Monday, February 18, 2008

In Memorium


My precious friend Elly went to the Rainbow Bridge on Saturday morning at 6:15 a.m., February 16, 2008.

On Thursday, I sat by her side as she was surrounded by her friends, and adoring husband of two and a half years.

She was conscious and disturbed by the severity of her condition, but never fearful. She smiled and through her oxygen mask, asked me in her usual way, "Are we having fun now?"

We remained strong in her view, and then as she slipped into a permanent dream state on Friday, we would leave her room and cry with one another. We told all of our collective "Elly stories," and we marveled at her strength of living with cancer for 10 years, in radiant grace.

Her husband prayed for a miracle until the last.

Friday afternoon, we brought her home where she could die in her own home, facing the water of Henderson Inlet and Mount Rainier. Her altar in homage to Mother Mary was lit with candles and photographs of her wedding day.

After she had passed from this world into the Divine Spirit's arms, we held her body, surrounded her with our prayers and blessings and let her beautiful soul travel forth.

Elly was only 58 years old. She had so much life, love and spirit that it seems unbelievable that she is not here.

Breast cancer is at epidemic levels. Please keep the women in your family safe. Get regular checkups and talk about your health-care with a doctor you really trust and who understands you.

Dr Tweety sends you his love, and we will return to regular blogging as soon as I am up to it. Much love to you all.



38 comments:

Jan Price said...

We cry with you. It is so sad to lose someone you love. What wonderful friends Elly had.

jans funny farm

Kapp pack said...

So sad....

Sad woos, Kelsey ANn

Gemini and Ichiro said...

What a lovely tribute to someone who obviously had a wonderful spirit. Our thoughts are with you.

Kathryn and Ari said...

Thank you so much for this lovely, heartfelt post. We've lost friends and loved ones to cancer, and know too well how much you must hurt right now. I feel honored to have the chance to see just a glimpse into Elly's life.

Karen said...

i am so sorry for the loss of a dear friend

Just Ducky said...

Purrs to you on your loss.

Poppy Q said...

Sorry you lost your friend, your heart must be broken.

Thinking of you.

Motor Home Cats said...

What a beautiful tribute. We will be purring for you and for her family and the rest of her friends.

Tiki, Tavi, Cody and Camie

Anonymous said...

Oh my we are so sad to learn of the passing of your dear friend Elly. Our hearts grieve with you at your loss.

Tiki, Kirby, and StanLee said...

We are very sorry about Elly. We are sending you purrs and hugs.

Sunny's Mommy said...

I'm so sorry for your loss, and for everyone she left behind.

Daisy said...

My eyes are leaking now. That was a lovely tribute to Elly, and it is clear what a special person she was. I am saddened by her passing.

Tybalt said...

That was a beautiful tribute to your friend, Elly. What a unique and bright soul she had to fight for so long and to have such wonderful friends. I am purring and thinking of you in your time of loss.

Hot(M)BC said...

Purrrrrrrs for your Mommee and Elly's spirit and furriends. All our thoughts are with you.
::smooches to Dr Tweety too::
Purrrrrrrs,
Mini

Alastriona, The Cats and Dogs said...

We are very sad for you. We are purring for you and thinking about you.

Scylla, Charybdis & Socks

Black Cat said...

I'm so, so sorry, but it's good she had so many people who loved her with her when she passed. She was very brave and so was your Mommee. I love you all. xxx

The Crew said...

You have our condolences for the loss of your dear friend.

Maya and Kena said...

We are so sorry for you. It's hard losing someone who is dear to you.
Many prayers for you and everyone else.
Loving Licks,
Maya and Kena

YorkieLover said...

I am so sorry for the loss of your dear friend at age 58. My own mother died at age 58 -- and that is far too young. My mother had been ill for 17 years and barely made it that far. It just doesn't make sense...and the sadness is overwhelming, but your friend is now at peace and free from disease and pain.

from Tina and the Furry Kitty Pals - Buffy, Smokey, Fuzzy Face and Junior
And the Yorkies - C.C., Paras, Arnold and Tashia

http://highspiregardens.blogspot.com

PB 'n J said...

What a lovely post for your friend. We're sorry that you lost your friend at such an early age, it's not fair. We'll be purring for you and her family and friends.

Lacy said...

Hi,

So sorry for ur loss of a special friend...Elly sounds like she was an extra special person..u have my prayers..

Peace,
Claudette and Lacylulu..

SophieKitty said...

Being with someone at the time of their death is the greatest give one could give. You and the rest of Elly's friends and family will always cherish her.

While sad for those of us who remain behind, our loved ones experience eternal peace,love and joy. Godspeed, Elly.

The Meezers or Billy said...

Rest in Peace Elly.

we are so very sorry for your loss

Anonymous said...

Sending hugs and my deepest condolence.

The Cat Realm said...

We are so very very sorry, our hearts and thoughts and purrs are with you!!!

Scout said...

What a beautiful testimony to your friend! I am sorry for your loss and your family and her's are in my prayers.

My mother is a two year lung cancer survivor. Cancer is a horribly indiscrimant disease and anyone who has been touched by it knows everyday is a gift.

God bless,
Klinde (aka Scout's Mommy)

The Furry Kids said...

We're so sorry for the loss of your friend. Hugs and purrs to you.

Angel MoMo and Charlotte said...

We are very sad for your loss and purr and pray for you and Elly's family.

Unknown said...

Elly was lucky to have such a faithful freind by her side. I am sure having you all there beside her made her passing easier. God bless you for being such a good friend, they are hard to come by.

Our thoughts and prayers are with you.

Kellie & Mum Shelley

Andree said...

My prayers and tears are with you. You did the most amazing and beautiful things in helping Elly pass over. I hope that my time will be as beautiful.

Unknown said...

I am just so sorry. I hope your momma can start to feel better soon.

MaoMao said...

I am crying for Elly, too. What a beautiful tribute to her. My heart goes out to you, dear Dr. Tweety's Mom -- what a wonderful friend you were to Elly; you are a blessing to her, and she was a blessing to you.

Please know I will keep you and all of Elly's family and friends in my heart and in my thoughts, and the Ballicai will keep all of you in their purrs...

We love you.

The Ballicai and the Ballicus Mom.

Parker said...

We send you our love and healing purrs...

Beethoven said...

I is so sad to hear about that. I'm sending my purrs over to Elly's family and friends.

Anonymous said...

Your love and grief comes through clearly in your writing. You're in our thoughts.

Memories of Eric and Flynn said...

We are so sorry for your loss. That is a lovely tribute to Elly.

Karen Jo said...

I am so very sorry. I know what it's like to lose someone dear at far too young an age to cancer. My heart goes out to you and all of Elly's friends and family.

Forty Paws said...

We're so sorry for your loss of your dear friend Elly. Our thoughts are with you.

Luf, Us & Maw

Celly-bratin life in Orry-gone