Karen Koster lost her mother suddenly at the end of May.
“My mum passed away suddenly two weeks ago. It was very unexpected,” she explained at the time.
“So the last couple of weeks, [as] I’m sure anyone who’s gone through a sudden loss [knows], it’s just been completely surreal.”
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Now, she has been reflecting on her mother, Brenda’s life as she marked eight weeks after her funeral.
Taking to Instagram, she wrote: “It’s been eight weeks since Mum’s funeral and I’m still wondering when the words ‘my mum died suddenly’ will no longer feel so alien coming out of my mouth. I had no idea about the tidal wave that is grief and how it ebbs and flows.
“How you don’t get to the end of the tears or stop feeling the shock that you’ve already seen your mum for the last time. You’ve already seen her wave you goodbye for the last time, already planned the last big family occasion, or hung up the phone to her forever. The finality of death takes my breath away.”
She continued: “And yet there’s so much mercy in how Mum passed. We never saw her ill. No worrying about test results or trying to organise carers. Mum went out like she lived, dignified, private, no burden, just grace. Tending to the beautiful garden she adored which was a playground for her cherished grandkids. Caring & nurturing til the end.”
Karen explained how “grateful” she was for the four decades she had with her mother.
“I’m so grateful I had my mum for 41 years as my constant anchor, I just wish our kids could have had Nana for a little bit longer. Wise, beautiful, gentle, witty, allergic to texting, addicted to reality TV, never saying no to a day out, always delighted you’d popped in.”
She went on to share a “heartfelt thanks” to everyone who sent their condolences to her during that trying time.
“A heartfelt thanks to all who have messaged me, to those that have emailed, sent Mass cards, letters into work, sympathy cards to the house.
“Especially those of you who are further along this journey and are moving forward with grief, remembering the happy times when the sadness wants to bear down. I truly appreciate every word. May our mum’s gentle soul rest in peace.”
She concluded by asking her mother to keep sending her signs: “Now send me all the butterflies & robins.”
