Update: Thank you all, it's been a rough few weeks and I've appreciated all the words of support and offers of help, both here and elsewhere. The blog will continue once I get back to Ottawa and turn more to the story of Mom's life instead of the chronicle of her death, but for the next little bit there's not likely going to be much to say here.
There will be visiting hours at East Prince Funeral Home Wednesday (tomorrow) from 2-4pm and 7-9pm, the funeral will be Thursday morning at 10:30am at St. Paul's and she'll be buried near her brother.
Joe, I am so sorry! Our thoughts are with you and your family.
ReplyDeleteSandra and Matthew
Sorry to hear Joe.Hang in there. Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this difficult time.
ReplyDeleteSteve & kathryne
Dearest Justin, Christine, Trish, Gregory, Zita & Janet, my sincerest sympathies to all of you. Justin you need to be so proud and comforted by the greatest joy that you have brought to your mothers life, most importantly in the last few weeks. You can feel assured that you did everything you possibly could to make your mothers last days with you a treasure. She was able to go in peace because of you. Please know that we are sharing your loss here in Ontario.
ReplyDeleteI'm am so thankful for all of the wonderful memories that I have of your mom and my special aunt. We had so many laughs when you and your parents visited us. I can remember one specifically when we were coming from one of the musical get togethers over at Elsie and Ernies. You must have been about 8 or so. You had fallen asleep on the couch at Elsie's so rather than wake you, your father decided to carry you across the street to our house. But something funny happened (I won't say what) and we all got laughing hysterically and your father dropped you on the grass and I'm not sure if it was my mother or yours who laughed so hard they wet their pants. Good times!!!!
My thoughts and prayers are with all of you. My heart is heavy but I am relieved that there is no more suffering. I wish there was something that I could say that would take the hurt away but we all know that only time will heal. We will always miss her.
Love Shelley McDonald xoxo
We love you Aunt Phyliss. Rest is peace. xoxox
Joe, we're very sorry for your loss.
ReplyDeleteFrom reading your words here over the past several weeks I feel confident that, thanks especially to your dedication, your Mom passed on in the best possible way: with a happy heart and surrounded by those she loved.
Our thoughts are with you and Christine.
Mark and Sandra
Joe, I'm so sorry about your loss. My deepest sympathy.
ReplyDeleteI'll be in touch.
LOVE, Julia
I'm so sorry to hear that Phyllis is gone, but glad that she is not suffering any more. It is wonderful that you got that last hug from her. A mothers love is strong indeed and as I said before, your mother loves you beyond all else.
ReplyDeleteThere really was an angel in the room when Christine booked the wrong return date for your flight. I know that your constant presence gave her comfort in her final days.
Dear Trish, this little note is for you
ReplyDeleteMy sincere sympathy on the passing of your mom. I was in shock when I read Joe's ( Justin's) blog and only realized that I had forgotten to include you in my sympathy after my comment was sent and I was on my way back to work at the farm this afternoon.
To Joe and Trish and all those who loved your mom.
I sincerely thought that Phyllis would last at least another week but she fooled me. I am glad that she went so peacefully to her rest. Heaven's gates are wide opened for her and the angels are rejoicing at her arrival.
Joe you are an exemplary son that any mother would be proud to call her own. She's now smiling on you from above. You did a splendid job. I'm sure that she's telling the angels, "That's my son Justin down there. Isn't he tall?
George and I plan to drive to PEI for the funeral early on Thursday morning and return the same day to Fredericton. That is the plan right now, anyway.
Love, Julia
Julia,
ReplyDeleteThank you so much for thinking of me too in this time of sorrow.
My heart is broken but you are right, Mom is with the angels right now. I believe that in my soul. I love her and will miss her and mostly I will miss the future I wanted with her that she and I were both robbed of.
I do believe that everything happens for a reason and the only reason I can think of for her dying right now was to bring Justin and I together. It worked and we will be together forever with Mom watching over us. What a caring and wonderful guy Justin is, Mom must be so proud. He is going to be a great brother to me. I can tell, he already is.
I am so amazed of the woman that she was and the incredible artist/painter that she was!! I still cant believe that she didnt brag more about her great talent. I will brag for her. She was a fantastic painter!!! What a gift.
One more thing, thank you and your husband for opening your home and your hearts to me and my husband Jim. We are so grateful to you and you are both wonderful people. I can see how Christine is your daughter. She is as caring and kind as both of you. You should be proud to be her parents. She welcomed us with open arms, just like you did.
I will miss seeing you at the funeral. My passport still hasnt arrived. I wont be able to attend but I am there in spirit.
Take care and travel safe. Trish
It would only be cruel if God kept her going in this condition. I had an aunt that suffered through years of punishing chemo to no avail. Its better this way Joe.
ReplyDeleteIts times like these in which we stop and appreciate life. Cherish every moment, with everyone, for as long as we can.
I hope you don't think this is silly, but I thought you might like this song: Collin Raye - Love Me
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ycze0tiMAPw
You'll see your maa again when your chores are done.
Justin,
ReplyDeleteAlthough I know you and Trish speak almost daily, I wanted to offer my sympathy personally. I know first hand that what you are going through is not easy and never will be, but it does lessen in intensity over time. You have lots of support up there as well as here on Long Island. I am very glad that Trish and I were able to get up there to see Phyllis and I can't begin to thank everyone for making us feel so welcome and comfortable. In particular, George and Julia, Janet and last but certainly not least, Gregory and Zita. It was a very bittersweet visit and I know that Trish and I and our kids are looking forward to spending time together to welcome you into our family.
Jim
We may have lost a dear friend in Phyllis but we have gain lots of new friends in the process. I would like to take this opportunity to acknowledge how easy it was to become your friends Trish and Jim, Gregory and Zeta. It was as if we have known you for a long time although we hardly know anything about you. That's Phyllis legacy to us. Thank you Phyllis. You are still working behind the scene. We love you.
ReplyDeleteJulia & George.