A personal update

[toprob]

Some of you will know that I've been spending time caring for my mum, who has been very ill for a while. Mum passed away yesterday. My brother and I had undertaken to try and keep her in her own home for as long as we could, and she was able to pass in her own bed, which was her wish. My brother was with her, as I've been unable to return to Whanganui because of the lockdown.
I only recently -- last August -- reconnected with mum after a long time, and I'm so glad I did. Since then we have spent a lot of time together, and dealt with all the issues which had affected our relationship in the past. In the end I am thankful that things worked out as they did, and I know that we finally had a proper, caring relationship, love and respect for each other. I think I'll be crusading for a while for families to mend fences before it is too late, so please remember to hug your mum/child while you still have the chance.

For my mum, Colleen Zuydendorp, 1934 - 2020.

[chopper_nut]

Really sorry to hear that Rob.. especially as you weren't 'allowed' to be there. It's great that you were able to mend a few fences though... that's really important.

[emfrat]

For my mum, Colleen Zuydendorp, 1934 - 2020.

Rob - you and your brother did the best possible for your Mum. May she rest in peace.

Mike

[Fozzer]

Sad news to hear, Rob.

There is only one "real" woman in our lives, and that is/was our dear old Mum.
You can have lots of "women" in you life, but you only have one Mum!
My Mum and Dad were the best parents in the world to me...Lawrence and Lucy...1900-1989.

Paul.

[Sonnyj]

Condolences mate, difficult & sad times. My thoughts are with you. Cheers Les

[Charl]

It matters that you did the right thing in the end.
Sad that you missed out, perhaps good will come of it.

[iwik]

Sad news indeed Rob, they are valuable people in our lives.
Glad you were on very good terms when she passed.
Les

[MichaelBasler]

My sincere condolences, Rob. Certainly good to know you could resolve issues from the past in time.

Most of those our age have gone through this, and I did. Although we're old enough to take care for ourselves now, it still hurts to loose mom.

Kind regards, Michael

[jpreou]

Condolences to you and your family Rob. She is now sleeping in peace.

[ZK-LGD]

Sincerest condolences to you and yours.

[cowpatz]

I'm so pleased to see that you managed to reconnect and that it wouldn't have been easy to do at the start.
My sincerest condolences to you and your family.
CP

[dbcunnz]

My sincerest condolences to you and your family Rob, I know what it is like to lose family members having lost two in the last four years.

[Splitpin]

I just saw this now Rob ...Im so sorry, but at least she passed where she wanted to leave from ...well done you and your brother.
Hang in there big fella.

[NZ255]

I’m sorry to hear that Rob, but glad you reconnected.
Nick

[toprob]

Thanks for the thoughts, guys, much appreciated. It's been a strange week, that's for sure, and life isn't likely to return to normal for a while, but overall I'm doing ok. It was weird to receive a message saying mum had been cremated, no plans to get together in her memory, but I will make sure it happens, even if we need to wait a while.
I'll be back into forum discussions shortly, no doubt. Have a good Easter, everyone, and Stay Home!

[towerguy]

Deepest sympathies, sorry to hear the news
Keep safe

[cowpatz]

Good to see you back TG.

[cooldad]

So sorry to hear this Rob. I was lucky to visit my mum in Auckland and say goodbye the day before she passed, just as I had returned back to Wellington.

Ah the good old days, I still remember them like last month