Barbara’s story
It all started with an unexplained seizure in November 2008 which led to a diagnosis of epilepsy. 2 years and a number of severe seizures later we were told that Barbara, our precious Mum, wife and Grandma, had a grade 4 glioblastoma. multiforme.
Less than 2 years on from that terrible day on the 14 September, 2012 we lost Mum. She was 64 years old. Over those 2 years she underwent 2 maximum disections, intensive radiotherapy and chemotherapy. She fought hard and just a few days before she passed away was talking about holidaying with friends in Hawaii one day when she “started to feel better”.
But her brain cancer does not define Mum as a person; we will not let it be the summation of her life. And so I’d like to take a few minutes to tell you who Mum was and how we will always remember her.
“Forever surrounded by our love, eternally enveloped in our arms. We walk beside you, holding your hand, and you will never, ever be forgotten.”
Quite simply, Mum was a wonderful person. She was someone that everyone she met genuinely enjoyed being around. She had an amazing way of putting people at ease, taking a genuine interest in their lives and her caring nature always shone through. Mum’s generosity of spirit was inspiring…she would do anything for anyone without a second thought. She had an air of grace and serenity but a playful side also, a heart-warming smile and gentle, mischevious laugh and her love for her family and close friends was boundless – there was nothing that Mum treasured more than spending time with the people she loved.
As a family we feel hugely blessed to have had Mum as part of our lives. She was our guiding light, the centre of our family unit and has left the most wonderful legacy through her 2 daughters and 4 grandchildren.
Words cannot describe how much we miss her and always will. Losing her has left such a big hole in our lives – one that will never be filled but our memories keep her alive in our hearts.