Thursday, August 27, 2009

Beginning A New Chapter

Today was my mum funeral. She passed away peacefully on 23 August after being bed ridden for over 3 years. Although she has several illnesses, the one that claimed her life was pneumonia brought on by advanced Parkinson's'.
The one thing I've learnt going through it all with my mum, is that the human spirit can be extremely strong. We have weathered many storms with her over her last couple of years, with her proving to us that her will to live was stronger than the sum total of all her illnesses. In addition, to Parkinson's' she suffered from Aplastic Anemia and was given 3 months to live. Yet she battled that disease for over 6 years till it was beaten towards the end.
She lived through Sepsis, countless bouts of pneumonia, a brain hemorrhage and a fractured arm. My mum was a living pin cushion as her doctors and nurses tried their best to heal her. Her last stay at the hospital was for two weeks with her coming home for a 3-hour visit before we had to rush her back in. The next day she was listed as critical and was gone by Sunday morning.
If there is anything to be thankful about, it is her relatively peaceful passing. We were all surprised to see how serene and at peace she looked when all her pain and suffering were taken away.
In addition, it was as though things were all planned properly and we are all thankful for all the small miracles that we were blessed with. On this note, I bid farewell to my beloved mother and start on a new chapter in my life.

12 comments:

Uncle Phil said...

Dear Shirls,
We cannot tell you how sorry we were to hear of the death of your mother, after such a long and lingering illness.
Aware as we are of the scant solace which words can bring at such a time, we none the less want you to know that you have our heartfelt sympathy.
Yours sincerely,
Phil and Jo

Shirls said...

Hi Phil and Jo, thank you all the same. My solace is that she no longer needs to suffer anymore pain. Pain was her only companion in the past three years as she went in and out of hospital.
One thing we all must remember never take simple pleasures for granted and always live to the fullest of your ability.

Shirls

Shawn said...

Very Sorry to hear about the news, Shirls. I'm sure you feel very sad about it. Surely, this is not what it feels like when your pet cat or dog passes away, for your mum is your true mother, unlike any other, a great part of your life.

Altough there is a big age difference between us, I know how you feel, although I've not experienced this kind of incident myself.

My condolences.

Shawn

Anonymous said...

May your mother rest in peace.

Ron Yeo said...

Dear Shirls,

So sorry to hear about this.

Do take care.

Ron

Shirls said...

Thanks.

I'm trying to catch up on rest and hope to get back into the swing of things again. Long illnesses can be very taxing on everyone concerned.

ShaoWei said...

Though i've only known you through your words and pictures.Emanating a bright and endearing love of life.one that immortalises life as you see it.
And as you said it.It's a new chapter in your life.And may it be full of life and vibrancy.
Nonetheless,in this time when a life so close has come to an end.you have my deepest condolences and sympathy.

Yours Sincerely,
ShaoWei

Shirls said...

Thanks ShaoWei for your kind words.

Unknown said...

Hi Ms Shirley,

My condolences to you and your family. Your mum was really a brave lady, evident from the way she lived her life. That itself is an amazing feat.

Do take care of yourself too...

Rgds
Eunice

Shirls said...

Hi Eunice,

Thanks. Coping well n am getting my rest. Spent the last two days with nature. Getting back to my work schedule tomorrow.

Anonymous said...

Hi, I've been reading your blog for the nature shots, and have never made a comment, but feel compelled to by the news you have shared. My very deepest condolences for the passing of your mum. I know how taxing it can be to be a caregiver, and I admire your strength and positive outlook on life. May the sun always shine upon you.
L.

Shirls said...

Thank you. It isn't easy being a care giver. I started this blog in the early days to keep myself centered. Life is short and it is important to cease the day. :)