My world is diminished
& impoverished by your leaving it.
You were the first place
I lived: my first relationship & connection with the world.
You were my first love, before
I learned what love is.
You remain my longest
love.
Our relationship
developed, flourished: it endured & survived the twists and turns, the ebb
and flow of life and all that brought for us both. Largely because of your
wisdom, patience, humility.
We resolved any
differences over the years, quicky and without grudges held.
You & Dad provided me
with a safe, secure, happy, adventurous childhood: underpinned by the values
and beliefs you lived your daily life by, providing a strong foundation for me.
You & Dad were … “always
there” … unconditionally - through early & older adulthood: especially when
I made some “iffy” choices & decisions.
You befriended Cathy when
we met age 18 years and became her life-long friend too, and her second mum,
good mates with Stan and Nan to Cathy & Stan’s children – Jodi, Ange n Bec
n their children. You had so many marvellous, happy, fun, memorable times with
them including all sorts of milestones. They were family. Quite simply, you
loved them: they loved you. You often travelled to Derby to visit them and then
often twice a year to Geraldton, where you had your own room.
You celebrated with me
when I “found” myself personally & professionally.
You have been my
strongest constant ally & supporter: never wavering.
You embraced Joanne when
we partnered 35 years ago: welcoming her into our family. You became life-long
friends, even after Jo & I ended our relationship.
In your later years, your
late 80’s when you/we lived between Collie & Busselton, your relationship
with Jo was enriched by time together when I still worked and beyond. Strong
allies who often ganged up on me. You always sided with Jo. We were “family.” You
loved Jo & she loved you ... simple.
You holidayed with us in
Wyndham & Karratha too. We took you and Laurel to Singapore where we had
great time.
My eternal
thanks Jo, for “holding me up” for your love & friendship especially these
past few years and now.
And Bev, your wonderful daughter-in-law, my sister-in-law with whom you formed a loving and enduring relationship over the years n decades. Bev was as another daughter for you. Family. Thank you, dear Bev, … for “everything,” including the fabulous hair do’s over the years. You loved Bev & she loved you.
My toughest & almost unbearable
life challenge, darling Mum, were the years of ambiguous, anticipatory loss
& grief as I bore witness to the horrendous disease which had you in its
vicious grip and tried its very hardest to destroy you – the essence of you.
It did not succeed! There’s no doubt about its enormous impact upon you: your
cognitive acuity & eventually your physical wellbeing. Your quality of life
in your final months lessened for sure.
Throughout, you remained
brave, courageous, curious, funny, cheeky, loving … even your time of death
9:45 pm, was considerate. A quiet time, no bells, alarms, people milling about.
Just you, Jan, me & 2 x nurses.
I take this opportunity
to sincerely thank remarkable ValleyView folks. You know how much gratitude I
have for you what you do, and who you are, as I told you often. Though you
brushed it aside saying it’s your job. It was more than doing your job. It was
above and beyond that!
Relationships & love are
the constant themes as I reflect on your wonderful life darling mum. You were
exceptional at them and open to them. They in turn provided opportunities and
pathways into the lives of a wide range of people and all that that brought
with it.
How fortunate am I that you
are my Mum: that you existed.
I am shored up emotionally
after your leaving, by the infinite memories of what we shared and created and
whose lives you touched. I will survive the grief & mourning journey for
you: because of you … and LOVE.
Mum often said ...
"I've had a good life"
Betty Lorraine Pianta
Born: 9th September 1927
Died: 9th May 2024
