It has been a while since there has been any update to the Bolg. Unfortunately we have been dealing with the death of Peg - Fred's mother. She died peacefully in her sleep two weeks ago, after a very short bout of illness. I am happy to say that she did not suffer in any way. She remained a joy up to her final moments of conciousness. She managed to find it in herself to sing songs even in her hospital bed.
Peg was the reason we embarked on this crazy expedition to the Southeren Hemisphere and my only regret is that we didn't do it sooner. It was one of the most enriching times I have spent in years, visiting a rest-home most night and dealing with the deteriorating physical and mental conditions that come with ageing.
This photo - which we used on her Memorial card, was the last photo taken of Peg on Mother's day - taken 4 days before went into hospital. This photo was taken in our shack, look at how bright those eyes are! She is chatting to Fred's siblings catching up on Mother's day greetings.
I was the last person that was photographed with Peg. She always loved her afternoon cuppa tea (and cakes)
The O'Leary Family bring Peg to her final resting place. Peg was laid to rest beside Fred (Senior) on their 61st wedding anniversary. How touching.
Peg had been a lifelong friend of the missons particularly in Tonga and Samoa. She used to raise money and make aprons for charity sales to help the Catholic missons. It was very fitting to have her coffin wrapped in a Saipo, a cloth made from the bark of the mulberry tree, and beautifully hand painted. This is a very high honour in the Samoan culture. I can't tell you how much more enveloping and warm it made her coffin look instead of the cold, austere traditional box.
May she rest in Peace
