Mom and Jay

Mom died on July 4 in the evening. She did not 'go easy into that good night'.  She had told the doctor that she wanted to have the week of radiation but I think it killed her. She said many times after dad died that she wanted to go with him but didn't know how to do it. Strangely she did. Her characteristic decision to fight lymphoma with the biggest guns in the arsenal is ultimately what did her in, I think. She was too old and weak for a full week of radiation. She experienced a lot of pain, suffered a pulmonary embolism and spent some days in and out of  pain and anxiety in the cancer ward before finally being settled in the wonderful hospice connected with the Royal Jubilee Hospital where she had a few days of calm before dying so peacefully that Bill who was in a chair beside was not aware of the exact moment. She took the hard way but did get what she had really wanted for five months. 

I left her in the hospice after she had been about a day without showing any signs of consciousness. She knew how much I wanted to be in Vernon to greet Jay, May and the girls, so I think she would have understood my choosing to join them. Although she did tell me on the second day as we were sitting by her bed in the cancer ward that she had figured out that Bert could pick up Jay's family if I was in Victoria. Her brain was rarely idle. I hope she now is finally enjoying 'the peace that passeth understanding'.  

It was really thrilling to look through the window of the Kelowna airport and see Jay, May and the girls collecting their carry on bags from the racks outside the plane and heading up to join us. They had 3 boxes, 5 big bags and 5 carry ons plus purses and pillows. Bert's car and mine were full to bursting. But we made it and now I'm the only one awake. The girls went right to sleep. The adults ate and then Jay went to sleep. May and I went outside, walked around the yard, did a bit of weeding and watering and came back in. She unpacked a bit but is now in bed, where I will be too very shortly. 

Jin Hee and Min Hee exhausted after the flight

Ditto for Jay

The Energizer Bunny never stops