My sincere thanks

I want to thank everyone who came to the service for my daughter, Fiona, on Sunday, 18 January 2015. It meant so much to me to see not only various family members, but also wonderful friends who share the passion of birding and photography with me, friends from where I have volunteered the last 16 years, Health Care friends and personal friends of my younger daughter, friends of my son, a lady who remembered Fiona from when she volunteered in the library, one of the ladies who played Scrabble with Fiona, a very thoughtful couple whose son was in hospital just over 30 years ago at the same time as Fiona had a major spinal fusion. Their son, Simon, shared the same genetic disorder as Fiona and very sadly passed away so many years ago. It was a joy to see a family friend who was in elementary school with my kids, all grown up and as thoughtful, supportive and compassionate as always. There were also quite a few men who belong to one of the Societies that Fiona’s Dad belongs to. My apologies to those I have missed mentioning, and I'm quite sure that I have– my mind is in somewhat of a fog. My thanks also go to two of my friends who had really hoped to attend, but for different reasons were unable to. Also to a friend who left a beautiful bouquet of flowers between my front door and screen door the day before. Totally unexpected and so much appreciated.

And so importantly, Gordon, a long-time friend of Fiona and her Dad and with whom Fiona got on so well, who led the service so beautifully – which I knew he would and was why his name came to mind straight away when we knew that none of Fiona’s immediate family would be up to speaking. The other name that came straight to mind was Fiona’s best friend, the most loyal friend in the world, ever since elementary school. She had told us that she just didn’t think she’d be able to do all the talking, and so we were honoured that Gordon would do this for us. At the end of the service, after the slide-show that my son had put together so beautifully was shown, Gordon asked if anyone would like to come to the front and say a few words. Silence, and then a minute or two later, Fiona’s loyal friend to the very end made her way to the front, sobbing. Through her heart-breaking tears she told some wonderful little stories about Fiona and their friendship. A brilliant, gifted young woman brought to such heart-breaking tears at the loss of her friend. I will never forget how brave she was to go up to the front and speak right from the heart. This would have meant so much to Fiona.

A special thank you to my son and my daughter for doing so much at this difficult time. So much careful planning and sorting through things, not just for the service, but everything else, too. Both Fiona's Dad and myself can't thank you enough.

After the service, a few family members gathered at my son’s home, where my daughter-in-law and her mother and sisters had put out a beautiful display of food for us. A much-appreciated way to finish our little celebration of Fiona and the very special person she was.

The hardest time, I think, is when everyone has gone their different ways home and one is left with the emptiness that creeps in. I have found that that is when everyone on Flickr who has left such supportive, comforting words and other friends who have e-mailed or phoned is so greatly appreciated. You have all made so much difference and I thank you for it.

Now it is time to let the memories of Fiona’s smiling face and the joy of her personality gently sweep over us, letting us know that she may no longer be with us in person, but that our memories will keep her forever in our hearts.

THANK YOU SO MUCH, EVERYONE!

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This photo of the tiny, popcan-sized owl in Fish Creek Park was taken on 11 January 2015. The owl is a lot smaller than the size that you see in my photo! I did remove an ugly-shaped branch that made the owl look as though it had been "skewered". Just couldn't avoid the large, blurred branch on the foreground, but at least it's pale.

www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/Northern_Pygmy-Owl/id

See this page on Flickr:

flic.kr/p/qAVzNr