Our sweet, loving mother passed away.
Mom had been active and walking up till the day she died. My sisters and I feel exceptionally blessed to have had her as our mother. Three days earlier, Mom attended our early Finlayson Family Christmas. She was in fine form, the leader of three progressively younger generations and the centre of attention.
As my old friend Robbie wrote about Mom:
"She stands for in my mind: dignity, graciousness, forbearance, a quiet wit and good humour, generosity, kindness, and an angelic goodness, attributes that are all too rare these days. She is one of the last of her host, from an era that shared more of these traits than we usually see today"
I would add, we will not see her like again.
We, her children, are feeling the pain of losing our greatest treasure but also a sense of peace knowing Mom's long journey's end has been reached. In Mom's terms, in her latter day sense of reality, I think what she would say about her death is: Children, my suitcase is packed, I'm all ready to go, your father's come by the Hotel to pick me up. We're on our way to Bruce Beach to see old friends again. On the way, we're paying a visit to the Morganston farm. Mother will be there with Uncle Percy and Aunt Ethel … remember kids, NO parties in the house while we are away. Love, Mom.
Yes, Mom, this time your suitcase is packed, full of our love and jujubes, for your happy reunion and journey home.
Mom spent her last 3 and 3/4 years at Humber Heights Retirement Home under the loving care of a team of human angels.The Finlayson's owe a great debt to them for their tireless, safe keeping of Mom. As a final tribute to a deceased resident, Humber Heights offers the Walk of Dignity, which we accepted on behalf of Mom. We children who could be there, and all the PSWs who had helped look after her, followed her draped body as she left her second floor bedroom for the last time. As we turned the corner to the main floor - known as "Main Street". Amazing Grace was playing. Main Street was lined with dozens of residents and all the main floor staff, everyone standing (as they could) hats off in silent farewell as we passed by.
It was enough to melt your heart.
We thank our mother, not just for giving us life, but for teaching us by example how to live life.