Today I've had my first comment, thank you so much Melissa, and realised it's been over a year since my last blog post. Wow, where did that year go! Such a lot has happened this past year. Sadly my husband's sister's grandson, baby Rory, passed away in May last year from SMA (Spinal Muscular Atrophy). It was very very sad, they are wonderful parents and we were all devastated.
Sadly my Mum also passed away in May this year. We thought she was improving so it came as a massive shock to get a phone call from the hospital at 5.30am and arrive to be told that she had already died. No one tells you how hard it is organising the funeral and dealing with finances etc at such an emotional time. My husband and I already have Wills but as a result of this experience we are now planning our funerals. Once Mum's funeral and everything was done we went on holiday to Madeira, which was a great help. I had peace and quiet to morn and read a few books, one of which I highly recommend and wish I had read earlier called Final Gifts by Maggie Callanan & Patricia Kelley. I found it very comforting and realised some things which I would not have done had I not read this book. If you are in the medical profession or have a close sick relative I highly recommend you read it as it could help you and them .
As you can probably imagine as a hoarder managing Mum's personal belongings has been a long drawn out process. Fortunately she did not have loads of belongings but for years she saved all her diaries, hundreds of photos and birthday, Christmas and get well cards. Many of which I had hand made and given to her over the years. I didn't know this but now know where I got my hoarding tendencies! As the eldest daughter and card maker my Dad has given me all her cards. Not sure what to do with the cards at the moment but can't part with them. What has been very helpful is making a memory scrapbook of Mum's life in the week leading up to her funeral. Although the book was incomplete I took it along to the wake and it was passed from table to table and was well received as I think it gave people something to talk about. I scanned all the photos, many borrowed from my sister and brother, and used the scanned photos for the memory book which I will give to Dad when completed. I think he has also found it helpful as he visits me every day and often will bring a photo or two and ask for this to be added to the book.
On a happier note we were blessed with another grand daughter, Maigen in August last year. So we now have two beautiful grand daughters Evie 2 and Maigen whose 1 on 5th August. We are celebrating her first birthday next weekend at a local hall. To keep the cost down we will be organising the food so we have been busy planning.
Will find out how to upload some photos for you tomorrow!
Love Kathyx
