On Tuesday July 6th around lunch time (here in Canada), my Grandma, Beryl McMullen suffered a stroke and is now in hospital. I am not clear on the outcome, but I know if she could be on the forum she would still be posting no matter how hard it was. She has a true dedication and I love her very much, I hope for the best and will keep this post updated on her behalf because I know she would want me to.
You can also see other forums sending wishes to Beryl at these links:
http://forum.birminghamhistory.co.uk/showthread.php?t=31863&mode=linearhttp://www.birminghamforum.co.uk/index.php/topic,4524.0.htmlI would also like to direct you all to her ancestry, she put a lot of time and effort into creating this just last month.
Family Trees of the Darlaston Family, written by Beryl McMullenUpdate from July 7 & 8The doctor has reported that Beryl had a massive stroke, followed by a fall which caused some bruising. We know she is a fighter and we wont ever give up, please keep her in your hearts.
I have made significant updates to her poetry site,
http://www.poetrydjour.com/ to include her latest poems 'Ancestral Spirits', 'Natures Gifts', 'A Poet's Challenge', 'Guiding Shadows', and 'War and Peace' as well as a updated 'About Me' page.
Update from July 9I have read all your kind words to Beryl about an hour ago, she was moving around more than I've seen her - I could tell she wanted to thank you all and that she wishes she could be here to post. Her eyes were open as I read your messages, I know she heard every word. As I said your names, I could feel her awareness of them, she knows you have her in your prayers.
Update from July 10I was with my grandma several times today, she has stabilized but her condition remains the same. Gingerjohn made a voice recording which was a true blessing, each time I played it her eyes grew wide and I could tell she was trying to communicate. As John says, she does communicate through her thoughts, I know she is telling him and everyone something. I appreciate all the support everyone is giving, so far over 79 messages have been posted - truly wonderful.
Will continue to visit and keep telling her what you have to say, thank you all again
Update from July 11My grandma was happy today, I had her sign a birthday card for John (GingerJohn) and tears came to her eyes as she did. She then picked up the card, opened it and took a glance - I could tell she was aware what she was doing. I also played the voice recording he made of a poem which made her eyes open wider than I have ever seen, she is comfortable which is important. We're doing everything we can visiting on a daily basis as many times as possible. I make sure all posts on the forum are read to her as I know she was very close with all of you. Thank you everyone, you are a wonderful bunch.
Update from July 12 & 13Beryl has been resting comfortably in hospital these past two days, she has been asleep during my last two visits but others have mentioned that she was awake a few times. I know all our hearts are with her, she can sense it. I do have other bad news to report, seems like everything happens at once. Her dog Terra is on her last legs, having difficulties moving around. She is 12 years old and has always been by Beryl's side, she loved her golden retriever. I hope for the best but things are never predictable it seems.
Update from July 14Beryl was awake a few times today as we talked to her about the forum, she does have a bit less energy but still fighting strong. I know you all wish her the best and I am making sure she knows. I havent told her anything about the dog as I know it's not the right thing to do, will be visiting her again tomorrow.
Update from July 15I have sad news about her dog Terra, she did not make it through the day and had to be let down around 10am. She could no longer get up and was in pain, it was such a hard choice to make. We will not be telling Beryl as I would not want to upset her, we did visit today and she had her eyes open for most of the time which let us know she was comfortable.
Update from July 16Just after 7:30am this morning, my grandma past away. We all miss her deeply, it's a tough time - thank you all for your prayers.
Update from July 18McMullen, Beryl - It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of Beryl on Friday, July 16, 2010 at North York General Hospital. Dearly loved wife of Stuart. Sister of Jean (Brian) and Martyn (deceased) (June). Devoted mother of Valerie Stalker, Andrew (Theresa) and Barbara (Michael) Mansbridge. Adoring and loving grandmother of Jennifer (Ron), Kristine, Robert (Joyce), Darcy, Paul, Duncan and Steven. Great- grandmother of Evan and Colin. Visitation will be held from 7-9 p.m. at Marshall Funeral Home, 10366 Yonge St., Richmond Hill on Thursday, July 22. Funeral service will be held in the Chapel at 11 a.m., Friday, July 23. In lieu of flowers, a donation to the Heart & Stroke Foundation would be greatly appreciated.
Published in the Toronto Star newspaper from July 18 to July 21, 2010
Update from July 27The service in Beryl's memory was inspiring and a true dedication to her personality and artistic talent. A guestbook is online until August 17 which can be signed by using this link:
http://www.legacy.com/guestbook/thestar/guestbook.aspx?n=beryl-mcmullen&pid=144192444&cid=gbsrchresIn memory of my Grandma, lived 83 years. January 8, 1927 to July 16, 2010.
I will keep this forum and her poetry website online in her memory and will continue to support it financially. I will not be accepting donations as I know she was against them, my only consideration would be publishing and selling a book of her poetry. It is just a thought, please post any comments.
