The Big T’s mother died last weekend. She had suffered ill-health for a number of years, and finally, after a spell in hospital, came home to spend her final days cared for by family.
It’s only in darkness that we can really see light. The last few weeks have brought light from unexpected sources; old friends arriving to offer support, grandchildren demonstrating again and again what fine adults they have become, professionals going way more than the extra mile to comfort and assist. These kindnesses large and small have shone bright and illuminated hope.
Where there is much light the shade is deepest.
— Johann Wolfgang von Goethe
Written (somewhat belatedly) for Sally D’s Mobile Photography Challenge at Lens and Pens by Sally.
My deepest condolences to Big T and your entire family. It doesn’t seem to matter if it is expected … losing a parent is emotionally tough.
Experiencing the kindness of friends and associates helps make the heart lighter. So glad you were able to experience that warmth and caring.
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Thanks Joanne. It’s surprising the people who come through for us when we need them. I’m incredibly proud of the boy-child and his cousins; they have all stepped up and shown maturity beyond their years. Something that was much needed at times.
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Sorry to hear this, Su. It sounds as though she ended her days in the best possible way, surrounded by family and friends. You can’t ask more than that. Lovely photos, too.
janet
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Thank you Janet. It was good for the family to be able to nurse her, and to make sure died surrounded by those who loved her. But also tragic to watch a loved one suffer so much for so long.
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So sorry, Su. Thinking of you and the Big T. You’ve written so beautifully and it’s spot on, in my own experience. And your photos are so effective and moving, particularly the magnolia.
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Thanks Heather. We really have been kept afloat by the kindness of friends and by our children’s strength and love.
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Kindest thoughts to you all, and thank you for this beautiful post.
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Thank you 🙂
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Beautiful photos, Su. My sympathies to the family. So true that is at these times that the light shines through the darkness.
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Thanks so much Angeline.
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Lovely images Su…. And you are absolutely right about light at the darkest times
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Thank you Sue 🙂
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You are welcome, Su
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All commiserations, Su. And thank you for those wise words – the sort of words that help us grow more strongly. Very lovely images too.
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Thank you so much Tish. It’s been a very difficult time with all the usual (and perhaps some extra) tension between family members. I’ve been trying to focus on the positives — and our friends and children have given that in bucket-loads.
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A big hug to add to the positives 🙂
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Thanks Tish 🙂
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Much sympathy to you all. The flowers are beautiful.
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Thank you so much. M-in-L loved flowers and took great pride in her garden. One of the nicest things at the funeral (which was held at home) was that the kids and grandkids carried her coffin through the garden to the hearse.
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How lovely.
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I´m so sorry to hear about this, Su! You all have my deepest sympathies! You´ve written so wonderfully about this light that shone through these dark hours with people who love and care. Your shots remind me very much of victorian images regarding mortality and the beauty of life…
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Thank you Sarah. I knew you would pick up on the Victorian imagery. I have a fascination with the way the Victorians formalised so much of life, and death. And the language of flowers is a very powerful one. Hope all is well with you.
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You´re very welcome, Su! Yes, I´m quite reliable in that regard 😉 And I think it´s great that you already knew I would!!! 🙂
Everything is well here, thank you. Just started on a new job and need to get accommodated with things but I have a very good feeling about it 🙂
How are things with you and your family?? Sending you huge hugs and love!!! 🙂 xxxxx
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Soooo glad to hear about your new job. I so hope it works out for you. Big hugs and good wishes.
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Thank you so very much for your good wishes!!! XOXO ❤
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So sorry Su-and your images, especially of the magnolias are beautiful!
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Thank you Meg 🙂
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So sorry! The photos and sentiments are beautifully done.
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Thank you so much 🙂
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Sorry for your loss Su. My thoughts are with you and the Big T.
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Thanks Terry. Wishing you all the best for the coming weeks.
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Thank you.
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Su, lovely images to connect images nature and human nature. My condolescences to your family. Happy Photo Challenge.
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Thank you Sally; much appreciated.
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I’m so sorry, Su. Thinking of you and Big T.
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Thank you so much Luanne 🙂
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Sorry to hear that. Your images are stunning and really show emotions. All the best over the next few weeks
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Thanks Raewyn 🙂
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I’m so sorry to hear of Big T’s loss, Su. Your photos are fitting for the occasion.
Leslie
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Thank you so much Leslie.
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Very sorry to hear about your mother-in-law. It’s hard losing a parent.
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Thank you Anabel. The Big T and I have been so lucky to have reached the ages we are with a full set of parents each, and of course the boy-child has known all his grandparents. Now we have to accept that we’re becoming “the older generation.”
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I am so sorry for your loss, Su. May you all find comfort in your memories.
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Thanks Amy. Catching up with old friends and distant family in the last few weeks has made me realise (again) how important it is to preserve and share family stories and photos.
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Yes, you know I agree.
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Condolences
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Thank you 🙂
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This is a beautiful post, I’m sorry for your loss.
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Beautifully capture–sentiment as well as art.
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Thank you so much 🙂
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