Firsts-20190919 – For family and friends on Anniversary of Ciddy

Firsts-20190919 – For family and friends on Anniversary of Ciddy

On the day when Ciddy left home in a Paramedic ambulance, I stood in our driveway with dear Hayley (our lovely neighbour family and dear friends), and my heart knew it was the last time I would see her off. Tomorrow is the anniversary of that day. 

Over the next 22 hours, before the machines were turned off, I came to realise that on that very afternoon we had completed her foremost hope and planning … booked the travel for our beloved grandson, James’ June 2019 wedding in Greece. Signed and sealed in delight and joy just 5 hours earlier. With the knowledge came a deep and unchanging realisation that whatever would follow, Ciddy and I had no unfinished business, no regrets, no things unsaid. There was not a drop of loving unshared or unmet.

Now, she has a particular, personal, place in the unfolding jigsaw which is my life … it is called“Miss You”, and it sits peacefully and in grace linked and joined to what was, what is, and what is to come. Without that piece, the jigsaw, my life, would have an empty, gaping gap. “Miss You” is a completion, a wholeness, neither an absence, or a chasm … it gives me life! 

Thank you DJ for the gift of the image and the gentle and patient wrestling it into meaning and place with me. 🌈🦋 🦌J

As the our Chicago international family banner says: For these, and all, we give thanks … to God, to family, to friends and colleagues … hers, and mine, and ours🙏🦋

Liam Neeson, speaking of the death of his beloved wife, wrote this: “What I truly learned most of all is, live and love everyday like it’s your last. Because, one day, it will be. Take chances and go live life. Tell the ones you love, that you love them everyday. Don’t take any moment for granted. Life is worth living.”