AYNSLEY:
Some people have asked me if there would be another entry today, and beyond. In truth, the thought of stopping this nightly ritual feels impossible and scary. I thought I was maintaining a link between Mom and the outside world, a place that existed so I wouldn't have to field questions and where people could come to our story on their own terms, in their own time. I now realize how selfishly motivated I am, how I've used this blog as a way to connect Mom and me and that maybe the audience is tertiary at best. In any case, losing the blog on top of losing Mom is too much loss for me this week.
Today was a lot of running around: to the cemetery, the funeral home, the grocery store (I bought milk, eggs and bread today for the first time all year) and spending time with family and friends. I felt very busy doing nothing-lots of time in the car, lots of time sitting around, lots of time listening to stories; I am exhausted. We all slept fitfully last night, but are hoping to ease into sleeping full nights in the coming days and weeks. Today was the first foray into normalcy: Dad made a latte, we ate breakfast at home and ventured into the world beyond work, airports, the Kline, Urgent Care and home for a ten minute shower. It will be an adjustment.
We have been inundated with emails, phone calls, blog comments and texts-thank you so much to everyone for their love and support through everything. If we don't get back to you right away, please don't be offended; we are wading our way through all of the communication at a pace that we can manage. But everything is so appreciated. Just a reminder that if you leave a blog comment, it would be great if you could sign your name at the bottom if you want us to know who wrote them-as of now, there are about four anonymous postings that we have no idea who they're from. That's okay if you want it that way, but if not, you can edit and add your name.
As a reminder, if you're interested in making a donation, the causes that Mom felt most passionately about are:
Solomike Early Childhood Center
To donate, please mail your contribution to:
Temple B'nai Torah, Solomike ECC
15727 NE 4th Street
Bellevue WA 98008
Metropolitan Seattle Sickle Cell Task Force
To donate, please mail your contribution to:
Metropolitan Seattle Sickle Cell Task Force
P.O. Box 20194
Seattle, WA 98102
Mom's Random Acts of Kindness (RAK) Group:
This is a group that meets once a month with a rotating host. The host chooses a charity that they'd like to support and presents their information to the entire group, educating them on what the charity does, how their money will help them and why they chose them. The group then makes an anonymous donation to that charity.
To donate, please mail your contribution to:
RAK c/o Eileen Putter
14011 SE 49th PL
Bellevue WA 98006
We were so sad to hear of Flynne's passing and we are so very sorry for your loss. I am so glad that I was able to visit Flynne when I was in Seattle only 6 weeks ago. She was a wonderful lady who fought her illness with such spirit and dignity. Thinking of you all at this very difficult time and sending you all our love.
ReplyDeleteMaddie & Simon Stern(Ellen's cousins from England)
Please do keep blogging. We have a connection with you and it has worked well. My memory of your Mom is still of a rambunctious high school friend. Somehow being able to follow the battle of the last 9 months in real time has made it seem less scary, less disconnected.
ReplyDeleteDon't let people bully you into thinking of a grieving "process" etc. It's your life, not a schematic. The [good] memories will be close for a really long time - don't worry about that.
Bill Palmer, Crystal Lake IL
Dearest Aynsley, Ross and Bob,
ReplyDeleteAs so many have said so beautifully, amongst us all is a groundswell of sadness at the loss of Flynne. Yet too, there is a relief in knowing that her decline allowed each of you the opportunity for those last days to be filled with so much love and Flynne's awareness of your presence.
When one thinks of the term "A Woman of Valor" it is Flynne who comes to mind. Throughout her life, but most especially since learning of the cancer, Flynne has given even deeper meaning to the saying. Surely strengthened by your commitment to buoy her body and spirit, her capacity to have endeavored through these many months is testimony.
Around all of you have been an amazing core of tender, loving & caring family and friends. May they continue to be a source of strength and support. It seems impossible to express our gratitude for this incredible blog you have created and maintained. It has allowed so many to be a part of your family's courageous journey. We are indebted to you, Aynsley and Ross. And our hearts go out to each of you.
With love, Dana Levy, Joey & Anna
Bob, Ross, Aynsley and Gary,
ReplyDeleteMay Flynne's memory always be a blessing.
What wonderful gifts you gave Flynne and she gave you. Over the last nine months, she was able to totally concentrate on and appreciate her family, attend Aynsley's wedding, know her granddaughter was on the way and feel her kick, Flynne will live on through all of you.
Thank you so much for the blog and us to go along on this journey.
With much love,
Adrian and Larry Lustig
Dear family: we were so sorry to hear of Flynn's passing. As so many did, we followed your blog and prayed along with you. My father (Irv Herman) and brother and sister in-law (Bruce & Vicki) remember the dinners we used to have when your parents were in town visiting your grandmother. Hard to believe they are both gone. Our thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time. Sherri & Gary Snobel (Irv's daughter).
ReplyDeleteAynsley, Ross, And Bob,
ReplyDeleteWhen I think about Flynn, I can’t help but feel a deep sadness at the thought of not being able to see her, hug her or talk to her. At the same time, I also feel an overwhelming appreciation to have known Flynn for almost my entire life. I remember last year visiting all the Moms in Laguna Beach for the masters of the pageants, and particularly having lunch with Flynn. We caught up on life and what sticks out in my mind so clearly is her nurturing spirit and non-judgmental/worry-free attitude. I have always felt that Flynn had an amazing ability to make people feel at ease. While I shared my personal struggles and worry about life, she transformed those worries into a feeling of FAITH, that everything would be ok. This feeling of transformation will remain in my heart until the day I pass, and will radiate to every person I encounter. This is truly an incredible gift. Her faith in life and in others has expanded my life, and as result I will expand other’s lives, which will expand the lives of future generations, making her spirit eternal. I believe the root of happiness is to feel this sense of connectedness-Connectedness to yourself, others, and the planet. Flynn has touched the lives of so many people and we will all be happier and more resilient trees because of her. Thank you for all your thoughtful blog entries. I love you all.
Josh Levy