No paintings for a while…

You might have noticed that I haven’t sent you any mailings with links to my blog posts lately. This year in fact.

First of all on New Year’s Eve, my mother’s carers told me that they had called 111 as my mother’s condition seemed to be worsening. I asked to speak to the paramedic who visited, and just before 12 midnight on New Year’s Eve, I was speaking to him, being told that my mother was at the end of life stage and should have no more food and drink.

As the days went by, my mother asked for a cup of tea and we decided that if she asked for something to eat or drink, she should be allowed it. I caught a flight to London on the 5th January, and was glad I could be with my mother as she passed away on the 10th January.

I expect many of my readers will know what follows the death of a family member, especially when you are the sole executor of their estate.

I returned home to Portugal for 12 days, to see my dog (who was being looked after by some kind neighbours), start my car and light the fire to get the cold and damp out of the house.
When I returned home I discovered the internet was out of order (and still is!) but managed to organise my mother’s funeral, speaking to Father Robin on Whatsapp, next to the front door, a cold and draughty spot, which catches the mobile signal.

My mother’s funeral was well attended and several people commented that it was a very good tribute to her.

Along with all this, I am preparing to put my house on the market! Clearing out cupboards, and making it look remotely tidy is my challenge.

I’m also in the process of selling and clearing my mother’s flat in Sevenoaks…. unfortunately all this doesn’t leave much time for painting. But I will keep you up to date with everything.

My mother, Barbara’s life was long and full of service to others. Her strength of character saw her through some difficult times. She was 103 when she passed away. Below is the eulogy which Father Robin read in the chapel.

Barbara was born in Watford in 1921.  She met my father at the
Spiritualist church where she played the piano and he played the violin.
During the war WW2, Barbara was in Watford and could see the fires from the
bombings burning in London.  It was most likely very frightening.  My
father was in the Navy and in 1941 his boat, a mine sweeper, was
torpedoed in the English Channel.  My father, Raymond was one of 12
survivors from 48 men.  He was allowed 2 weeks survivors leave and
Barbara and Raymond got married during the leave period.

During the war Barbara drove a Post Office van which she enjoyed and had
challenges such as changing a wheel by herself, a story she often told.

She also assisted her mother in her mother’s vegetarian guest house on
the Isle of Wight from time to time and after the war gave up eating  meat
due to her belief that its farming was too energy intensive and  that
eating plant based foods where more ecologically sustainable.  The  rest
of the family followed suit and haven’t looked back!

Barbara and Raymond were keen gardeners, growing fruit and vegetables in
their large garden in St. John’s Road.  At one time they had an
allotment as well.  They were always active and busy.

Barbara volunteered delivering Meals on Wheels for a number of
years, to the housebound in the local area.
Barbara also volunteered at the Seeker’s Trust, a healing group in
Addington,  driving there once a week to join their healing circle.

Barbara was always ready to help any friend or neighbour in need. She
studied up on alternative medicine and herbalism and Homeopathy were two
of such interests which she pursued.

Barbara’s married life was mostly spent looking after her family,  cooking
healthy vegetarian meals, gardening, yoga classes and helping  friends.

Barbara was very fortunate in her latter years to have wonderful and dedicated carers, (Jude, Deborah, Fran, Tracy) who looked after her so well and took her out to some lovely places.