I’m gone; a good number of you reading this will have known
that it wouldn’t be much longer. I took care of that quite publicly by
participating in the CBC documentary “Last Right”. Here’s hoping that the end
was as peaceful as we’d hoped.
Harder than anything I could ever have imagined was to leave
behind my sweet daughter Suzanna, who put her education on hold to take care of
me in my final months. If that’s not love, I don’t know what is. It’s been the
highest privilege imaginable to be her mother; I suspect that she’ll feel the
same way about her own children one day.
Also with me at the end was my dear friend Sue. Perhaps not a
sibling by blood, but as close as one could come to being the perfect sister
without sharing DNA. Other good friends stuck by us through the tough parts, I
couldn’t have asked for better companions on the last leg.
Also survived by my mother, Karin, and my brother Oliver
(Kelcina) and their children Allyson and Kristian.
My thanks go to my wonderful and amazing medical/support
team. In particular Dr. Ho Ping Kong,
Lorelei Cornish, Dr. Mathur, Dr. Downar, Dr Grossman, nurses Annelies
and Cynthia. Nurses at TGH MSICU, Baycrest Hospital Palliative Unit 6W, Dee
Kearns/ volunteers (especially my angel Jane), Wellspring (Halton) and Dale Massender.
In lieu of flowers, please consider donations to one of the
following: the CEEP team at TGWH Foundation (416-340-4430), Baycrest Foundation
(Palliative Unit 6W) 416-785-2875, TGH/TWH foundation "Palliative Care Research”
(Fund 5790 6090 0773 ) 416-340-4430
Cremation and a private ceremony have taken place.
If you would care to share a memory with my daughter, please
email her at sandytrunzerstories@gmail.com. Embarrassing tales are okay, she
should know that her mother was just as goofy before her arrival as after!
For those who followed my blog Without a Manual, the book
will be out in a few months. A portion of the proceeds will go to some very
special organizations.
Suzanna – thank you for choosing me, the best birthday gift
I ever received. What a ride you and I have shared.
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Rest in peace Sandy. You will be greatly missed and I say to Suzanna, I hope you find the courage and strength to go on in a state of celebrating Sandy's life! My heart goes out to you young soul!
ReplyDeleteI have been following your story, and hope that you are in a blissful state of peace. My thoughts are with your loving daughter and the rest of your family.
ReplyDeleteYour courage and candid approach to death will live with me forever. Loving thoughts are with Suzanna and your family. How blessed they were to have you .
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