Saying goodbye

It has been a difficult time here for my family.
We got the call at 3 am last Saturday, to say my dear Mother-in-law was in hospital and we needed to make the 8 hour journey down to see her.
It was lovely to spend time with her, to hold her hand and stroke her forehead.
Sadly she passed away on Monday morning at the age of 87. 
She was a very beautiful lady and we are going to miss her very much. There were five boys in the family, so must have been a very lively and busy household growing up
This photo was taken when she was 19 years old and not long before her wedding day.

On our road trip driving down, we stopped the car a few times to take some photos so will share them with you.

The cherry blossom trees were at their best and loved seeing the sweet pink blossom everywhere. Cambridge is a gorgeous little town, with wonderful gardens and I always enjoy passing through here

We drove through the Tongariro National Park, along the Desert Road.  The white snow capped mountains Tongariro, Ngauruhoe and Ruapehu, set against the beautiful blue sky is always a gorgeous sight

The magnolia tree was blooming behind the fence, where the family lived in this lovely old house in Bulls. 

You get quite a shock seeing a full size life-like bull sculpture, coming out from the alley steering right at you ... so glad that it is not a real one

Taihape is the gumboot capital of the world and here you can see the gigantic corrugated iron gumboot. 
Every year, they celebrate 'Gumboot Day' in this little town on the Tuesday following Easter. Contestants chuck a men's size 8 gumboot as far as they can in the hope of setting the Gumboot toss world record

Friends brought around this beautiful bouquet of flowers and lovely to have their love and support

I have had little time for the blog and there is much to do, as we will be going back down to the funeral.

Hope that you are having a lovely weekend
hugs
Carolyn

Saying goodbye

The funeral was beautiful and having the support and love from all my Family and many friends, helped us through the day.

When we arrived for the Funeral Service, sitting on the grass were two white doves.
The symbol of love, peace, and purity immediately helped to make me feel calm and composed.



The heavens opened up when we were standing at the graveside.
It felt so good with the raindrops falling down and hid the tears that welled up in my eyes.
With the rain falling, reminded me of how life giving and cleansing it is.

Driving back home there was an amazing rainbow across the sky.
One of the beauties of Nature that I love to see.

So as much as it was a very sad day, was a lovely one because we could remember the precious memories we have of my dear Father.

Thank you again, for the kind words of comfort, you left for me.
You will never know how much it means to have such wonderful support from you all.
I truly appreciate all who read my blog and I am looking forward to coming to visit your blogs and I love to see what you have to share. Thank you my wonderful friends, you all are the best.

Hugs
Carolyn xo