Hi everyone,
Thankyou all so much for your kind words, to log on and find three pages of condolences, mostly from people I have never met, shows the true spirit of this forum. You are all very special people, and your good wishes have really helped.
Mum had been in hospital in my home town in England for two weeks with pneumonia, but seemed to be getting better, and we were hopeful that she would be home soon. I was ringing my dad every day, and the hospital at night for updates. Her condition suddenly deteriorated, and all active treatment was withdrawn. I booked a flight for that evening, but sadly didn't get there in time.
However I have been very glad to be here to help my dad and my brother with all the arrangements that had to be done. Even with straightforward financial affairs, it has kept us busy for the last few weeks. The funeral went as well as it could have, and we all feel happy that Mum would have approved of our choices, which is a great comfort.
It will be hard to leave Dad next week, but I am due to fly back to Australia on Wednesday. We didn't really think these things through when we emigrated to Oz over 20 years ago!
So once again, thankyou so much for your kind thoughts, I feel so lucky to be part of this caring community, your friendship is sincerely appreciated.
Many, many thanks,
With love,
Sue xx