My friend Minnie was admitted to hospital, and when Geordie saw her,
she was sitting in the chair eating a meatball sub. I decided I would visit her the next day. But that night, shortly after her sons visited, Minnie died peacefully. Minnie lived and died the way she wanted. She spent her last years at Castle Peaks Retirement Home in Bracebridge; a place she loved. Thankfully, she was not in hospital for long. She was my beautiful friend. I am sad that I didn’t know our last visit was going to be our last visit, and that I wasn’t able to attend her funeral. That was hard. I lit our special candle with her picture and wrote this: My Friend Minnie I had the easy part. I didn’t have to make medical decisions, drive Minnie anywhere or attend doctor’s appointments. I just got to be Minnie’s friend. When I was writing my book, Love Your Life to Death, I was writing Take Aways on Living Well, Grieving Well and Dying Well. But something was missing. My mother-in-law, Nancy Heath, suggested I visited Minnie. She was 101 at the time. The rest is history. Minnie and I shared many wonderful moments and deep conversations over the last four years. I learned about her entire life and was in awe of her quiet wisdom—although she didn’t think she was wise. She knew she was opinionated though, and we laughed about that. When I would visit I would often have to wait until she was done carpet bowling or playing bridge. But, it was always worth it! Geordie and the twins, Jadyn and Tanner, visited sometimes too. Minnie watched my new career evolve and was delighted when my book was complete. Her response; “It’s really is more about living well, isn’t it!” She really got it. I am honoured to share of glimpse of Minnie in my book and she is part of my every presentation. I share my 7 Take Aways everywhere I go. She gave me Take Away #6: We all need a post; something to hang onto in times of despair, something that will be there for us, no matter what. So, Find Your Post, and Hold Onto It. Thank you, Minnie, for being my friend. I already miss you! Love Yvonne xo We always want to be sorry that someone died, but don’t be. Of course I’d love a hug and the people who miss Minnie need to be supported in their grief, but Minnie lived her life well and had a good death. So let’s celebrate my friend Minnie who lived 105 years! (But feel free to send me a hug!) p.s. When I told my daughter Jadyn about Minnie she hugged me, then brought me my self-care toolbox!
18 Comments
Jane Lipsett
5/17/2018 07:32:24 am
Much love and many hugs to you. I know Minnie was so very special to you and your family. You are so fortunate that you and Minnie had each other for the strength and friendship you gave each other❤️❤️
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Yvonne
5/17/2018 01:51:15 pm
Thank you, Jane! She really was, and of course always will be. We were fortunate to have a special friendship. I will cherish it always! xo
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Louise Dawney
5/17/2018 08:31:23 am
Big hugs Yvonne! I Loved her advice about the post. Smart lady!!
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Yvonne
5/17/2018 01:52:21 pm
I love big hugs. Thank you. She sure was wise. Finding Your Post is something I will share forever! Grateful!
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Yvonne
5/17/2018 01:52:44 pm
xxxxxooooo
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Joan Wice
5/17/2018 09:18:26 am
Sending big hugs your way! What a special lady and so glad you had the opportunity to share in it as well. I am using my post now and it is helping! Thank you so much for your inspiration and look out on things!
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Yvonne
5/17/2018 01:53:57 pm
Thank you so much, Joan. I am glad that Holding Onto Your Post is helping. And if I am inspiring, then I've done what I am meant to do! ;)
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5/17/2018 09:51:18 am
Hi Yvonne! Thanks for sharing your story of Minnie. It's a beautiful story with so much love and many important messages of living. I'm sending lots of virtual hugs and love your way. Any chance we can actually connect in person soon? Much love from Shelley
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Yvonne
5/17/2018 01:54:51 pm
Thank you so much Shelley! Feel your hugs. And perhaps this summer???
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Trena
5/17/2018 10:04:32 am
Yvonne,
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Yvonne
5/17/2018 01:55:57 pm
Thank you, Trena. And I like that. Just might have to add a little something. I aspire to live as long as Minnie... if I can stay as together as she did!!
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Traci McIlroy
5/17/2018 10:29:09 am
Big hug Ivonne. Wonderful story, wonderful Minnie and wonderful you:)
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Yvonne
5/17/2018 01:56:44 pm
Thank you for always being so supportive! xxxooo
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Suzanne
5/17/2018 12:55:10 pm
Sending hugs and love Yvonne. Celebrate your friendship the the love you shared with Minnie. Cherish the memories as I know you will. Xo
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Yvonne
5/17/2018 01:58:49 pm
Thank you, Suzanne! Yes, I will cherish always. xxoo
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Denise Marcelli
5/17/2018 04:37:45 pm
Sending you hugs Yvonne, I know how special she was to you. I'm sure she appreciated you as well. Cherish these moments. xoxox
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Yvonne Heath
5/17/2018 04:40:00 pm
Thank you, my friend. Always there for me! xo
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Yvonne Heath is Canada's Proactive Living Consultant. She is a Speaker, Television Host, Award Winning Author Guest Blogs
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