On this day 12 months ago we were waving goodbye to our family and friends and leaving Melbourne for our sea change adventure. Our journey took us to a beautiful coastal town on the mid north coast of New South Wales, where we now call a little cottage by the sea HOME. We have fully embraced our new coastal lifestyle; the perfect weather, beautiful beaches and the sense of country community. In a perfect world this is where I’d say – The End – but rarely is life perfect and we’ve had a few bumps in the road along the way.
The first one was the bad news we received from home just two weeks after we left on our adventure… our much loved brother-in-law had been diagnosed with Leukaemia. Suddenly, we realised just how far away from home and our loved ones our sea change adventure had taken us.
Over the next 11 months Ron filled us with admiration as he fought the battle he was so determined to win. Then six weeks ago he received the devastating news that nothing else could be done and he needed to say his farewells. He approached this final mission with the same dignity and grace that he had lived his entire life and fought his disease.
Sadly, on Monday 16th August at 3 am Ron slipped away leaving behind his devoted and adoring wife and 3 daughters.
Ron was a true gentleman and one of the most genuine blokes you’d ever meet. Always smiling, he was generous, kind and loving. He loved everyone and in return was loved by everyone. This was quite evident by the many hundreds of people that attended his funeral this week.
Our hearts are breaking that he has left us too soon but we are the better for having known and loved him. His early death reaffirms my belief that we should all live for now. There’s no point planning for tomorrow if we haven’t fully lived today. I’m so pleased that as a family we decided to ‘follow our dreams’… yes it has taken us away from our home, our family and friends, but it has allowed us to truly live the life we want to live. Our journey will continue.
It’s been hard to concentrate on work and art this past 6 weeks but feel that I must now move forward. I’ll re-open the website in the coming days, catch up with emails, orders and blogs. Finally, a big thank you to those who have supported us during these difficult days – it was comforting to know you were thinking of us.
Death leaves a heartache no one can heal, love leaves a memory no one can steal.
Hugs ~ Kerryanne
A Bite of Country Cupcakes says
Oh my thoughts are with you all…I wondered if thats why you were missing.
It is so hard and never easy even when you know the end is nearing.
Jo in TAS says
My condolences to you all and such a beautiful post Kerry, it bought tears to my eyes.
Bettyann says
I am so sorry Kerry to hear of the loss of your beloved brother-in-law..Yes you are so right…we only have now..After many life adventures I believe strongly in “seizing life by the throat” and doing your best…take care..
Connie says
I am so sorry to hear that about your family’s loss, sugar. I know it’s sad. There isn’t anything I can say to lessen the sorrow of your heart but know that when it touches you it also touches us bloggers FOR you, sweetpea.
xoxo,
Connie
BubzRugz says
My condolences on your loss of a much loved brother in law. What a lovely tribute you have written… Hugz
Fiona
Kris Meares - Tag Along Teddies says
Hey Kerryanne! So sad to hear of your brother-in-law’s passing. Even when death is expected, it’s still hits like an earthquake. My thoughts and prayers are with you, Mark and your family at this sad time. Life is uncertain and we need to live every day fully, not put things off for ‘another day’, not save things for ‘special occassions’ and remember to tell our friends and loved ones how precious they are to us each time we have the chance. Keep living your dream – I’m sure your BIL would be the first to encourage that! Loving Bear Hugs! KRIS
Deb says
My deepest sympathy to you and your family KerryAnne. When things like this happen you certainly do reassess your life and prioritise things don’t you. We have had 5 funerals in 5 weeks and I have been thinking exactly like you, life is to be lived.
ittybittyandpretty says
through tear filled eyes i send my deepest sympathies and strength to you and your family. we are facing that future with my BIL and i never want that moment to come…
thinking of you
xxxrosey
Sew Useful Designs says
Darling what a beautiful tribute to Ron, such beautiful words. x It is hard to say goodbye to the ones we love – both permanently and temporarily… and by that, I mean waving goodbye to your loved ones in Melbourne. It’s a courageous thing to do. Enjoy your journey sweetheart! I’m sure that your loved ones wish you every happiness and success (just as I do) coz that’s what you want for the ones you love – happiness. xx
Still miss ya like crazy… but thank goodness for modern technology (even if I can’t yet use a mobile phone!) 😛 Hugs sweetie! xx Vik xx
Alison says
Kerryanne so sorry to hear of Rons passing. It was good that you were at least able to say your goodbyes.
To truly live the life we want to live is really how it should be.
Beautiful words and tribute to Ron.
Alison
Anna Rosa Designs says
Hi Kerryanne,
My deepest sympathy to you and your family. Lovely tribute here for Ron and his family.
Live life to the fullest and joyfully!
Hugs,
Anna
clare's craftroom says
Oh Kerryanne I am so sorry . All the kindest thoughts for the whole family , take care .xxxxx
Alicia ~ time worn style says
Huge hugs Kerryanne for you and your family, I do know how very hard it is to lose someone you love dearly to such a horrid disease. A beautiful tribute to one so well loved.
alicia
Lisa says
Life is to be lived..that is so true. I have tears in my eyes reading this post.My hubby has a chronic leukaemia that is non curable…slow progressing and in his 40’s. My heart hurts for your family, your sister and children. The pain of loss is so hard to bear and it seems so unfair at times. I am thinking of you and your family. Hugs Lisa
Jodie says
Kerryanne, he sounds like a great man. You are lucky he was part of your life.
I’m thinking of you and sending hugs.
Linda Lilly Cottage says
Oh Kerryanne, big hugs and kisses to all of you at this time. As hard as it is being away from family, you have done the best thing for your little family, living for today and breathing in all that lovely seachange air.
We should all live for today and never have to ask ourselves…if only we had enjoyed life more when we were able to do so.
Now between your sad news and the music on your blog I must go, I am a blubbering mess ( I nearly wrote blubbery mess…how true)..
Kiss Noises, friendship and hugs, Linda
Gail McCormack says
Dear Kerryanne
I am so sorry to hear your news.
A beautiful tribute to your much loved brother-in-law.
My thoughts are with you all!!
hugs to you, Gail xxx
Sharon (Stitches on Mars) says
Hi Kerryanne,
What a beautiful post. I’m so sorry for your loss, but you are right your memories are truest treasure.
Hugs, Sharon
ArtfulLee Designed says
Sorry to be commenting so late about this Kerryanne, trying to catch up after a break from the computer.
My thoughts are with you and your family. Times like these can bring the meaning of life to the fore and make us treat each day as a precious gift, which you have done with your sea change. Love to you
Lee
The Rose Room says
So very sorry. Blessing to Ron at peace and to his family. Rachaelxo