Laid to Rest

Yesterday Robin’s beloved Mum Bonnie was laid to rest as family and friends gathered in Paraparaumu to farewell her.  At 91 years of age she had enjoyed a good innings, but sadly, her health and mobility deteriorated over the last few years.  But her four children were at her side in the final hours.  We suspect that Bonnie held on till daughter Kaye flew in from Vietnam, and they were able to spend the last few days together.

As long as I can remember, Bonnie had a copy of “Desiderata” hanging in her home, so the words must have meant a lot to her .  The title means “things that are desired”  and was written by Max Ehrman for himself, I discovered, to remind him of the virtues he felt he was most in need of.  I read a few verses of this inspirational prose at the service.

“Go placidly amid the noise and haste, and remember what peace there may be in silence.  As far as possible, without surrender, be on good terms with all persons.  Speak your truth quietly and clearly, and listen to others, even to the dull and ignorant, they too have their story.  Be at peace with God, whatever you conceive him to be.  And whatever your labours and aspirations in the noisy confusion of life, keep peace with your soul.  With all its sham, drudgery and broken dreams, it is still a beautiful world”

One door closes and another door opens.  A brand new great grand-daughter was welcomed into the family on the day that Bonnie passed away, not an unusual occurrence, we have been told.

Goodbye Bonnie, Rest in Peace.

Many thanks to those who have sent messages of condolence, they are much appreciated.