Sunday, March 2, 2014

I received word this morning that Lynne has passed away. It is hard to imagine that she was diagnosed only a month ago but is already gone. I spoke with her by telephone only a week ago and there was little indication that the end was so near.

I didn’t know Lynne particularly well growing up – she was one of the “older” cousins. Of course she was at all the family gatherings, but while I was off colouring and playing she was into more adult adventures. I remember babysitting for her sons, Todd and David, on at least one occasion. She was of particular help to me when I was going through a difficult phase in my life; she had been there before and she was able to give me lots of advice and encouragement. As adults, the age difference disappeared and we enjoyed lots of family and cousin time over the years.

In one of my recent phone conversations withLynne she was particularly thrilled to have met and held her newest great granddaughter. In that conversation she told me she didn’t want anyone to feel sad; she knew where she was going and she was going to be fine.

Although it is hard not to be sad, I trust Lynne has arrived safely and is free from her pain.