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This blog post is to honour the memory of my Mother and to thank a lot of people.

My mum passed away last week in Japan whilst on our annual ski trip. It was a sudden and tragic loss to us all. She was 75 years old but super active and most of all she enjoyed life to the fullest! She was skiing to the last moment and she passed away peacefully in the hot spring. My mother is an inspiration on how to live life passionately, dedication to her family and generosity of spirit.

I want to thank the people who supported and helped us all the way in Japan during our time of need. The manager and owner of Sakaya Ryokan in Nozawa who were with our family every step of the way. The hospital staff at IIyana who handled my mum with upmost care and respect. The police detectives at Iiyana who organised the funeral, our hotel, paperwork, drove us everywhere and extended their hospitality and generosity of time above and beyond their duty. Words are not enough to thank these people for what they did for our family. I want to also thank my best friend who came from Tokyo to help us with the translation and for his support. My brother’s best friend who flew in from Shanghai to be with us and made sure we didnt lose our laugter. This really has been a heartbreaking week losing our mother but also a heartwarming experience whereby strangers and close friends reached out to us with their sincerest generosity. I also thank my fellow bloggers who left kind messages for me. It really made a big difference.

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The above photos is where we had the funeral in IIyana. We followed the beautiful Japanese tradition which was so refined and zen. My mum was cremated in Japan and her remains were brought home with us, where we had a memorial service in her memory.

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Two things my mother used to say and I will remember to follow:

“I have the rest of my life to rest when I am dead”

“When you fall, pick yourself back up”

I love you mum. Please look after Dad in heaven xoxo