Cee's Photo Challenges

Note: from Chris this content was originally published on Becky’s blog: She was kind enough to post for me because I wasn’t up to the task of dealing with WordPress. Cee tried to show me a few tricks before she died but her laptop was giving her fits and she ran out of energy before I had learned enough. I’m posting it again here for those of you who don’t follow Becky.

Cee quietly left this world on the 3rd of March, a Monday evening. I was privileged to be her soulmate and wife for more than thirty-five years. She taught me so much, including her love of photography, of color and form. She continues to brighten my day even after leaving her body behind.

When Becky was kind enough to post about Cee’s declining health and eventual going into hospice, Cee and I were overwhelmed with the love showered upon her by all of you. I sat beside her hospital bed, reading one, two, sometimes three responses, watching the tears roll down her cheeks. She knew each one of you and could tell me who you were, where you lived, what she enjoyed about your blogs. We could only handle a few at a time because your writings were so sincere. You were her beloved friends when she couldn’t leave the house anymore. You let her live and reach out, touching your lives as hers was being slowly and inexorably drawing smaller and smaller.

The one fear Cee had about her life was that no one would remember her, that she hadn’t made enough difference in this world, in anyone’s life. Yes, she really thought that. She was humble to the end. Your wishes and memories of her were incredible and gave her satisfaction and peace of mind, knowing that she really had touched lives. You gave her the gift of peace. Thank you.

It’s too soon for me to make any decisions about continuing this blog, or about Flower Of The Day (FOTD). Please bear with me in my grief.

Much love, thankfulness and many virtual hugs to all of you.

Chris

Stay who you are. Stay true to yourself. Other people might change around you because you’re dying, but you don’t have to change.

Let the emotions come. They’ll come in waves, but let them come. Try not to be scared, although you will be. That allows for the good memories to come back, too, and that allows you to share with the ones you love and really be there.

Don’t ever be afraid to say I love you. Even if it’s a stranger in the street and your eyes meet, say something. Give them a smile. Let them know you acknowledge them.

Never regret what you’ve done in life. They lead to all things that created who you are.

Cee Neuner, November 2024