SWMBO has departed this mortal coil

[BobL]

Yesterday was fairly hectic. A dog walk, a trip to the library to drop of Amandas books, then the Op Shop to drop off a bunch of stuff,.
Most of this stuff which was already earmarked by Amanda for disposal but I did fill the boxes up from the overwhelming supply of bric-a-brac (Amanda was a bit of a hoarder) around the hose. Why she had to have more than 2 dozen plastic water bottles is beyond me.
Then a succession of friends visited and about a dozen phone calls. At 7:30pm I was wondering why I had a sore throat and then realized I had been chatting with friends for more than 9 hours. Today is lining up to be a similar one. Every time a bad memory surfaces I try to think of the many good ones - it's sort of working.

[damian]

I am so sorry. <3

[pintek]

My deepest condolences to you and your family Bob.
There are no words for a loss this great.

Our thoughts are with you.

Ben.

[lovetoride]

I only just saw this. I am so, so sorry to hear this. My thoughts are with you Bob in this difficult time. She was obviously a wonderful partner and you can cherish the beautiful moments you had together.

Jane

[Wongo]

I am so sorry to hear that Bob.

[fiveeyes]

My sincerest condolences, Bob.

[tonzeyd]

my sincerest condolences Bob.

[Pittwater Pete]

Dear Bob.

My thoughts and prayers are with you at this very difficult time. I’m shedding a tear with you now as I remember my loved ones that have left before me.
Time will help you find understanding and happiness once again.

I wish you much peace.

Pete.

[BobL]

Going thru some old photos and found two copies of this one in a poster tube that I was just about to throw out.
I had seen it before but thought it was lost.
This was taken the year before we met.
Amanda was every bit and more as alluring, cheeky, quirky, and enigmatic, and many other things that words simply cannot describe, but are somehow captured by this photo.
I framed the photos and given one to my son.
AManda20s.jpg

[verawood]

Bob,

I know how you feel and what your going through.
I remember your kind words when my wife died.
I'm a bit late in responding, but since my wife died things aren't quite the same.
Time seems to pass different, sometimes quicker, sometimes slower.
I haven't checked in here for a while.
My sincerest condolences to you and your family.

Keith
aka verawood

[labr@]

Only just became aware of this Bob, I hope the pain eases soon and leaves you to concentrate on the happy memories.

[ian]

Hi BobL
I log on after 2 or so weeks absence and am greeted with this

Yesterday around lunchtime SWMNLBO suffered an aneurism followed by a heart attack and she passed away at 7:30 pm last night.

She was only 67 and had suffered badly from severe vertigo for the last ~3 years which added to some mental illness issues and she became quite limited in what she was able to do eg could not drive. Over the last 6 months she had got some help with the mental illness and it seemed to be working cause she had just started driving short distances. We even started making some tentative plans but then . . . . .this.

One of the worst things I'm feeling is the regrets of what I never quite got around to telling her. Tell your loved ones those things now.

I don't really know what to say -- apart from offering my very sincere condolences, albeit two weeks after her passing.


treasure the memories of your years together;
don't be shy about imposing somewhat on your kids and other rellies;


but most importantly, don't retreat into your shed and grieve for the rest of your life.



.
.
.

[Wol]

Mate, I am saddened to hear, I wish you all the best on the journey ahead.

regards

[jack620]

Bob,
I’m sorry for your loss. I’ve been away from the forum for ages and came back to the sad announcement of your wife’s passing.
It must have been a terrible shock. It sounds like you had a great marriage. Remember the good times and try to keep busy in the workshop.
Chris

[BobL]

Yesterday was Amanda’s celebration of life ceremony.
We gathered at a local park directly across the Swan River from the city of Perth,
I chose this place because every morning we walked our two Border Collies along this section of park - the dogs were also present.

Showers were forecast so we set up 5 3x3m gazebos but it stayed dry and the sun even came out for a while. Just as we finished packing up a light shower came down.

About 180 people turned and about 20 persons sent apologies.
There were a number of extended family members I hadn't seen since the last family funeral about 4 years back and some of Amanda's work colleagues and acquaintances we had not seen for decades.
Six Speakers (a Girlfriend from school, a Girlfriend from Amanda’s bookclub in which she had been a member for 40 years) a niece, our son, Amanda's brother and myself presented many stories and memories. Many loving and caring words were spoken.

4 speakers spoke first and then followed Amanda's choice for her "funeral music" , we thenhad a break for refreshments and a chance for attendees to sign the memory book, look at the photo wall and some of Amanda's craft which were on display, and reminisce.
Then there some reminiscences and a toast with red bubbly (Amanda's favourite tipple) by Amanda's brother .
Then I spoke and also wrapped things up.
Then the attendees had a second chance at refreshments etc - there was loads of food and red bubbly which was taken back to my place.

Despite the sadness it was also a joyous occasion
Amanda would have been highly embarrassed about making such a fuss but we relived some great memories.

Then we had a family lunch (more food supplied by my sisters and SILs) but there was still about 40 people present, and viewed a continuously running Slide Show about Amanda's life.

I was left with more food than I could deal with so I ended up farming most of it out to neighbours with Teenagers. After everyone left that was a dark moment but several people called to check on me. Then late in the day a widower neighbour visited. This morning another neighbour is accompanying me on my dog walk and then having me over for breakfast. Then I'm going with my grandies to check out the ducks at a local lake.