When one loses a dearest

Wind Beneath My Wings (Piano) - Instrumental

It was a Tuesday night when Andrew and I went over to Jean and Ringo's place to wish our landlady all the best with the operation she was going to undergo. At her age, it isn't a simple operation, it has to be treated as a major operation since we are talking about removing tumour from her kidney.

She looked worried but submitted her fears to our heavenly father. She said one thing, "we just have to play the cards we're dealt with in life". It was only human of her to fear about pain, the post-operation care and particularly infection in one of the oldest hospital in Sydney. Ringo ridiculed her anxiety and assured her, all will be fine. Ringo even said to us that we all leave this place, one day, may be now, may be later.

Both Andrew and I wished her a successful operation and prayed for her. We gave her a warm hug and hoped to see her again. Little did we know, it was going to be the last time, we saw her. She was only in her mid-60s.

The day after the operation, Ringo contacted us saying, the operation went smoothly and all was good. A big tumour was removed and Jean is resting. We were thrilled with the news. We were patient for her to recover and come home so we get to see her again. But on Sunday, Ringo called and I picked up. Ringo briefly mentioned to us, that Jean is on life support. I was speechless and had to gather my thoughts on what to say and feel. Ringo thought I couldn't hear him. Then I said, can we come to the hospital but to which he said no need because there are family members around. Ringo explained further that Jean had an infection and her liver failed to function. Hence the doctor had to put her in ICU on life support.

I couldn't find any words to say. We wanted to comfort him but we were too shocked to do anything. This was also the day Federer lost his 4 consecutive win in Melbourne Open to Nadal.

Soon after, a mutual neighbour came knocking at our door and urged us to go to the hospital to bid farewell just in case Jean doesn't make it. She has just gone to the hospital to see Jean. Immediately we grabbed our car key and drove to the hospital.

I couldn't contain it when I saw Jean. I couldn't hold back my tears. Just days before, she was so alive and well. Now, she's all yellow and bloated. For a human to be in this state, it's unimaginable and incomprehensible. She has been strong all her life and having undergone over 20 operations all her life, she must have had her fair share of pain.

Today, in the afternoon, Andrew called to tell me, Jean didn't make it. Tears just rolled down my cheeks when I thought of Ringo. He has been the best husband to Jean, the most hard working man, a provider and supporter for Jean. He has not left her side since day one of the hospital stay. He checked into the hospital too, if I may say it that way.

We visited Ringo after dinner and he looked busy and tired and obviously distraught. He told us he cried the whole day and has no appetite for any food. Thank goodness, Jean's best friend came and made him some dinner, otherwise we would have offered to cook something for him. Again, as I looked at the familiar house and chair which Jean was always resting, I was literally sobbing. I couldn't bear to think that Ringo is going to be all alone now, without his life companion. As we live just behind them, it makes us feel as though we are family and even more we felt for his loss.

Every other morning, we would hear Jean's laughter in the garden. She was always full of laughter and has a positive perspective of life. One would have much to learn from her.

Rest in peace, Jean. We will miss your smile, your laughter and most of all your presence.