Saturday, February 23, 2019

My Mom - Ann Estill Died Today




She was scheduled to help pack food today for refugees and Danby Appliances.  We had over 100 volunteers lined up and were packing hundreds of kg of food to ship overseas.  

The people who were bringing her told me she did not answer the door or the phone so I left almost as soon as I arrived at Danby.  I called and rang the doorbell and pounded then I went in (she lived alone – my father passed a few years ago) – she was dead on the bathroom floor.  911 could not revive her.

It was unexpected.  She was a bit deaf and going blind but she was fairly healthy and I expected her to be around for many more years.  She was 87.

She was married to my father for about 60 years and I knew she still missed him.  The second greatest tragedy for her (and all of us) was when my dear brother died 10 years ago.

She was active to the end - telling stories, going to aquafit, writing memoirs, going to symphony, attending movies and lectures in the Arboretum Centre etc.  And she had a wide circle of friends and was always having lunch or talking to someone.

She was always the first to tell my my blogs had a typo, grammar error or needed some other correction (so now I have an excuse).  

She never really liked business and did not really grasp what I do.  She even tried to mandate "no business talk" at the dinner table (which of course did not really work...unless she wanted silence).  

She was worried about me and thought I worked too hard and should slow down.  

Although it feels at this moment like there is no blessing in it - there is.  She must have died quickly - she had a lifeline on her wrist and she did not even push it.  And she always said she never wanted to move to a home - or even the apartments in her complex.  So she lived in her house to the end.

Now I feel like an orphan (and I guess I am)

She usually ate well (or almost perfectly) - this sundae was an exception.  Story time with her great grandkids.  And last Christmas.







28 Comments:

At 6:12 PM, Blogger Unknown said...

So sorry to hear of your mom's passing, Jim. All the best, my friend! Please take good care of yourself.

 
At 6:46 PM, Blogger Unknown said...

Thank you for this eulogy Jim. It helped to know your mom better. I wish you fond memories of a remarkable woman. Please do take care. Phil Allt

 
At 8:27 PM, Blogger Ken said...

Jim, Michelle and I are sorry for your loss. We never met your mother but you are her son so she must have been a wonderful person.

Ken Riddle

 
At 9:37 PM, Blogger Unknown said...

Deepest condelance to you and your family during this difficult time.
Thank you for sharing...an excepttional letter to remember her.
Mack

 
At 10:42 PM, Blogger Unknown said...

Jim,

I am deeply saddened by the great loss you and your family have suffered. My heart goes out to you in this trying time and may you, and your loved ones find the strength to get through this.

Fawaz Jamal

 
At 10:50 PM, Blogger Gabriela B Bernardo said...

A fitting tribute to your Mom. And business is really only possible because it is Human2Human(H2H) and not just B2B. This is post worthy as we and our work are results of who we have become and have been surrounded with. My sincerest condolences Jim.
Gabriela

 
At 3:49 AM, Anonymous Anonymous said...

Sorry for your loss Jim, our prayers and thoughts are with you at this difficult time.
Shaima Balkhi

 
At 9:06 AM, Blogger Firas Shahadi said...

My family and feel sorry for your loss.
Please take care of yourself Mr. Jim.

 
At 10:07 AM, Blogger Charlue Mazzocchi said...

Jim,

My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family as you deal with the loss of your mom. Your mom and dad are together again embracing in heaven.


Charlie Mazzocchi

 
At 11:01 AM, Blogger Rola Mourad said...

Keeping you close in heart and prayer for the loss of your beloved Ann Estill

 
At 11:10 AM, Blogger Unknown said...

She was a beautiful person Jim and I'm sorry to hear about your loss. Your thoughtful words are a beautiful tribute. Condolences from my family to yours.

John McGinnis

 
At 2:20 PM, Blogger Unknown said...

Jim, sorry to hear about your mom passing away. My condolences.

 
At 7:05 PM, Anonymous Falahat Sheikh said...

Jim,

Our condolences to you and family on the passing of your mother. Having parents is the one of the greatest blessings of God, specially the mother. May she rest in peace and may God shower his blessing upon all of you. Our prayers are with you.


Iftikhar and Falahat Sheikh

 
At 7:18 PM, Blogger Unknown said...

Hi Jim, we've been connected for what feels like centuries. Thanks for sharing your loss. My thoughts are with you.

 
At 9:07 AM, Blogger Unknown said...

I'm so sorry for your loss Jim. My prayers are with you and your family.

 
At 1:45 PM, Anonymous Anonymous said...

Jim, it's been a while but please accept our condolences on your lost to you and your entire family. I know that you were all very close and such a loss will hurt for a while.

Mike Hall

 
At 3:47 PM, Blogger Unknown said...

Deepest condelance to you and your family during this difficult time.
Please take care of yourself.
Greetings from Kosovo.

 
At 5:46 PM, Blogger Unknown said...

Sorry for your loss Jim. With both my parents gone, I also feel orphaned. Your memories will carry you through. Take care of yourself and remember your mother's words not to work so hard. She was by your testimony an amazing lady.

 
At 10:25 PM, Blogger Unknown said...

Sorry for your loss Jim, my thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.

 
At 10:07 AM, Blogger Unknown said...

My deepest condolences. Much love to you and you're family. Take care and God Bless.

 
At 11:15 PM, Blogger Unknown said...

Jim, OUR DEEPEST CONDOLENCES 😥😥. But, as we always say, this is life. We would all go through this path 😥😥. Stay strong as we all know you. Always remember, you brought 80 familes, we are all your family 😥. Hope her soul reat in peace 😢.

 
At 4:24 AM, Blogger Unknown said...

I would like to offer you and your family our deepest and most sincere condolences and may the soul of your mom rest in peace. from a fans in Indonesia

 
At 9:56 AM, Blogger Max Vogrin said...

My sincere condolences

 
At 11:02 AM, Blogger Unknown said...

Sorry for your loss, Jim. Nice post. I had the pleasure of meeting your mother once when she voted in an election. My condolences to you and your family.

 
At 2:59 PM, Anonymous Joel Embry said...

Jim:

I am very sorry for your loss and pray that you and your family find solace in knowing that she is with the Lord and has rejoined your Father in Heaven.

God bless you and yours.

Best,
Joel Embry

 
At 5:42 PM, Anonymous Mboriinie Simon Sikpakpa said...

Sorry for the sad news and may her soul rest in peace and please be strong

 
At 9:24 AM, Anonymous Anonymous said...

Sorry to hear of your loss. Sounds like an incredible woman. Much love to you and your family through this difficult time.

 
At 2:20 AM, Blogger Unknown said...

I am so sorry to hear about your loss Mr. Estill. My heart and prayers go out to you and your family. Thank you for sharing a beautiful story about your mom. She had a full and beautiful life. She is looking down from heaven smiling proud on her son. FROM :Hannelie Schoeman

 

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