Stage 8

GothicGremlin

Again, I can't believe this has happened, but it has.

Peggy passed away right around 11am this morning. Thankfully, it was all very peaceful. I'm grateful that she didn't linger in this state, or that she had to endure any more of stage 7 than she did.

Yesterday afternoon when I was there, I gave her permission again to leave when she was ready, that we're all okay, and that she doesn't need to worry about us.

This morning, also thankfully, me and my s.o. were there, so was my brother, and two of Peggy's best friends, J and M. She was not ever alone.

Because I'm a planner (for better or worse) I have most things already taken care of. The only thing left is to arrange the church services, and M and I will do that together. Because M and Peggy were so close, I really wanted to involve him in any way that he wants.

Hopefully, I'm doing this right-- fingers crossed that this photo will actually post. It's a good photo of Peggy that I took in 2019. She wasn't quite 60. She had been diagnosed the year before. I can't remember why I took it ... I think it was for the cruise that we went on (Peggy's bucket list item) to Italy/Sicily.

I may be quiet for a couple of days, but I'll be back. I don't intend to leave for awhile yet.

Thank you all for everything. Your words have helped me more than you know.

Jeanne C.

It's a lovely photo. Thank you for sharing so much of Peggy with us. I'm sorry for your loss but so glad it was peaceful. Take care of yourself. We'll be here when you need us.

housefinch

What a beautiful woman and sister. I’m so sorry for your loss and for her having to endure that disease. You have been a wonderful sister to her.

Quilting brings calm

She’s so beautiful in the photo.

I’m sorry for your loss. Even when you know it’s coming, it’s such a shock when it happens.

fmb

I am so sorry for your loss. Your sister was a beautiful woman. Thank you for sharing your journey with us. Your love and dedication to her are an inspiration to me.

ladyzetta

(((GG))))) Thank You for sharing, Peggy, with us, Peggy is Beautiful. You are a special sister. Hugs Zetta

ButterflyWings

(((GG))) May she rest in perfect peace, and enjoy the music and watching over you just as you have watched over her for so long. Not always able to exactly reach each other, but always, always uniquely and so deeply connected. This is an unbreakable bond if I may be so bold as to describe what you and Peggy surely have taught so many of us through sharing so much of your journey here.

I wish you all the time to grieve that it takes, and ever more peace of mind and spirit, arriving as quickly and gently as your transition into Stage 8 has. Thank you for being an awesome sister, caregiver, and role model.

gampiano

What a beautiful picture of Peggy! Sending comfort and peace your way. You have been the best sister ever.

Love,

Maureen

M1

Love the picture too, thank you for posting it. I was just remembering when she was so concerned about her cats.

Glad you're not leaving the forum for now. Hope the services are a memorable celebration.

Emily 123

She is lovely. I'm so glad that she's at peace, and that she was always surrounded by love.

SusanB-dil

((HUGS)) so sorry GG. It's been a tough journey for both of you, and you were there for her at every step. Peace to you and each of those who stayed by her side and yours.

dancsfo

That's a nice picture. I wish you (and Peggy) peace.

BassetHoundAnn

I'm so sorry, Gothic. As others have said...thank you for sharing Peggy with us. Peace and love to you both.

Jgirl57

RIP sweet Peggy. Long distance hug to you and team Peggy ((( ))).

JeriLynn66

GG, she’s beautiful… I pray you perfect peace in the coming days ❤️

harshedbuzz

@GothicGremlin

Thank you for sharing the picture.

She looks so young and pretty. It really puts some context to your story and how tragic what you and she have been through. May she rest in peace, and may you rest knowing you honored your bond as a sister with grace and compassion.

HB

forbarbara

Wishing you sweet memories to lighten your pain

loveskitties

Hugs and peace of heart to you and all who loved dear sweet Peggy.

Phoenix1966

She’s radiant. And now she’s free from the shackles of this awful disease.

Wishing you peace.

Iris L.

Peggy looked so lively in her photo. I'm so sorry for your loss. Please accept my condolences.

Iris

vtech1951

Did she also go by Rhonda? She looks a lot like someone I used to know but havent seen her in quite some time

ladyzetta

((((Gothic))))) you're in my thoughts. ❤️ Hugs Zetta

tigersmom

GG, I am so very sorry for the loss of your beautiful sister. The sister bond is unique; I had three, and lost one too soon as well in 2005. I wish you comfort in the thought that Peggy is no longer suffering. She is at peace, and I hope that in time that will come to you, too. You were a good and loving sister, and a wonderful advocate for her. I am sure your efforts made her life better while she was still with us. My deepest sympathies to you and to everyone who loved Peggy.

Anna2022

She is beautiful. You are her warrior sister. Thank you for sharing your journey with us all. God speed, Peggy.

Anonymousjpl123

Beautiful photo. I’m so glad she had you and family around her. I’m sorry for your loss.

mommyandme (m&m)

She’s beautiful! I’m so very sorry for the loss of your dear sis. Thank you for sharing part of yourself and your sister’s journey here with us. I hope you can find some peace and comfort as you travel through stage 8. You are such a beautiful and wonderful sister to Peggy, she knows it!

Sending hugs your way.

MN Chickadee

My condolences on your sweet sister. She was lucky to have you as an advocate, you went way above and beyond. I hope you find rest and peace in the weeks ahead.

eaglemom

I don't know how I missed this post. Gothic thank you for sharing such a beautiful photo of Peggy. Be kind to yourself and do come back to the message board whenever you feel like it. Please accept my heartfelt condolences.

eagle

pookabera

Sending you all the peace and support I can through this little glowing screen. So sorry for your loss and thank you for sharing such a wonderful photo. I hope you're resting when you can ❤️

GothicGremlin

Thank you all so much. It means the world to me.

Peggy's friend M and I have been planning her funeral, with an '80s dance party to follow. Peggy would be really happy to know we're doing that. We've got it all scheduled for April 5, so that we can avoid conflicting with Easter.

Oh my gosh, @M1 - Peggy lived for her cats! She always had 3 or 4 of them, all rescue animals. She always took such good care of them.

@harshedbuzz - yes, very true. She just wasn't that old, and she was a young 64, if you know what I mean.

@vtech1951 Nope, she was always Peggy, sometimes Peg.

As for me, I'm doing okay, I guess. It's all just so surreal .... And my head continues to explode as I do my best to reconcile my feelings of missing her and wishing she was still here, with knowing that she was only going to get worse, and feeling glad that she doesn't have to deal with this disease anymore.

Thank you all again. ❤️

Beachfan

I’m so very sorry, GG. You did so much for so long. I am happy to hear of her peaceful passing and that she was surrounded by friends and family. You will find these memories comforting during quiet times in the future. Try to rest, relax, and polish up your dancing shoes for April 5th. And, BTW, she is a stunner! Take care.