A very close friend of the family has been in hospital over the last couple of weeks after finding a tumour on her brain. They had difficulties operating due to a major blood vessel in the way. They managed to remove most of it, and were going to then have her undergo radiotherapy sessions. Unfortunately, though, she has since had a stroke, and then developed fluid on the brain – and yesterday took a turn for the worst and is now on life support. I am incredibly saddened by this whole thing – she is so young, only being in her 30’s. It wasn’t so very long ago I was visiting them in Auckland for their wedding – I was really touched at the time, because they wanted me to do a reading for them as part of the ceremony – something I felt incredibly honoured to do for them.
Earlier today I received the email you wouldn’t ever want to receive – that she has very little brain function left, and that they are expecting to pull her off life support at the end of this week. I’ve been in tears off and on all day today, and couldn’t stop shaking when I first heard the news. Unfortunately this is all unfolding in the UK, where they’re currently working, so now the families are making the dreadful journey across the oceans to be at their side.
Tonight I’ll be going back to sewing my Christmas outfit, if for no other reason than to take my mind off it for the night. I don’t feel like stitching, so this will have to do as far as soothing the soul tonight … on top of having a stiff cognac in a few minutes!
Anyway, I doubt I’ll be online too much this week. I presume eventually the body will be brought back to Auckland for her to be laid to rest … so it seems there will be two trips back home this year – one for Christmas and one for a totally different, totally excruciating other reason …
Yep, today really does suck!!! My thoughts are with the two sets of parents and siblings who are going through all this on the front line – my heart aches for them all, not the least baby Cameron who will have to grow up without his Mum.
Feather Stitching 
What heart-breaking news. I don’t think it’s possible to wrap your head around something like this – why it happens, none of it. Wishing I could give you a hug.
So sorry to hear of the sad news. Take care. (((big hugs)))
I’m so sorry to hear this Anne. Big hugs.
So sorry to hear this. Hugs to you and your friends family.
This is very sad. I’m very sorry. Prayers and hugs go out to you.
Oh Anne, how devastating and sad. Many hugs, I’m so sorry.
I’m so sorry to hear this, it’s really heartbreaking. My prayers are with family and friends.
Anne, I am so sorry to read about your friend. Why do these things happen to nice decent people, when the thugs of the world continue to live and cause so much unhappiness…
oh dear Anne,how terribly terribly sad. I’m so sorry and wish I could come and give you a big hug my friend.
This is such sad news. ((((HUGS)))) Life seems so unfair at time like this, take care Anne.
Oh Anne, I’m so sorry – words are inadequate and I jsut wrote something similar in another’s blog that is suffering with traumatizing news. I’m thinking of and praying for your friend and her family. I’m thinking and praying for you too. HUGS….
I’m so sorry to hear about your friend, Anne. {{{hugs}}}
Very sorry to hear about your friend, terrible and so difficult being so far from home. Hugs to you.