Change & Continuity

20 Oct '09 2:24 am

Dear Jack, I know this is a difficult time for your family. I went through this same thing with my father five years ago. Now my mother, who is also 80, has been struggling with health issues this past year. It is very hard to lose them, but the fact that your mother is at peace will help all of you to accept this life change. My thoughts and prayers are with you.

20 Oct '09 4:46 pm

Just to let you know, we're thinking of you still, and wondering how things are at Sequoia.

Faith - so nice to see you pop up again. How have you been?

20 Oct '09 11:16 pm

Thanks Kerole, and Faith. And how lovely to see you around again, Faith - I was thinking of you and your garden and your community project just the other day. How is everything?

For over 6 weeks I've now lived up at the big house, often just walking down to my house at 9pm-ish to feed my dogs and put them to bed. As a result I've experienced the beauty of spring from there this year. How thankful I am that my mom often could sit out where she could admire that view!

The end is very near now. It has been gruelling, much more lengthly a process than we expected, especially as it seemed she was going over 6 weeks ago. She has had much pain and discomfort, especially the last two weeks, and we have had to gradually strengthen her medicines. She responds badly - or perhaps I should say slowly - but we need to start new medication with care and small doses. She hasn't eaten for 16 days and had only water for 14. We are exhausted and I can only guess at the spirit caught in that frail body... frail but tenacious body! However it has been a privilige to be there for her: ironically the decision to go for loving home care probably prolonged her life more than a hospital full of machines would have.

Here are a few recent pics to show the progression in the garden. Keep well!

21 Oct '09 8:05 pm

You and your mother are in my prayers Jack.

25 Oct '09 11:35 pm

Thank you all for your messages over the past seven weeks.

Here is a little photo essay, a tribute to my parents: http://sequoiagardens.wordpress.com/2009/10/25/a-love-story/

And here is just about the last "walk" my mom took on the farm ... in her hands are her binoculars. Taken 7 October. The tree in the stained glass by the front door is a Sequoia.

26 Oct '09 7:35 am

Condolences Jack. Those are lovely pictures on your blog. She passed when Sequoia was at her springy best.

27 Oct '09 12:19 am

I'm sorry Jack. Crying or Very sad

Beautiful photo essay.

Change & Continuity

Life's everchanging panorama

Thank you all!

RIP Esta Holloway 5 July 1929 - 24 October 2009