Snake Bite Won Or Was It Age
Questioning life is like questioning death itself, no real answers. What I did experience after knowing my husband over fifty years together was he enjoyed running, in later years walked daily, photography and holidays always topped the list. When not away many walks on beaches and in parks, with children and pets over the years.
After snake bite at the end of October nothing ever returned to any semblance of normal, at the end death certificate was noted as natural causes.
Cremation indicated without a church service had been his wishes, living in South Africa the cremation fortunately done a day before loadshedding reared it's ugly head again, albeit shorter being only a few days. Flooding over two weeks, well we had three which meant we could not continue making plans as communities needed assistance.
March 9th we booked Celebration of Life at MOTH gardens in Warner Beach where we have lived for over forty years. We selected a place under a tree in broiling 34C (93.2F) to gather, share memories of the years where more often than not you learn a lot about a partner who was quiet and unassuming through work associates or friends made along his path in life. Three score plus one, at 71 not old, who is to question when the bell tolls?
The geese kept us company, actually not too happy as this was "their" tree, they surrendered and allowed us a brief time to share it with them.
Then we had the mongoose family arrive, during our time they too decided to join in, geese kept them at bay not allowing them too close up under the tree where we had congregated.
After everyone was settled with a plate of eats the geese returned and settled under the tree with us, a very special remembrance one my husband would have appreciated. Being different cultures it worked out brilliant as all had an opportunity to share from their perspective.
Once those who joined had slowly left my brother and I took a quiet walk around the gardens thinking of those who have gone before us, closing this chapter a glance over to the tree where we spent some time honouring a provider, father and loyal friend to many.
I may not be back on Hive for awhile, sorting out many real life things around the home at the moment, be assured as soon as I am able it will be on a more permanent basis as it once was.
Many thanks to the many who have sent condolences, wishes for the future and life to continue.
All photography my own using Canon Powershot SX730 HS. Have a wonderful day wherever you live in our wonderful world.
Thought for Today: "Life is the beginning of death." - African Proverb
Hello @joanstewart
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Please accept my condolences
He lived life to the full, enjoyed what he did, thanks for your kind thoughts.
🙏🙏🙏
Hello dear friend @joanstewart
I'm so sorry for your loss.
The place you chose to say goodbye to your loved one is beautiful, full of wildlife, just like your life partner loved.
My sincere condolences.
It was a wonderful morning where some I never met shared their respect, being in nature with mixed cultures made this a wonderful spot to remember him.
Thanks for kindness and loving thoughts always expressed.
Hi Joan, the speed at which things went downhill for your dearest Rob must still feel surreal! Not an easy journey now, especially with all the legalities, while grieving your life partner of over fifty years. You are in my thoughts dearest Joan, go easy on yourself <3
Taking one day at a time, reality check will hit me once I settle more I am sure. Best Rob being ultra fit not to have lingered, as you said went down very fast actually since the snake bite.
Thanks for being at the other end of the line for quick chats when I popped up for a breather every so often, greatly appreciated❤️
Ach Joan. You have had a rough time of it. You take all the time you need to look after yourself and heal. Sad times indeed
Life takes strange twists and turns when we least expect it, time to ponder what comes next after this shock. Rob will be missed around every corner, life carries on as must I.
We will miss you. We will look forward to your return.
I’m most sorry! Much love and many hugs❤️🫂
Thanks for thoughts and kind message 🤗
We will miss you. We will look forward to your return.
I’m most sorry! Much love and many hugs❤️🫂
Thank you for sharing.
I'm very sorry for your loss Joan, life is such unpredictable and hard at a times. I prefer to stick with the lovely memories and look ahead, it's the only we can do afterwards...
I know that pain since I suffered it hardly several times long ago, my best wishes and hugs goes for you, keep strong and going ahead 🤗
Each life is precious, good memories fun and laughter wash away the tears. Thanks for kind words while facing change, greatly appreciated and do take care.
So sad with everything that went on Joan. The geese and the mongoose squad would have tickled me so I am sure it did Rob too. Take all the time you need and take care of yourself.
Mongoose and geese had a squabble while I was trying to read the eulogy, made it extra special as my niece said, 'Uncle Rob would have loved that'.
Sobering thoughts and events, now to pick up the pieces and keep moving, life is too short never be wasteful of time.
Reading my first post on your account, @joanstewart, I am sorry to read about the loss of your husband. 50 years of life together is wonderful. He lived a full life. It is a very nice tribute you have written. Thank you for sharing it with us. When you are ready, I hope we will read more about how you are doing, in the not too distant future.
We had ridden the waves together through good and bad, life is never easy. Rob lived a full life, enjoyed what he did right to the end before snake bite. I will pop in with short visits for awhile, eventually settle down and start communicating more often.
Hard days. I am so sorry. Wish you peace, and strength.
Thanks for thoughts, one day at a time as always!
My condolences to you and your family. Sending hugs and prayers♥️🙁.
Thanks for kindness and loving thoughts.
A sad one Joan 😞
My condolences again
He is in a restful place now.
It is cool that he was a photography lover like you. It runs in the family I suppose 😊
Keep well 🤗
!PIZZA
Rob's whole working career was in print, photography one of his hobbies. I only started with photography fifteen years ago when arriving online.
Thanks for loving kindness in thoughts and chats, really appreciated during rough times like this.
Amazing how life online exposes us to new hobbies. I can say the same for me, I have come to love photography due to content creating.
It is my pleasure 😊
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!LUV
Appreciate positive energy and love, we are stardust mingling good intent daily.
An honour to have a partner over many years who will be missed, now Rob continues his journey, until then.
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My sincere condolences to you and your family. No pain can be compared to loosing a loved one to death!
Stay strong, cheerful and be surrounded by those who love you. It would take time, but you will be fine.
Hold on to the lovely memories you both shared and remember he would want you to be happy....
Please accept my deepest sympathy. You are in my prayers. ❤️
Siento mucho su dolor. Un abrazo
My sincere condolences.
You were and still are in my thoughts, dear Joan.
Big hug! ❤️❤️❤️
Sending you much love and strength during this difficult time. We'll see you when you're ready
Joan, this is such a deeply moving tribute to a life well-lived. The presence of nature—the geese, the mongoose, and the tree—seems to have added a special, almost symbolic touch to the remembrance. Your words beautifully capture the love, respect, and reflection of the day. Wishing you strength as you navigate this chapter, and may your husband’s memory always bring you comfort. Take your time, and we’ll be here whenever you’re ready to return. Sending you warmth and light.
Sad times, I feel for you Joan, stay strong