Monday 15 November 2021

Goodbye Gill

March 2018. I took Liz and Rosie to Romford. Auntie Peggy and cousin Gill were thrilled to see my first grandchild. Julian, Gill's son took the photo of the five of us, aged between 2 and 89. I treasure this picture. 
Sadly early yesterday morning Gillian died - she was at peace, with Julian at her bedside, in the St Francis Hospice. Just 6 days after her 65th birthday - and less than three weeks after the aggressive cancer was diagnosed. 
It is still hard to take in - so suddenly the bright, cheerful, young-at-heart woman, who was like a sister, to me has gone. I'm staying in Romford with my aunt for a few days, to help Julian with all the necessary arrangements. 
I'm trying to focus on the good memories, silly childhood games, giggling teenagers, over-tired young Mums, shared holidays, Christmas family get-togethers. 
I'm typing this at midnight, sitting on a mattress in my aunt's spare bedroom - which is a boxroom, full of odd bits and pieces, electric fans only used in the summer, rolls of Christmas wrapping paper, an old eiderdown, random electrical bits and spare kitchen gadgets - and an absurd "Elf on the Shelf" lying drunkenly on top of a stack of boxes. Gill despaired of ever getting her Mum's stuff sorted out. "When I retire..." she'd say "... perhaps... " But that will never happen now. 
If I close my eyes I can imagine Gill's grin, hear her laugh, teasing me in her strong Essex accent "Oh Ang..." I know she wouldn't want us to be paralysed by grief, she said that quite firmly when she instructed us in her carefully thought out funeral plans. She knew these days would be difficult for her son and her Mum - and in the short time she had to prepare herself for dying, she did all she could to help them through. 
She brought magic and sparkle into so many situations throughout her life, and she will be greatly missed, by family, friends and colleagues. We were blessed to have known her, grateful for the love and joy she dispensed with such generous enthusiasm. 
God bless you Gill - Rest in peace, and rise in glory. 


29 comments:

  1. So sorry Angela, but glad you have such happy memories of your cousin Gill. x

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  2. Such a lovely post. I'm dreadfully sorry for your loss. Sending you hugs.
    So nice to see Peggy again!x

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  3. So sorry to hear this. Thinking of you and the family today.

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  4. I’m so sorry. I will remember you all in my prayers. Sending you lovexx

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  5. I’m so sorry. I will remember you all in my prayers. Sending you lovexx

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  6. I am so sorry for your loss.
    A beautiful post that shows your love for a special woman, Gill.

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  7. Sorry for your loss, my thoughts are with you all at this sad time.

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  8. My deepest sympathies, Angela; so very sorry to read this.

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  9. So sorry for you and her family and friends. I lost a close cousin to cancer when we were still in our twenties, and I know that it feels like part of us has been cut off as well. Take care.

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  10. May you and Gill's family and friends find comfort and joy in your memories of her.

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  11. What a lovely lady she sounds. Sending you a big hug.

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  12. Terribly sorry to hear your sad news. Glad you're there to support the young lad. Such a sad time for him. xxx

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  13. Deepest sympathy to you, your Aunt Peggy, Julian and all who loved Gillian.

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  14. I am so sorry for your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you and her family.

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  15. So sorry to hear of your loss. Prayers for you all.

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  16. How sad to hear of Gill's passing. My sincere condolences to you all. You will be in my prayers. Hugs.

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  17. So sorry to hear this news. Will be praying for you and your family at this difficult time xx

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  18. Eternal rest grant unto her O Lord and let perpetual light shine upon her. May she rest in peace Amen

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  19. So sorry for you all. Remember the love that never ever goes and always ties us despite the boundaries. Love to you all xx

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  20. So sorry for your loss, sending hugs from Australia. Cousins are such a special gift, often more like siblings.

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  21. How quick this was. Such a short time - it's so sad. I don't really know what to say other than that I am thinking of you.

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  22. So sorry to hear of Gill's passing.
    Please give her mum a very big hug from me, nobody should ever have to attend their child's funeral.

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  23. So sorry to hear this sad news, Ang. Your presence in Romford will be a great comfort to Peggy and Julian. Praying for all of you.

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  24. I'm so sorry for your loss. Praying for you all.

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  25. I'm very sorry for your loss. Cancer can take such a terrible toll. My condolences, Celie

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  26. Sending love and prayers.🙏🏼❤️🙏🏼❤️ Such a painful time

    Heather x

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