My beautiful Mum was diagnosed with lung cancer in January this year. A complete shock to us all as she had never smoked in her 89 years. Sadly, she lost her battle last Saturday under the incredible care of staff at the brilliant Olivia Newton John Centre in Melbourne. She had accepted her diagnosis with grace and dignity and decided against any chemo or radiotherapy. We knew we would lose her sooner rather than later, but during the last week of her life her condition worsened dramatically and we held our collective breaths. Mum never complained of any pain, just the distress of her inability to breathe easily and hence hindering her usual active routine. When the call came from the hospital in the early hours of Saturday that her breathing had changed substantially, we knew we were losing her. Three hours later she died peacefully and in no pain, reunited with Dad. My sisters and I, as well as my wife, had the privilege of being in the room as she drew her last breath. It was a surreal, heartbreaking moment. Several days later the grief is still fresh and raw but we are slowly coming to terms with our loss and know that Mum is in a better place, as hard as that concept is. A rich, full life well lived by a beautiful soul. We will all miss her dearly.
