said goodbye.
Muriel and flowers 27 April 2011
But this was no ordinary occasion. You did it in such style!!!!.
The First Response St John Ambulance car came rushing in, John driving,  he was here  very soon after we dialled 111, closely followed by
Ruth, a single crew St John Ambulance .
But because Ruth was on her own, the Fire Brigade came as well, all lights flashing.!!!
2 men,with their fire protective clothing, hard hats and big boots, came rushing inside.
No fire, we are all safe. Thank you so much.
Joyce, with her calm presence, and loving arms,enfolded Hugh and me with such comfort.
By this time some names escaped me.
What were our neighbours wondering???
Then because our doctor lives in Wanganui, the next Ambulance came as well,
 in case they needed to sign forms.Another man and lady, again thank you so much,
 I didn’t get your names either.The care and support from all these was appreciated so very much, and maybe while all in their day and night's work, is special to those who need them, their help, their kind and calm words,their support, and their  being there.

The night slowly unfolded its dark wings, and we surrendered Muriel
                     to Peter’s and Anthony's care.
Today we wake to rain, strong winds and a very quiet home, nothing is the same.
Quotation of the day, from Kahlil Gibran
When you are sorrowful look again in your heart, and you shall see that in truth
you are weeping for that which has been your delight.
Jean and Hugh

5 comments:

June said...

What a lovely quotation Jean, I hope it brings comfort to you both. Thank you for sharing this with us. I look forward to meeting you one of these days, we seem to have much in common. Warm regards.

Leanne said...

(((hugs)))

Love Leanne

Nancy J said...

Hi to all who have given us comfort, dropped off baking, flowers, and cards, listened to me on the phone as well. Phone calls in plenty,( thank goodness for Telstra unlimited National Calls), Words on my blog are such a help, hugs,regards and all else help ease the grief,Ta so much,June and Leanne.We wake to another day,and know how fortunate we were to have Muriel with us all those years. Cheers from Jean.

Tanya said...

I'm sorry to read of the loss to your family. She looks like a very spunky lady!

Nancy J said...

Thanks Tanya, yes my Mum-In -Law would give anything a go.I will post on my next blog a photo of her sitting at the top of Mt Tarawera.I do believe if we said " We are all going to do a "Bungy Jump" ",she would do it too.Life is so quiet, so different, so lonely without Muriel in her chair doing a word puzzle or knitting.We must remember and be so grateful for those years.Fond Cheers from Jean.