Goodbye nana

This morning, Simon's mom died of cancer.  It wasn't a surprise; she was diagnosed in April and has been in hospice for 7 weeks.  If anything it was a relief as she hung on strong towards the end, where her body was just a shell but her heart still beating.

I guess the good part about cancer is that the end is so horrible that death is welcomed.  But even while preparing for this the last month, it doesn't diminish the loss.  By her passing, we no longer have to think of her as she was at the end, but now can remember her as she was in life.

The hole she leaves is massive.  Simon spoke with her every day.  Nana and Rogs watched Riles every Tuesday and Wednesday while we were working.  Those are just the logistics.  She was our support, gentle and so easy to talk to.  She was our cheer, singing, always with a rhyme.  She was just part of our lives - coming by with shepherd's pie (Si's favorite) on a friday night, just because. 

Simon's family came to Canada on their own - just the four of them.  With no cousins or aunts or uncles nearby, they were very tight.  To have lost Matt and his mom so quickly is tragic.  Si is so close to his parents, they talk every day.   Her loss is huge, and my heart goes out to Si and Rog.

 Tiger attack!

 Making the bouquets for our wedding.

60th birthday

 Making muffins with Riley.  He had his own grater, and always got to be part of the project. 

 Oh Riles adored her.

Napping after a busy morning together

 This grin is so her.

 Five years this week, at our wedding

I'm sad there are so few pictures of nana with Kivani, and that Vons won't get to know her nana.  MrsG was so excited to have a granddaughter. 

Love this picture

We'll miss you MrsG.