A Busy & Sad Week last Week

Last week I returned from Vancouver.  The plane ride was the longest trip I've ever taken mentally.  

The previous night my father had interupted dinner out with my Mother in Law and her family to say that my mother wasn't doing well and was in hospital.  My wife and I quickly returned to my Mother-in-Laws place and moved up our flight time at no cost to us courtesy of Air Canada (kudos to them). 

We arrived back at Toronto airport and got our bags for 7:00 P.M. and headed to the hospital.  My Mom was pale and whispering.  She lasted through Wednesday night and into Thursday.  We stayed with her all of Thursday alternating between my Dad, my brother and his wife, myself and my wife and my sister. 

My sister, my wife and I went to my parents place Thursday night for dinner.  After we had eaten and did the dishes we got a phone call, my Mom had turned for the worse.  I stayed with her throughout the Thursday night.  However, my mother wouldn't quit until the end.  She passed away Friday night after battling breast cancer.  

All the info is below as published in the Toronto Star. 

Suddard, Barbara -- after living with cancer for 5 years, Barbara passed away peacefully on Friday, August 6, 2010 at the Southlake Regional Health Centre. Barb, beloved wife of 38 years to Bill. Loving mother of Michael (Yvonne); Peter (Alice); and Christine. Dear sister of Nancy and the late Terry. Memorial visitation at the Aurora United Church (15186 Yonge Street, at Mosley) on Wednesday August 11 from 2-4 and 6-8 pm. Memorial Service in the Aurora United Church on Thursday August 12 at 2:30 pm. A Celebration of Life will be held immediately following the service. In lieu of flowers, donations to the Aurora United Church or the Canadian Cancer Society would be appreciated. Arrangements entrusted to Thompson Funeral Home, Aurora, 905-727-5421. Online tributes may be left at http://www.thompsonfh-aurora.com/