Sunday, January 11, 2009

My Mum.

My mother died today. She was 83 and though she had an ongoing heart condition that we knew was going to cause trouble "one day", she was still going out and about and getting on with her life. Until yesterday afternoon when she was out shopping on the High Street, tripped, fell and broke her hip. Even then she was quite positive about the whole thing and the doctors at the New Royal were going to operate to fix the hip this afternoon or tomorrow. Except quite unexpectedly, after morning ward rounds and as her op was being arranged, she went into cardiac arrest and died almost instantly. Boom. I was actually on the phone to the ward asking about the scheduling of the op as the crash team went in. My sister and I went rushing in to the hospital immediately but we were far too late of course. Not unexpected, given the poor condition of her heart valve, but a bit of a shock nevertheless.

Isn't it amazing how just as you think you're going into a quiet and peaceful patch for a couple of months, life can turn round and bite you on the bum? Poor Mum. She would have been 84 on Tuesday.

40 comments:

blueadt said...

I'm really sorry :(

KathyR said...

I'm so sorry for your loss! It really is amazing just how traumatic a broken hip can be in the elderly. Please accept my sympathies - I will be thinking of you and your family at this sad time.

Knitlass said...

Oh, that's sad. Be happy for all that she was and still will be in your life, and mourn her in the way that she deserves. You only get one mum and they (we!) are precious things. Well done for hanging onto her for so long. My condolences to you and yours.

Scottishf said...

Really sorry to hear your news, thinking of you xx

Robin said...

I'm so sorry, my thoughts and prayers are heading your way.

Unknown said...

I'm so sorry. I still miss my own mother very much. My prayers are with you and your family.

Minerva said...

Sincere condolences.

Unknown said...

So sorry to hear of your loss, Isabella. I am pleased she did not suffer too much and it was relatively quick. You are in my thoughts.

Zannah said...

Oh I am so sorry for your loss. My grandmother died four years ago in a very similar way - broken hip and seemed fine - and then suddenly went - followed less than a year later by my father - again, in a similar way.

I can only offer my condolences and hope that you can get through the next few months.

Much love (even though we've never met, I have gleaned so much enjoyment from your blog).

Sian said...

I am so very sorry for your loss.

TutleyMutley said...

What a shock for you all. My thoughts your way. hugs.

Anonymous said...

oh Isabella, I'm so sorry. You've brought your mum to life in conversation so well, so many times, and this post is no exception - I'm glad to hear that she was "quite positive about the whole thing" - just what I'd expect of any mum of yours! I'm so sorry for your loss, and for the kids too.
Take good care of you, Al

rho said...

I am so sorry for your loss - there is nothing to say that will help but know we all care for you and are sending out loving and caring thoughts for you and your family and wishing we were closer to help you thru this.

Your mom sounds fantastic - honor her memory with love and laughter -

yvette said...

Oh Isabella, I am so sorry to hear your sad news, sending my thoughts and prayers.

Yvonne said...

I'm so sorry to read this, my thoughts are with you all

Peri said...

So sorry to read your sad news, please accept my condolences.

My thoughts are with you and yours.

Joan said...

My deepest sympathy also.

Wye Sue said...

I'm so sorry to hear about your Mum, especially so close to her birthday.
Remember her with love and happiness and dont fret that you were not there at the end - sometimes it is better that way.
If you want any help or advice from afar please get in touch.
And I hope that the boys are giving you extra love xx

Heather said...

So sorry about your mum.

Anonymous said...

Just wanted to say I am so sorry. I lost my father three years ago, and while it gets better, missing them never entirely goes away. You'll be in my prayers.

Linda said...

I am so sorry to hear about your Mum. It sounds like she lived a long and active life right to the end.

Anonymous said...

So sorry to hear about your mother. The only consolation being that for her it was quick.

You obviously have many good memories to keep her fresh in your memory.

My sincere condolences,
Dawn in NL

Ambermoggie, a fragrant soul said...

I am so sorry about your mum, sending strength for you

Jennyff said...

Sorry to hear you have lost your Mum so suddenly. Condolences to you and your family.

Lara said...

I'm so sorry for your loss. We lost my grandmother in August in very nearly the same way.

Lesley said...

So sorry to hear about your Mum, my thoughts are with you and your family

Lesley

Anonymous said...

I'm so sorry, no matter your age, losing a parent can be so hard.
Take care of yourself.

Barbara

Helen said...

I'm so sorry. Like you say, just when you think you know what you've got to worry about, the rug is pulled out from under you. I'm thinking of you.

Marissa said...

I am so so sorry for your loss.

Rosie said...

Oh, how sudden and shocking for you. Thinking of you.

Anonymous said...

My sincere condolences. Peace to you in this time of upheaval and loss.

Anonymous said...

So sorry about your mom! I'm thinking of you.

knitorious drivel
Jennifer

Rachel said...

Sending you all the caring and love I have. Thinking of you...

Barb said...

Damn damn damn. So very sorry.

bluecanary

ChestyLove said...

I know alll about the life biting you in the bum out of the blue song and dance. I'm really sorry to hear this news.

*hugs*

Daisy said...

I'm so sorry to hear your news, especially as it was so sudden. Take care.

Juno said...

I'm so sorry to hear about your Mum - I'm be thinking of you and your family. All the best to you...

Bezzie said...

It's never easy. Hugs to you and yours.

natalie said...

So sorry.
n

Anonymous said...

I'm really sorry to hear this. May your sweet memories of your Mum be a comfort to you.

Lella