This weekend I was team captain for a team in the Relay For Life, a fundraising event for the Cancer Council.
As I was about to get a snooze in before the Relay For Life started, we received the heartbreaking news that our beautiful little friend Immie had passed away.
We have watched in joy and sadness as Immie has overcome her cancer, only for it to re-emerge again and again, until there was finally nothing that could be done. Immie has become progressively more ill since Christmas as her family have done all they can to make her final days as enjoyable as they could be for her, amidst her pain and sickness.
Immie had her birthday party 3 weeks ago. It was held 2 weeks early, in the fear that she would not be able to see her 6th. But brave, strong, bossy little Immie kept right on marching. She almost seemed to be improving - and we hoped for a miracle. But it was not to be. On Saturday morning, at 1:19, Immie lost her battle. She was 6 years old.
One of the motto's for Relay For Life is "Hope is why we relay". I found little to hope for, other than that I wouldn't become a blubbering mess in the middle of the track. Part of the Relay For Life is a Candlelighting service to remember those who are no longer with us. You can decorate a paper bag and place a candle in it to burn through the night. This is the one I did for Immie.
As I was about to get a snooze in before the Relay For Life started, we received the heartbreaking news that our beautiful little friend Immie had passed away.
We have watched in joy and sadness as Immie has overcome her cancer, only for it to re-emerge again and again, until there was finally nothing that could be done. Immie has become progressively more ill since Christmas as her family have done all they can to make her final days as enjoyable as they could be for her, amidst her pain and sickness.
Immie had her birthday party 3 weeks ago. It was held 2 weeks early, in the fear that she would not be able to see her 6th. But brave, strong, bossy little Immie kept right on marching. She almost seemed to be improving - and we hoped for a miracle. But it was not to be. On Saturday morning, at 1:19, Immie lost her battle. She was 6 years old.
One of the motto's for Relay For Life is "Hope is why we relay". I found little to hope for, other than that I wouldn't become a blubbering mess in the middle of the track. Part of the Relay For Life is a Candlelighting service to remember those who are no longer with us. You can decorate a paper bag and place a candle in it to burn through the night. This is the one I did for Immie.
I never was much of an artist
Oliver blowing kisses to Immie's candle.Our hearts go out to Fiona & Jason, and big brother Kody, and little brother Ashton, and the family that has supported them so much in these dark days. Though it was known to be coming, it doesn't make it any easier.
This is one of Immie's pictures. It seems to say so much, and be such an amazing insight by a beautiful little girl. The rain is obvious, but if you look, there is a sun still shining, and flowers still smiling. The paradox of life both confounds and intrigues me - and Immie's picture captures the lives we lead.
Goodbye sweet Imogen. You will be in our hearts and minds always.Immie's mum's blog
http://theholmesgang.blogspot.com
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