Please spare a thought...

[Tigadee]

My heartfelt condolences, Slofox. Blessings of comfort to you and your family.

[The Singing Chef]

I am so sorry to hear this Slofox, my best wishes for you through this time.

[Smifffy]

Rest in Peace. Thoughts for you and the 'children' also.

[eelracing]

Thoughts for your loss...

[slofox]

Special thanks to all of you who have replied to this post - I appreciate all your thoughts. Special thanks for the musical tributes - they mean a lot.

This lady died with great dignity; calm, serene and at peace - I can but hope to do as well when my turn comes - rather than going out kicking and screaming and tearing at the ceiling which is probably more likely in my case...

She also managed to maintain her sense of humour throughout it all. e.g. A week before she died she had to break a term deposit at her bank to free funds for her funeral (she was always prepared). So she rang the bank and had the following conversation...B. is the bank girl. J is herself...as reported by my daughter who was with her at the time.


B.: "Where would you like that balance to go, Mrs. T.?"
J.: "Oh, all into the one account please."
B. "Oooo is this for one purchase then is it?"
J: "Yes it is actually."
B: "Oooo how exciting - what's it for?"
J: "Erm...a funeral actually..."
B: "Oh dear, I am sorry to hear that. Someone close is it then?" (Talk about
ramming your foot home after already swallowing it...)
J: "Ahhh - well, pretty close I guess - ME!"
B: "..................." You could hear her fall through the floor...

I bet B never asks those questions again in her life.

Once again, I hope I can maintain my wit as well as that when my time is up.

Incidentally, I have to pay a huge tribute to my daughter who has tended her mother for the last three months and was with her when she died. This girl has shown wisdom and insight that I didn't even suspect she possessed. She has dealt efficiently with her mother's terminal illness while continuing to be a mother to two small children and a wife to her husband who works shifts and whose timetable is not under direct control. She has kept her cool at all times and has liaised with everyone who needed to be organised. She has never let anything get on top of her and has never once faltered in the execution of her daughterly duties. I stand in awe of her self possession and her ability to deal with everything she has had to face. She has made me immensely proud and stood as an example of how to cope with a most difficult situation.
Thank you Nell.

Thanks again all.

[oneofsix]

condolences to you, your family and your ex's family. Love her sense of humour and it shows her dignity.

[Crasherfromwayback]

Sad news mate. Best wishes. I love this piece of music. Hope you do too.

[Number One]

Sorry for your and your families loss, the story about the conversation with the bank made me smile and she sounds like she was a great lady.

I used to train call centre reps for a banking call centre and I have to say that wasn't a reply we prepped them for

The way you speak about your daughter, her care for her mum and her strength and composure is beautiful and moving and I hope she knows you feel that way...clearly she is from very good stock on both sides.

[Hellzie]

Condolences and thanks for sharing.

[ynot slow]

Agree re after divorce still being friends,my ex wife is gutted to know of my illness,my other ex is same,I am mates with both,my ex wife was part of my life for nearly 20yrs dating and marriage,2 great kids,my daughters are awesome,can only imagine how they feel to know dad won't see them graduate,marry(yeah right lol),be a pop to kids,sure it makes me sad,but the strength they show is uplifting.

My deepest condolenses to your children,and yourself,great dignity and compassion you show,grab the bike and hit the road in her memory.

[MSTRS:Me]

The best legacy that anyone can leave is a kid like Nell.
The best tribute is the respect of strangers.

Belated it might be, but sorry to hear of your loss, Mr S.

[slofox]

Funeral and wake today.

My kids made me so proud - my daughter sang her own song to her mum and my son spoke with such elequence. I managed to do my bit without totally losing the plot.

Very nice ceremony that herself would have approved of. I think. Y'never can tell with that one.