Sunday, 23 September 2012

Bitter-sweet.....


My Dad turned 80 on Wednesday and, today (Sunday),
we had a family get-together to celebrate!
He and Mum shared a dance which was lovely to see.
Poor Dad isn't very steady on his feet any more due to hip and leg pain.
He was also diagnosed with Parkinson's Disease in recent months.

Today was Reece's (#3 son) actual birthday so
it was nice to see him and his partner, Sarina, too.

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Sadly, our celebrations today were bitter-sweet because,
yesterday, we heard the devastating news that my brother-in-law
had passed away at only 48 years old. 
He was diagnosed with cancer 
a couple of months ago.
Naturally, we are all deeply saddened by his passing.
Wayne was such a beautiful, caring, and happy person
and my heart goes out to his wife and two sons.

R.I.P. Wayne ~ xo 


~ Love, light and peace ~
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39 comments:

  1. Everydaythings23 September 2012 at 19:05

    my dad also had parkinsons, but not the shake variety, he was just v stiff and very unsteady on his feet too... what a lovely photo of your parents and glad you had a nice celebrations!

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    1. Serena Lewis24 September 2012 at 09:40

      My Dad's Parkinsons is the shaky variety. He's on medication but I think it's more to slow it down. I think Dad's leg pain comes from a back injury that resulted in surgery many years ago. Yes, we had a lovely day, thank ~ xo

      Delete
  2. Kate I24 September 2012 at 02:36

    Dear Serena, I'm so sorry about your brother in laws passing and at such a young age. This is a beautiful photo of your parents dancing...a real treasure.

    Dealing with our ageing parents isn't easy...I'm dealing with the rapid decline of my father's health at the moment and it's such a difficult thing to watch.

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    1. Serena Lewis24 September 2012 at 09:43

      Thanks, Kate.

      Yes, it's very difficult to see my Dad's health deteriorate like this when he's always been such a strong, hard-working man all his life.

      Delete
  3. carol l mckenna24 September 2012 at 02:54

    Lots of healing hugs to you and your family ~ Lovely and loving photos of Mom and Dad dancing ~ Life ~ Joy and sorrow ~ (Creative Harbor)

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  4. Rita24 September 2012 at 03:12

    So sorry to hear about your brother-in-law! So young, too.
    The photos of your mom and dad dancing are precious! Happy 80th to your dad!!
    Have a wonderful week, Serena. :) :)

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    1. Serena Lewis24 September 2012 at 09:44

      Yes, it was very sad news, Rita. As soon as they started dancing, I raced for the camera...definitely a precious moment. xo

      Delete
  5. GlorV124 September 2012 at 10:40

    So sorry about your brother-in-law Serena. Condolences to you and his family. Congrats to your. They look like they are having fun. Happy 80Th to your father.

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  6. Paula - Buenos Aires24 September 2012 at 12:48

    Our thoughts and prayers are with your family today Serena, both the celebrating and the comforting kind. {big hug}

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  7. Bron24 September 2012 at 21:02

    Oh I was going to start by saying what a beautiful moment you captured of your parents...cherish this one.
    But oh what sad news for your family.....draw close and be strength for each other. x

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    1. Serena Lewis25 September 2012 at 06:55

      Thank you , Bron...your words are much appreciated. x

      Delete
  8. Unknown24 September 2012 at 21:49

    I am sorry to hear of your brother-in-law passing, Serena.
    I enjoyed the photos of your parents dancing. My parents love to dance, both are in their 70s but try to do it as often as they can. wonderful images!

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    1. Serena Lewis25 September 2012 at 06:56

      Thanks, Fran. Mum and Dad always danced together at parties but, with Dad's ailing health, not so much any more.

      Delete
  9. carol l mckenna24 September 2012 at 23:39

    Thanks for your very helpful suggestions on my intuitive painting ~ will work on it a bit more now ~ namaste, Carol ~ (A Creative Harbor)

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  10. Rita25 September 2012 at 00:05

    So sorry to hear about your brother-in-law. Very sweet pictures of your parents. Nice to meet you and looking forward to seeing your blog posts. I have become a follower. :)

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    1. Serena Lewis25 September 2012 at 06:58

      Thanks, Rita....and thanks for dropping by. :)

      Delete
  11. Tammy25 September 2012 at 05:16

    Hi Serena, so sweet to see your mom and dad dancing. But I'm so very sorry to hear about your brother-in-law. Really is so very sad to lose the fight at such a young age. Hugs and blessings, Tammy

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    1. Serena Lewis25 September 2012 at 06:59

      Thanks, Tammy, and yes, heartbreaking when someone loses the battle at a fairly young age. Wayne will be greatly missed ~ xo

      Delete
  12. Jennifer Rose25 September 2012 at 07:58

    happy birthday to your dad, but sorry to read about his health problems. they are lovely pics of your dad and mom together tho

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  13. Christine25 September 2012 at 10:15

    So sorry to hear about your brother in law, untimely death.

    But happy 80th to your dad!

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  14. Tracey FK25 September 2012 at 10:16

    So sorry to hear about your brother in law... my thoughts are with you and your family... it was a bitter sweet post because the photos of your parents are lovely, but such terrible news as well... hope this coming week is a bit easier...xx

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  15. Norma Soulet (AZArtist)25 September 2012 at 10:53

    Hi Serena,
    What lovely photos of your parents! Happy birthday to your Dad! May he celebrate many more.
    Happy birthday to Reece too. :)
    Please accept my condolences on the passing of your Brother-In-Law!So sad to see someone so young pass. :(
    Sending hugs your way

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  16. Anonymous25 September 2012 at 10:59

    I'm so sorry to see the news about your brother-in-law...that's way too young to go. Thanks for sharing the photos of your parents, tho--they're so sweet :)

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  17. DJan25 September 2012 at 22:44

    I love those pictures of your wonderful dad. You are so fortunate to still have him in your life. But I am so sorry to learn about your BIL passing away at such a young age. I see why you called this bittersweet...

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    1. Serena Lewis26 September 2012 at 06:31

      Thanks, DJan. Yes, I'm very grateful to still have Dad in my life.

      Delete
  18. Anonymous26 September 2012 at 00:44

    Bittersweet indeed. Happy Birthday to your Dad. I'm so sorry to hear about the loss of your BIL.
    Hugs,
    Zuzu

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  19. Shashi Nayagam26 September 2012 at 05:52

    Thanks for sharing these lovely photos looks like you all had a. Lovely day although I am sorry that you had such bad news on the same day.

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    1. Serena Lewis26 September 2012 at 06:32

      We did have a lovely day...another happy memory to store of my Dad. x

      Delete
  20. Tracy28 September 2012 at 21:32

    Oh, Serena... Bitter-sweet, indeed. I'm so very, very sorry for your family loss, losing your brother-in-law... How poignant on the heels of celebrating your dear Dad. Thinking of you & yours ((LOVE & HUGS))

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