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.
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.
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





July 5, 2014 at 13:29
Your words are a beautiful tribute to your Mom. I am so sorry for your loss of Mom in the earth plane…but she will forever live in your heart. I am so grateful that you experienced such beautiful coming together from complete strangers in a foreign land…I love when humans reach out in a time of need and comfort those who are in pain. Blessitude ❤
July 4, 2014 at 06:16
thank you Laura. I think I was lucky to have her in my life 🙂
July 4, 2014 at 05:11
I’m so sorry I just read this about your Mom passing away. She sounds like she was a lovely woman. I’m glad that she was with you and doing something she loved. She was very lucky to have you in her life. It’s inspiring her read about someone who lived with such passion. My deepest condolences.
June 29, 2014 at 10:51
Thank you very much for your kind and heartwarming message. It is the nicest thing to hear x
June 29, 2014 at 10:44
A very moving testimony. I’ m sure your mother keeps on taking care of you. Beloved persons never die because they live in our hearts forever.