Even at 89, you don't expect it

Yesterday evening my 92 year old mother in law drove over to visit her dear friend for their weekly Monday evening cup of tea and gossip at her house, to find her in her chair in the living room - with a glass of sherry by her side and the television on. She had passed away late that afternoon the doctor said.

Before she retired she was a teacher at the local primary school for over 30 years and was one of the kindest people I knew. She would give her very last to anybody who needed it, and was the local agony aunt to anybody going through problems. Everybody loved her.

I know that at 89 years of age her natural death was to be expected, but I cannot believe how much I am in shock over it.

Isn't it strange? No matter how long a person lives, when they die it is always too soon.

I suppose that is our instincts, to expect that as long as we are alive, everybody else should be too.

Margaret left behind a son whom my wife is currently over visiting. He will be devastated as he was very close to his mother.

Please, don't waste a moment - if you love somebody tell them and BE WITH THEM. Tomorrow may be too late.

Re: Even at 89, you don't expect it

Yes doesn't matter how old a relative or good friend is Jim, you're going to miss them when they go, God rest her soul.
With full respects, she seems to have passed away very peacefully.

Re: Even at 89, you don't expect it

I know how sad you must be but what a lovely way to go .

Re: Even at 89, you don't expect it

Jim whatever their age it is always a hard blow when a good friend dies.
I am sorry to hear of your loss x

Re: Even at 89, you don't expect it

So sorry for your loss I am sure it doesn't matter how old a person is if you love them you will get a shock and miss them.

Re: Even at 89, you don't expect it

So sorry for your loss, it doesn´t matter how old a person is it is still always a shock, but they are at peace and I´m sure leaving many wonderful memories behind them.

Re: Even at 89, you don't expect it

There's no age limit for grief and fondness. I'm sorry to hear about your dear friend and my thoughts are with you all x

Re: Even at 89, you don't expect it

Your poor 92 year old Mother in Law, what a shock it must have been for her, hope she is ok.
So sad for the lady's son too.
One thing I will say, she went the way that most of us would love to go, at home in your own chair in her living room with a glass of sherry. Best way to go and she had a good long life.
Death is never easy for those left behind.

Re: Even at 89, you don't expect it

Jim, I understand what you mean about age as my aunt passed away suddenly last month at the age of 98. It wasn't expected as she was in fairly good health for her age. It still came as a terrible shock to us though but we are grateful she passed in such a peaceful way.

I'm so sorry your mother in law has lost her dear friend, thinking of you all x

Re: Even at 89, you don't expect it

I agree with you Anita. So sorry OB.