It’s been a topsy turvy week with highs, lows and little or no time in blogland. I apologise for being so lax and for not interacting much at all.
The major high of the week was a delightful swim yesterday with the sun beaming down.
The major low was the death of a dear, dear friend who was a part of my life since I was born and who was a treasured link to both my parents.
It’s hard to say ‘goodbye’ but it is so good to see a person with such a heart of gold being given the chance to die at home in the loving care of devoted grown-up children and supportive home care medical professionals.
A very high percentage of people want to die at home but by no means all are afforded this opportunity.
I sincerely hope that we can work towards enabling everyone to have a choice about where they live out the final years, months, weeks, days and hours of their lives because it matters hugely to both the dying person and his/her family.
SOCIAL BRIDGE ~ Jean Tubridy connecting with you from Ireland 
Jean, I’m so very sorry about your friend. Yes, that has got to be one of the best ways to die. Sounded by what is familiar and beloved.
Right now one of my kitties is sick and we don’t yet know what is wrong with her. So I’m feeling a little “stressed.” But plans for Ireland are in the works!
Hi Luanne, glad to hear the plans are going ahead okay. (I will email you with an update). Hope your patient is doing better.
Tiger is all better!!! Yes, plans are moving along!
That’s great news on both fronts.
So truly sorry for your loss Sweetie. Big Hugs! I missed ya!
Lennon, thanks for your kindness.
My condolences on your loss Jean. Indeed, I can attest to the importance of home care when I had cancer – not sure whether I’d die or not. It worked out positively for me but not for many. Even the home care nurses said that I was the healthiest looking patient they had – no doubt the positive feeling of being at home/
Hi Paul, thanks for writing.
I’m sure you were a pleasure to care for and kept everyone smiling.
I have missed you Jean … Yet understand that the heart and healing is more important than blogging.
Loss of loved ones draws us in to memories from the past and our heart felt responses. Be with where you are. Thank you Stanny for checking in for mum 💛
Thanks Val. Appreciate your words of wisdom. Stan sends a brown-eyed gaze!
Hi Jean
I’m back from ‘conferencing in Melbourne’ and I missed you when I got home. I am sorry for your loss and I hope things get easier as you remember all of the happy times with your dear friend. I also support the call for more discussion on end of life choices. Dougal boy says hello to Stanny and says that he has had a very busy few days…off to be pampered at the pooch care place to take care of long nails and too much hair, and then the vets the day after for his yearly injections. Not impressed with that visit I can tell you but I have to keep reminding him that these painful jabs are worthwhile. Hope life treats you well today:)
Hi Olga, yes more discussion re end of life choices is key.
Stan sends his best to Dougal.
Sorry to hear of your sadness, Jean. Big hug from Oz.
Ah thanks, Frances. Much appreciated.
I understand this heartache very well, and I am so sorry for your loss of such a dear friend and its pain. I wish you the kindest and gentlest of moments while you walk through this event.
-Robyn
Many thanks Robyn. You are very thoughtful.
So sorry to hear this Jean. Is this the lady you mentioned that knew your parents. It is so hard when the final link to your personal past goes. It is almost like losing your parents again. I just wish I had words to make things better, sadly I have learned that words do not help. I am thinking of you and sending you a hug. xxxx
Hi Willow, your words DO help!!
Yes, I think some deaths can hit the core pretty hard especially when they are bound up with links through life.
At the same time, though, we are peripheral as they are being far more strongly felt by direct family. Life and death are complex, aren’t they but the best often emerges at times of losing. xx
Jean, so sorry to hear about your loss. Give yourself time. P
Thanks Patsy.
Time is important, for sure.
Hope you’re well.
So sorry about your friend, Jean.
Thanks so much.
Condolences, Jean!
Hi Dana, thank you for writing. I really appreciate it.
So sorry about your loss Jean.
Hi Andrea, you are very kind. Thanks.
Touching, and so duly touched – my sympathies for your loss, Jean.
Hariod, thanks for your kind words.
So very sorry about the loss of your special friend.