Day of Celebration

I thought I would have been stronger at the funeral. But seeing her pictures on the overhead made me very sad, even though I had spent hours looking at those very same images in the previous days. A lot of people turned out, a testament to how Mum touched the lives of so many. Some were there to support us (the children) and that was a real comfort. It was a sad but also happy occassion as we celebrated her life.
After the memorial, the family went to Lilydale for the cremation. I felt torn leaving all the people who came to be there for me but they all understood. At least they could feast on the lunch the church had lovingly provided.
Ashes to ashes...

Viewing

We had Mum's viewing. She looked very peaceful. It was nice to see her close friends come to see her for the last time. It was very sombre. It was particularly difficult for her sisters from Malaysia who had not seen her for a few years, but at least they had the chance to see her one more time. I can't imagine how Dad must be feeling: it is surely 100-fold to how I feel. She is resting now.

12.09.42 - 17.08.06

Mum and Aunty Grace

This photo was taken on Aunty Grace's last evening before going back to Kuching.

Update on Nancy

Mum has been home from hospital for a week now, and she's doing well. Her sister Grace from Malaysia has come to visit her for 8 days, so they will spend the next week catching up and spending some quality time.
Her chemotherapy is on-going, with a review of how its affecting the cancer to be done in a month or so. In the mean time, she's coping well. She still has her hair, which is a bonus! Dad is also doing well and coping with being a primary carer. He also has a lot of help and support from his church members, who bend over backwards to be there for them both. They have been fantastic.
That's ll for now; more news later as it happens.