The light of our universe has gone out…only on Earth but not in our hearts.
Our mom, Eileen Harada, or also affectionately known as “Bachan” to her 7 grandchildren,
“Awooh” to her many nieces, nephews and great nieces and nephews and “T.I.”
to the neighbourhood kids, passedaway from lung and liver cancer
on Monday, July 5, 2010.
She was surrounded by what she selflessly gave the entire 89 years of her life…
love, joy and affection.
10 of us…her children, grandchildren and siblings were with her when she passed.
It was so incredibly difficult watching her finally go but we were all comforted to know
she no longer had to live in a body and mind that didn’t serve her well
(also had Alzheimer’s.)
We were blessed she didn’t have to suffer much at all…she only had pain the final 2 days
of her life and also didn’t have to be tormented by the ravages of Alzheimer’s that steals
a person’s memory, mind and dignity.
Our Mom wasn’t a rich woman with material possessions but she was incredibly wealthy
with what she shared with everyone she met…love, affection, kindness and her gentleness.
She always cared and looked after others before concerning herself.
Every person she met, she touched…with her sweetness and her beautiful soul.
She was known for her baking and cooking…especially her baking…the unforgettable
lemon cupcakes, the nanaimo bars, her legendary butter tarts…her 100 dozen cookies
she baked every Christmas… and all the wonderful Japanese dishes she created.
Her 23,000 origami butterflies were shared with hospitals, charities, friends and families
all over the world as she spread the true meaning of their symbol- the rebirth of Christ.
To the incredible palliative team at Scarboro Hospital (Evangeline, Brenda, Sharon, Rorie,
and others)… thank you for giving her such a safe and caring haven during her final days.
You were all so wonderful and your compassion for our Mom was immeasurable.
To the staff at Delmanor, Wynford (Toronto)- you went above, beyond and over the top
to see that our Mom was happy and comfortable during her short stay at the manor
and the caring continued during her 5 week stay at Scarboro Hospital right up
until the funeral this past Monday the 12th.
We’ll all terribly miss this tiny woman with a huge heart but we all know she more
than earned her spot beside God in Heaven.
She was a good disciple…mission accomplished.
Mom…thank you for what you have given us…your light and love will continue to shine.
You’ve set the bar very high until the day we all meet again.
We love you !
In October of 2008, The Universe lost one of the most incredible, bravest people I’ve ever met in my life.
