Tuesday, 5 September 2023

It's over

 Last night my lovely friend Joan slipped away holding my hand. I'd stayed overnight and gone home for a sleep at 8.30 am. I managed an hour but couldn't settle and went back to the hospital at lunchtime.  It was a beautiful afternoon and the groundsman was cutting the grass directly below Joan's window. My lovely friend spent the afternoon with sunshine on her face and the scent of grass filling the room. Her last few hours were spent peacefully in a  spacious room that is tucked away from the main ward.  I thought I'd be in bits when she passed but I was just so glad it was finally over for her. Our other neighbour had come to keep us both company so Joan had two people who cared about her while she ended her journey. 

RIP Joan Smith. You were a wonderful friend and we will all miss you.

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26 comments:

  1. Sooze5 September 2023 at 08:33

    So sorry Cherie. You were a wonderful friend to Joan. Sounds like she had a peaceful and lovely end. xx

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    1. Cherie5 September 2023 at 09:23

      Thanks Sooze. I'm glad she's at peace now. X

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  2. Boud5 September 2023 at 12:22

    You were such a friend, helping her to a peaceful death. Now you need to take care of you. You must be tired.

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    1. Cherie5 September 2023 at 17:22

      Thank you. I'm bone weary but will soon bounce back.

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  3. maureenlthompson5 September 2023 at 17:16

    Sorry for the loss of your friend and neighbour. You were a true friend to her and stayed with her till the end. XXXXX

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    1. Cherie5 September 2023 at 17:21

      Thanks Maureen. It was an honour to be with Joan right to the very end.

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  4. Christina5 September 2023 at 17:21

    If only everyone had a friend like you. Xx

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  5. 🍁 Debby 6 September 2023 at 00:02

    I'm so sorry to hear of the passing of your friend. I'm thankful for people like you, who care enough to hold the hand of a dying friend with no family. May God bless you.

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    1. Cherie6 September 2023 at 08:16

      Bless you Debby. I'm so glad that Joan wasn't alone at the end of her life.

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  6. Susan Smith6 September 2023 at 07:47

    Sorry for the loss, but at last she can rest & know that friends cared about her till the end. Big hugs from down under.

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  7. Cherie6 September 2023 at 08:17

    Thanks Susan. Joan has earned her rest now. Xx

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  8. TheAwakenedSoul7 September 2023 at 20:34

    You did it. How kind and compassionate of you. Now she is flying with the angels.

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  9. Bless8 September 2023 at 05:52

    My deepest sympathies on the loss of your friend. It sounds like a very peaceful passing.

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    1. Cherie8 September 2023 at 10:06

      Thank you. It was very peaceful at the end.

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  10. Vix8 September 2023 at 09:42

    I'm so so sorry to hear about Joan, Cherie. You were a wonderful friend to her and I'm so glad you were there for her at the end of her life. Sending you much love. I chose this poem for my Mum's funeral, I hope it gives you some comfort at this sad time. Much love to you. xxx

    Farewell My Friends - Rabindranath Tagore

    Farewell My Friends
    It was beautiful
    As long as it lasted
    The journey of my life.
    I have no regrets
    Whatsoever said
    The pain I’ll leave behind.
    Those dear hearts
    Who love and care...
    And the strings pulling
    At the heart and soul...
    The strong arms
    That held me up
    When my own strength
    Let me down.
    At the turning of my life
    I came across
    Good friends,
    Friends who stood by me
    Even when time raced me by.
    Farewell, farewell My friends
    I smile and
    Bid you goodbye.
    No, shed no tears
    For I need them not
    All I need is your smile.
    If you feel sad
    Do think of me
    For that’s what I’ll like
    When you live in the hearts
    Of those you love
    Remember then
    You never die.

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    1. Cherie8 September 2023 at 10:06

      Vix that is beautiful. Thank you so much. Xx

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  11. crafty cat corner8 September 2023 at 21:35

    Having recently lost Tom I want to say how wonderful of you to be with this lady when she passed. I was unable to be with Tom as I had covid and could barely stand but two of my children were with him holding his hands and he had my photo in front of him. Your neighbour will have been aware that you were there and I think you are amazing. Briony
    x

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    1. Cherie9 September 2023 at 17:38

      Bless you Briony. It must have been so hard for you. "Covid has a lot to answer for. X

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  12. Lowcarb team member8 September 2023 at 23:02

    So sorry for the loss of your friend.
    May she RIP.

    All the best Jan

    PS What a beautiful poem from Vix.

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    1. Cherie9 September 2023 at 17:38

      Thanks Jan. It's a beautiful piece isn't it. X

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  13. jenny_o10 September 2023 at 03:10

    Bless you and your neighbour for staying with Joan until the end, Cherie. My condolences on your loss.

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  14. Sharon10 September 2023 at 21:56

    So sorry to hear about your friend. I'm glad you were able to spend time with her and she passed peacefully x

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  15. Joy12 September 2023 at 07:04

    My love to you all. I'm so glad the final part of her journey was taken with a friend beside her. I am sure she was aware in some way. Bless you. xx

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  16. Lulu1 October 2023 at 12:01

    Hello Cherie, I fear blogger ate my previous comment -
    I am so sorry to hear of the passing of your dear friend. You are such a good friend to have stayed with her holding her hand xXxxxXx

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