This is Gary, Maureen’s husband. Yesterday, Saturday May 10, 2014 at 11:05am, Maureen’s journey came to a peaceful end. I thought I should complete her journal as many of you might not be aware of the circumstances.
After Maureen’s last chemo round on Mar 3, we departed for Toronto two days later, having postponed our return trip a couple of times in order to avoid the nasty winter back home. So what was Toronto like? Weather-wise, it was a mixed bag of sun, rain, warmth, cold, and even snow. Had to practice my shoveling skills again. And for Maureen, it was resting up a few days first before taking on the challenge of appointments and visitations. While the appointments were necessary, the best part was catching up with family and friends. And I have to say Maureen looked and felt great, despite some earlier fatigue.
While in Toronto, cousin Pat asked if we could change our return flight to Vancouver instead of L.A. Pat had met a promising young oncologist there who was willing to treat Maureen, a Dr Daniel Renouf at the B.C. Cancer Agency. While this was a surprise initially, we knew we had overstayed our welcome in the U.S. and that a transition back to Canada was necessary. So with a renewed optimism, on Mar 22 we packed our bags and headed west once again, this time to Vancouver. Maureen’s elder son Sean and his fiancé (now wife) Irina, black cat Mikey and Havanese fluff-ball dog Pablo, live in North Surrey, and kindly invited us to stay with them, so we made that our home base.
We met up with Dr R two days later and laid out an encouraging plan of attack. Before Maureen could start her new regimen of treatments, however, she had a series of medical setbacks, the major one being a cancer-related stroke which prevented her from receiving further cancer treatments. She was admitted to the Surrey Memorial Hospital on March 30, and as her condition deteriorated, she was later transferred to the palliative ward. During her stay there we had a steady stream of family and friends visiting and encouraging Maureen. From there on May 2, Maureen was moved to the Irene Thomas Hospice in Delta where she spent her remaining days in a comfortable, caring, and dignified environment. I was with her when she took her last breath, surrounded by her loving family.
The cancer ultimately took her body, but it never touched her indomitable spirit, her keen mind, her can-do attitude, and most of all, her caring nature. May she rest in peace and may her memory live on in our hearts. A private remembrance service was held at the hospice for Maureen. Her family in Australia will be honouring her memory shortly. In the days ahead we plan on having a memorial in the Toronto area to celebrate her life, and son Sean is setting up a guestbook website where people can express their thoughts. You will be notified of the date of the memorial and the website as soon as they are available.
As I close out this journal for Maureen, I thank you for joining us on this incredible journey. There have been many highs, a few lows, several bends, and many surprises along the way. This shared journey has given Maureen and me much inspiration, encouragement, and a sense of bonding with each of you. From the bottom of my heart, and for the memory of my loving wife Maureen, thank you. Till we meet up again.
Gary
I leave you with a verse I came across that expresses what Maureen might have wanted to say to all of you:
I could not stay another day
To laugh, to love, to work, or play.
Be not burdened with thoughts of sorrow
I wish you the sunshine of tomorrow.
My life’s been full, I savoured much
Good friends, good family, a loved one’s touch.
Life up your heart and share with me
God wanted me now, He set me free.