As I sit here and write this I can only imagine the pain and emotions you are experiencing. I am struggling with the reality of what is happening and how quickly. I so badly wish to come be by your side. I feel so helpless in Kelowna right now it seems so far away. Yet as I read Mike’s Blog all three of you sound so strong. Please read this to Uncle Mike. Thank you Uncle Mike for being my God Father and a wonderful one at that. I saw you less in my adult life yet you gave me so much. It goes way back to when I was a little girl at Salt spring even then I felt your compassion, caring and support. I always remember the comfort you gave so generously. When Grandpa Matthews passed away suddenly that Easter weekend and you came back to Salt spring for the second time that weekend to Grammas’ house. All the adults were in the living room discussing the plans as Adults; you came into the Den where the grandchildren were and sat down and expressed your sorrow over the loss of our pet dog Pogan. Even in your time of deep grief you reached out supported and grieved with us. Thank you Uncle Mike and Auntie Carol for all your family publishing’s you have provided me with you wrote them with pride and all your heart and they have given me a knowledge and love of my family history I wouldn’t have otherwise known was there. I read your most recent “C.G. MATTHEWS: A Son’s Account By M.P. Matthews” all in one sitting I couldn’t put it down regardless of what “needed” doing. In the first paragraph you write about this memoir being of some interest to another generation family member down the line. This was very true and fulfilling for me. I also want to say how much your presentations of heart at family functions have meant to me weather they came in the form of poetry , songs or productions they really showed heart, feeling and creative expression of your love of us and family. Thank you also for taking the time in your travels to Vernon to make a point of stopping by and visiting Mariah and I or taking us out for lunch. I will Cherish those times. Another example of how you go out of your way to show your dedication, and care to show your love. You three are constantly in my thoughts and I immediately stop and pray for you. May you feel all the love and support behind the courage and strength you three have and are showing as you live in this painful difficult time. As well may it be an intimate time of closeness and support for the three of you that you can hold forever.
With much love, hugs and prayer
Nancy and Mariah.
Wednesday, 22 February 2012
From God-Niece Nancy
Uncle Mike Auntie Carol and Alison.
Wednesday
We are now in a private room which is very comfortable. Victor is looking after everything, as you can see, steadily seated on Mike's chest atop Sue's lovely quilt while we all listen to the very beautiful recording of Blake's Songs of Innocence and Experience which Ross McKay brought.
On the tables are the orchids Michelle Dartnall brought, the antherium that niece Dana brought, and the Witch Hazel from Alison Watt as well as the great many cards from so many dear friends.
Mike is peaceful, wearing his Black Apples shirt and enjoying the messages we read to him from so many wonderful friends and family members -- friends from all over Vancouver Island, from BC, from Quebec, Halifax, Berkley, Israel, Bali, Barbados.
Alison is always at hand with gingerale and quiet conversation. Liza and Kim LeDuc come and take Victor for walks.
Yesterday we had visits from two nieces, a nephew, 3 doctor friends, and 2 other friends. Mike enjoyed it all but it was a bit tiring. Today we are focusing on tranquility.
Friends on PI and at Parkridge and in Nanaimo have been enormously supportive. I can't begin to list those who brought or offered soup, casseroles and cakes. All much appreciated. For now we are well- stocked but later on we will surely take up those offers with great gratitude.
Things move forward steadily, gently. Alison and I may stay all night tonight. At some point this evening Mike might have a small glass of Ross's 14 yr old scotch. Alison and I feel things are pretty good, given everything.
On the tables are the orchids Michelle Dartnall brought, the antherium that niece Dana brought, and the Witch Hazel from Alison Watt as well as the great many cards from so many dear friends.
Mike is peaceful, wearing his Black Apples shirt and enjoying the messages we read to him from so many wonderful friends and family members -- friends from all over Vancouver Island, from BC, from Quebec, Halifax, Berkley, Israel, Bali, Barbados.
Alison is always at hand with gingerale and quiet conversation. Liza and Kim LeDuc come and take Victor for walks.
Yesterday we had visits from two nieces, a nephew, 3 doctor friends, and 2 other friends. Mike enjoyed it all but it was a bit tiring. Today we are focusing on tranquility.
Friends on PI and at Parkridge and in Nanaimo have been enormously supportive. I can't begin to list those who brought or offered soup, casseroles and cakes. All much appreciated. For now we are well- stocked but later on we will surely take up those offers with great gratitude.
Things move forward steadily, gently. Alison and I may stay all night tonight. At some point this evening Mike might have a small glass of Ross's 14 yr old scotch. Alison and I feel things are pretty good, given everything.
From Margaret Horsfield
Dear Carol: Waking in the night and thinking of you and Mike, out of the blue I found myself thinking "Let the wild rumpus begin," a phrase I associate with Mike much more than Sendak. At some large gathering at your place -- when, for whom, I can't remember -- he looked fiercely around at the crowd and suddenly declaimed this phrase, to no one in particular -- and grinned. I cannot tell you how often I've used that phrase ever since -- with Emma, at parties, on birthday cards -- all thanks to Mike. Sure I'd read the book, remembered the phrase, but I hadn't really GOT it till I heard his version -- and saw the grin. You may know that Maria Coffey has a birthday this weekend, turning sixty, no less. Now a commonplace event amongst friends, and coming my way in just over a year -- but back when the world was puddle-wonderful and so much younger, I never imagined being so old. The first sixtieth birthday party I ever attended was Mike's on Protection Island. With a belly dancer in attendance. A wild rumpus all around, and one I've not forgotten, especially Mike's face when the dancer (Lynette?) came on the scene.
I loved Alison's sketch of Victor.
May time pass as gently as possible for you.
with love Margaret
Sent on the TELUS Mobility network with BlackBerry
I loved Alison's sketch of Victor.
May time pass as gently as possible for you.
with love Margaret
Sent on the TELUS Mobility network with BlackBerry
Message from Chris Yeomans
Dear Carol and Mike
Thinking of you both...
Thinking of your family and friends
Wondering what words could convey some comfort
Perhaps only that I care...
Only that I am open to share
Loving ,loss, connectedness
Chris
Thinking of you both...
Thinking of your family and friends
Wondering what words could convey some comfort
Perhaps only that I care...
Only that I am open to share
Loving ,loss, connectedness
Chris
Message from Kimberly Saward in U.K.
Dear, dear Carol,
I am so moved by reading the words of your family long-time friends as they pay tribute to Mike... and to you, too.
I can feel your depth as your spirit moves with me throughout the day.... as I wonder how you are doing, remembering the oh-so-sacred nature of the bittersweet days while we were in the hospital with Aaron a few Christmases ago, and that I remember from my own experiences as loved ones embarked on their own journeys through the dying process. I know these are deep and difficult days, but I also believe that you are holding them in heartful ways. In my limited way, I am sending you energy, and love, often throughout the day, and when I wake at night....
And I trust that the humor that has punctuated your life will also weave through these days in the hospital with Mike!
I wish I could magically appear and whisk you off to share a cup of coffee and a chat....
Much love,
Kimberly
I am so moved by reading the words of your family long-time friends as they pay tribute to Mike... and to you, too.
I can feel your depth as your spirit moves with me throughout the day.... as I wonder how you are doing, remembering the oh-so-sacred nature of the bittersweet days while we were in the hospital with Aaron a few Christmases ago, and that I remember from my own experiences as loved ones embarked on their own journeys through the dying process. I know these are deep and difficult days, but I also believe that you are holding them in heartful ways. In my limited way, I am sending you energy, and love, often throughout the day, and when I wake at night....
And I trust that the humor that has punctuated your life will also weave through these days in the hospital with Mike!
I wish I could magically appear and whisk you off to share a cup of coffee and a chat....
Much love,
Kimberly
Message from Patricia Young
dearest cj
just want you to know i'm thinking of you and mike tonight and wondering how you are both holding up. it is very hard what you are going through but you're doing it so well and for each other. i know this. you are both amazing and i love you dearly.
xoox
Pry
just want you to know i'm thinking of you and mike tonight and wondering how you are both holding up. it is very hard what you are going through but you're doing it so well and for each other. i know this. you are both amazing and i love you dearly.
xoox
Pry
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