How meaningful can you make your loved one's memory?

[jimandsharynp]

At my beloved wife Sharyn's Celebration of Life service there were readings of poems, scriptures, a pastors message and this pictorial video presentation. Enjoy the video of my wonderful and beautiful wife, Sharyn.

youtube.com/watch?v=SKHo5uJ...(Not working as expected?)

[NannaB]

Hi Jim, I couldn't get the presentation, sorry.....would loved to have watch it.

Nanna B

[wifemo in reply to NannaB]

NannaB -

I had to "cut and paste" the link into a new tab (if that means anything! - I'm not very computer savvy, only on a need-to-know basis.) Hope you can see it.

Mo

[NannaB in reply to wifemo]

Thanks Mo. Jim emailed me the link so I have seen it. It made me cry. We did something similar for my mum and dad. I still can't watch them without crying, although I see something different every time I watch them. Although we never forget those we love, a DVD/ video like this helps to keep the memories alive.

Nanna B

[JoJo-K]

Hi Jim

Thank you so much for sharing this wonderful tribute to Sharyn. What beautiful photos and music, the song Softly I had never heard before, how that touched my heart I can't explain.

Yesterday was my Mums Birthday, the first without her, I too wanted the day to be a celebration of her life but I found the day incredibly difficult. The only comfort knowing her suffering is over.

I was incredibly touched my friend by your movie, sending you much love and hugs

JoJo

Xxxx

[jimandsharynp in reply to JoJo-K]

Jo-Jo, There is nothing like a mother and I'm convinced that NO ONE loves you like a mother. I loved Sharyn and I'm sure she loved me but I still think my mom loved me more of the two. Words of wisdom: Your mum isn't "lost". "Lost" implies you don't know where something is. Since you know where your mum is she isn't lost. You'll meet again someday. Hugs, Jimbo

[Hidden]

Thanks Jim for the video of Sharyn. While we have only "met" on this forum, I feel I know something of the path she trod as a sufferer (in the image of my own wife at this time).... and of you, as a devoted carer. God bless you and your family as you comfort one another with many happy memories.

Take care.

T.

[jimandsharynp in reply to Hidden]

Strelley, I'd be interested in knowing any symptoms or glitches that PSP has brought your way. I'm continuing to add to the list I did of things Sharyn did not encounter. Thanks. Jimbo

[Hidden in reply to jimandsharynp]

Hi Jim

Sorry for the delayed response. My wife's symptoms consist of .....

1. Very poor mobility and balance (only able to walk very short distances with full assistance and a Zimmer frame. Great difficulty turning and has some freezing gait). Since I attend to her 24/7 she is unlikely to have further falls (not had one since October 2012).

2. Excessive fatigue, but we have routines throughout the day and still manage to attend a few "functions" (in mornings only) except she recently indicated she may not be able to manage such things in the coming months.

3. Has some coughing/choking on fluids, and is now experimenting with thickeners. Still has good appetite but has "soft and moist" meals. Now often too tired to eat herself, so I help her finish off meals.

4. Quiet voice and when tired she has slurred speech (increasing recently). Has problems recalling words and phrases, which is very frustrating for her.

5.Has some involuntary eye closure, and sleeps well, and probably would sleep more but I stick to "routines".

6. Has occasional outbursts of excessive laughing (and rarely, crying).

7. Had early symptom of apathy and "distance" and never initiated a conversation. This is not so problematic now, but she rarely initiates a conversation, but responds reasonably well when asked questions. Other than this, her temperament is very good (Mine not so good, but I try).

8 She has stress incontinence, but never had a UTI. I am scrupulous in her hygiene, with respect to toileting, washing and skin condition, and mouth cleanliness. Has some autonomic dysfunction with uncontrolled sweating at times.

9. Cannot read very well now (hardly at all, and takes her ages to read a couple of sentences even after adjusting her head, because of vertical gaze palsy). Cannot write, and has problem with handling/dropping items.

10. Has very bad neck pains. Only uses mild medication and heat packs. (She has physio once a week, and SALT therapy every 3 months, and a nurse attend each week and has a podiatrist attend, and other care to help with showers and a bit of respite for me. She has eye checks each year).

Apart from PSP and breast cancer (all clear at present) she's healthy (according to her last routine full blood tests) !!!!!!! We plod on and try and enjoy what we can...especially family (we have 4 children and 10 grandchildren).

All the best Jim

T.

[jimandsharynp in reply to Hidden]

Thanks for filling us in. You do have a wonderful family to share your lives with. I had to laugh because Sharyn's blood tests were also excellent. Everything within range. Take care Strelley and tell your wife to hang in there. Jimbo

[wifemo]

Jimbo - beautiful, both Sharyn and your tribute. Such lovely memories, and so pleased Sharyn was able to be part of the children's lives.

Thank you for sharing it with us.

Mo

[Christine47]

A really lovely tribute to a beautiful soul. Thank you for sharing her with us.

Christine

[Didalju]

Jim, I have been away from the site for the last 2 weeks and have only just watched your video presentation.

What an absolutely beautiful tribute to your dear wife, the love and affection for all your family shines through every photo, you should be very proud of your celebration of Sharyn's life.

I know she will be looking down on you now willing you strength over the coming months. Don't ever forget you have a wide circle of dedicated friends on this site who care for you.

All the best

Nicky x

[jimandsharynp in reply to Didalju]

Nicky, Thanks for the kind words. Yes, Sharyn was devoted to family and it did come though in the photos. The other thing I didn't realize what how much she just naturally smiled. In most of those photos she was not asked to smile it was just the way she was. It took me days to put that together as I broke down in tears every few photos. Very emotional. I wanted her service to be as special as she was and if I did that it was out of my great love and she deserved it all. Jimbo

[nomansland]

Hi Jim,I,d like to see it but can,t seem to get it to come up...is there another way...thanks,Rollie

[jimandsharynp in reply to nomansland]

Try entering or cutting and pasting this link into your browser. It should take you to the video. Note if you type it into your browser it is case sensitive so if the letters are lower case or upper case enter them correctly. Enjoy!

youtube.com/watch?v=SKHo5uJ...(Not working as expected?)

[LynnO]

What a wonderful pictorial celebration of you and Sharyn's life together. These pictures capture the love you had for each other, your grandchildren, and life! What a treasure to have these. Thank you for sharing these special moments with us!

Lynn

[JanStott]

what a lovely video Jim lots of beautiful memories of your dear wife, you must miss her terribly it was a very deliberating illness and my thoughts and sentiments are with you and your family. God Bless xx

[jimandsharynp in reply to JanStott]

Thanks Jan. Yes Sharyn was my life and love and I miss her more than I could have ever imagined. It's something you just can't imagine the scope of until you experience it. Jimbo

[Hidden]

Lovely video, clearly a lot of love in the household and shared at the service and with the users of this site. It does make one think, what will I do? Shouldnt really rehearse what I will say, but I have done. Anyway today my wife had a good day at the hospice, which we are very grateful for..

[jimandsharynp in reply to Hidden]

Jmbb, Thanks. Glad you were able to have a good day with your wife.