Well, on Friday I farewelled my friend and Mentor of 10 years, Stuart Tasker. He died suddenly on Monday morning after collapsing soon after Mass last Sunday. It's taken me some time to accept that such a wonderfully intelligent and giving man is no longer here. There was certainly a sombre feeling today at Mass - I think everyone felt his absence - especially in the singing LOL!!
The Requium Mass was beautiful. Lots of memories and laughter (as was to be expected)!! The church was full! Even the seating in the courtyard was full and people standing in any available spot. It was testament to the calibre of man he was and how many lives he touched in a truly loving and friendly way.
He would have turned 54 next month - he leaves behind wife Helen and children Daniel, Jayne and Amy. I even taught Amy briefly a few years ago and she taught my boys to swim!! Amy recently turned 21. It was such a privilege to have known Stuart and I'm sure my life has been enriched because of it.
Helen said that she is at peace because they have no regrets. Isn't that just so beautiful and special? How many of us could say right now that we have no regrets? I know I have many things that I can't forgive myself for, but I guess it comes down to the fact that he was a deeply religious man but not in a pious or a morally superior way. He showed by doing and in doing he loved everyone and everything about life.
I'll miss you, my friend.
AND on an equally sombre note....
My cousing Silvia continues her fight with Cancer. She has one more dose of chemotherapy to go but it has spread further throughout her body. We don't know what will happen but Silvia remains upbeat and confident that the next round of chemo will help. My sisters and I will hopefully get a chance to see her during the week. It will be difficult because I don't know how far the cancer and chemo have changed her appearance. That's the worst part for me - is the change in appearance.
It seems like the world is slowly closing in on me but I know this is just life and life is a continual cycle of birth and death and struggle.
AND on a less life-threatening note,
my guest Design Team spot at Scrapbook City has come to an end. It's been a great ride. It was my first ever DT spot and many thanks to Leisa, Kerri and all the DT girls - Karen Pedwell, Carole Jansen, Alicia Barry, Sara Pearcy, Katie Howard, Michelle Lindenmayer, Tanya Katt, Pauline Rossi and the latest addition to the Team - Nikala O'Brien.
BE STRONG-er
The Requium Mass was beautiful. Lots of memories and laughter (as was to be expected)!! The church was full! Even the seating in the courtyard was full and people standing in any available spot. It was testament to the calibre of man he was and how many lives he touched in a truly loving and friendly way.
He would have turned 54 next month - he leaves behind wife Helen and children Daniel, Jayne and Amy. I even taught Amy briefly a few years ago and she taught my boys to swim!! Amy recently turned 21. It was such a privilege to have known Stuart and I'm sure my life has been enriched because of it.
Helen said that she is at peace because they have no regrets. Isn't that just so beautiful and special? How many of us could say right now that we have no regrets? I know I have many things that I can't forgive myself for, but I guess it comes down to the fact that he was a deeply religious man but not in a pious or a morally superior way. He showed by doing and in doing he loved everyone and everything about life.
I'll miss you, my friend.
AND on an equally sombre note....
My cousing Silvia continues her fight with Cancer. She has one more dose of chemotherapy to go but it has spread further throughout her body. We don't know what will happen but Silvia remains upbeat and confident that the next round of chemo will help. My sisters and I will hopefully get a chance to see her during the week. It will be difficult because I don't know how far the cancer and chemo have changed her appearance. That's the worst part for me - is the change in appearance.
It seems like the world is slowly closing in on me but I know this is just life and life is a continual cycle of birth and death and struggle.
AND on a less life-threatening note,
my guest Design Team spot at Scrapbook City has come to an end. It's been a great ride. It was my first ever DT spot and many thanks to Leisa, Kerri and all the DT girls - Karen Pedwell, Carole Jansen, Alicia Barry, Sara Pearcy, Katie Howard, Michelle Lindenmayer, Tanya Katt, Pauline Rossi and the latest addition to the Team - Nikala O'Brien.
BE STRONG-er
Hey Gi- so sorry to hear about your sad loss and your cousin fighting cancer - it must be hard and my prayers are with you and the rest of the families going through this difficult time :(
ReplyDeleteI hope you enjoy being a "free" agent now - and hope to see you at Bon's CC tonight :) Looking forward to seeing more of your 123 challenges too ! Love Charmane
Hi Gigi. Your post has moved me to tears> I know we all take our friends and family for granted some days, and it seems like your mentor has been taken from this world way too early. I hope you can find the strength to get through this tough time...and know that whenever you need a helping hand you only need to reach out and someone will take it.
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