We spent the days leading up to Christmas with Mark and family before saying our goodbyes on Christmas eve. Thank you lovely people for being so warm in your hospitality. But a tickle in the throat on the solstice had lead to full blown flu ! Knockout ! By the 24th, both of us were feeling low, so we left the gang first thing and headed the 5 minute drive to Terre D'Ocean Campsite where we have stayed in the past.
This is how our Christmas was to be. In bed, doing little and waiting for the flu to pass. Not a bad place to be ! Weathers amazing. Left alone to our coughing. Not bad at all. Internet good so no problem chatting to loved ones except for the hoarse voice. Jaimie fine, Granny, ie Mum getting over her own flu. Then out of the blue comes the unexpected or was it expected ? Adam and Riek are staying in our house and let us know on the morning of the 29th that mum is not feeling good. Pain in the tummy. Wants to have someone qualified to check her out. So into hospital for tests. We wait for updates to know how to react. 4.30am in the morning of the 30th and Riek telephones to say things are not good. About 7 am, Mum passes away, surrounded by close family. Peacefully we are told. Granny, Helen, Mum. Has died. Just like that. All in under 24 hours.
Now that's what I call style. ! What a way to go. 90 years of age, a full and active life and .......
Helen Jean Zienkiewicz 15th June 1926 - 30th December 2016
Problem here is, that she was one of my most avid readers. I think, at times, the only one ! She loved the blogs, not only because she was a able to know where we were but also because it reminded her so much of her life with Olec. Travelling, adventures, meeting people. All these things were a big part of her life. As you might remember, one time we brought her to Morocco for a van adventure. As we drove over precipitous mountain roads and on into arid desert, she exclaimed " I am so happy. this is just what Olec and I did. I could quite happily die now " ! Well you didn't and at least five years have passed since then and you kept on going up until you did die. Amazing.
So we are coming home Helen. Not in too much of a rush as there is no urgency but you were always glad when we came back from our adventures. This time, it will be to take part in your large and loving families farewell to you. We will all miss you.
This is how our Christmas was to be. In bed, doing little and waiting for the flu to pass. Not a bad place to be ! Weathers amazing. Left alone to our coughing. Not bad at all. Internet good so no problem chatting to loved ones except for the hoarse voice. Jaimie fine, Granny, ie Mum getting over her own flu. Then out of the blue comes the unexpected or was it expected ? Adam and Riek are staying in our house and let us know on the morning of the 29th that mum is not feeling good. Pain in the tummy. Wants to have someone qualified to check her out. So into hospital for tests. We wait for updates to know how to react. 4.30am in the morning of the 30th and Riek telephones to say things are not good. About 7 am, Mum passes away, surrounded by close family. Peacefully we are told. Granny, Helen, Mum. Has died. Just like that. All in under 24 hours.
Now that's what I call style. ! What a way to go. 90 years of age, a full and active life and .......
Helen Jean Zienkiewicz 15th June 1926 - 30th December 2016
Problem here is, that she was one of my most avid readers. I think, at times, the only one ! She loved the blogs, not only because she was a able to know where we were but also because it reminded her so much of her life with Olec. Travelling, adventures, meeting people. All these things were a big part of her life. As you might remember, one time we brought her to Morocco for a van adventure. As we drove over precipitous mountain roads and on into arid desert, she exclaimed " I am so happy. this is just what Olec and I did. I could quite happily die now " ! Well you didn't and at least five years have passed since then and you kept on going up until you did die. Amazing.
So we are coming home Helen. Not in too much of a rush as there is no urgency but you were always glad when we came back from our adventures. This time, it will be to take part in your large and loving families farewell to you. We will all miss you.
Lovely tribute Ted, Helen very much in our minds and hearts. See you both soon, Jackie
ReplyDeleteGood, heart-felt words !
ReplyDeleteAll is well here and next door (been calling in on Adam & Riek a couple of times). It all continues and we are breathing in and breathing out ! And there is a birth only just round the corner.....
A very Happy New Year to you both !
Oh, and Helen wasn't the ONLY one reading your blog; keep them coming.
Love, Xxx