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Paula Findlay – RIP

Version 2

Paula Findlay
1975 – 2016

What a difficult post this is to write!  I want to take this opportunity to make a few short comments about Paula who was the flower girl at our wedding in 1977.  She performed her duties on that occasion brilliantly – she on many occasions throughout the day “stole the show” – she looked so cute in her white dress and head dress.

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Mary and James’s wedding July 1977 our beautiful and the cutest flower girl

See the following photo where Paula was already getting stuck into a bun, getting a bit tired of the endless photos that weddings entail.

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Mary & James Wedding July 1977

In the years ahead she was to grow up to become a lovely young lady, and eventually to marry and have a family of her own.   We would meet her at holiday times and every christmas when we would be together with the family to exchange christmas presents and seasonal good wishes.  She always had a smile on her face and was a perfect mother with her two children showing total respect for her.  The following photo shows her at the edge of the photo when Granda was trying on his christmas jumper and slippers!!!

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Christmas 2014

 

Sadly, she was to fall ill with cancer – this was to bring out some remarkable aspects of her personality and character.  Paula showed amazing resilience and proved to be a fighter as she underwent treatment for her condition.  During her illness we heard much more of her than we had in previous years.  We heard every few days about her progress as she underwent various treatments and we wondered at her positive response as she dealt with the inevitable side effects of the various treatments she was to undergo.

Paula maintained a positive outlook throughout this difficult period.  She exhibited remarkable resilience and courage at all times and always was concerned about maintaining normality for her two children.   She was so proud of them and they are a real credit to her and Ian.

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May 2014

Paula will I know will be sorely missed by her close family, husband Ian, children Emily and Joe and of course her Mum and Dad and brother.  All of these people have walked closely with her as she worked through the period of just over a year since her illness was first diagnosed.  Cancer is a devastating illness which all too often is terminal – it is hard to imagine what it can be like to watch your own wife, daughter, mother going through all that it entails.   I have special thoughts for her close family both now and in the days and months ahead as they come to terms with this momentous loss.

Paula I will miss seeing your lovely smile but I feel that your legacy will live on through your children.  We have prayed for you throughout your time of struggle and even now it is hard to accept that your time with us has come to an end.  You have left far to soon – but we are also so grateful to have had you in our lives and will remember forever your beautiful smile, witty sense of humour and not least the courage and strength you showed while you struggled to overcome your illness.

Rest in Peace Paula – Mizpah.

One thought on “Paula Findlay – RIP”

  1. Lovely tribute to a lovely lady, Paula, who has gone too soon from our lives, Jim.

    You have captured her in the most beautiful way and I feel a blessing for all whose lives that Paula had touched.

    I was recently diagnosed with breast cancer on 09/05 and am currently undergoing my chemotherapy treatment at the moment. It is not an easy journey to be on but I have a peace in my heart and no fear that God is in control and is with me every step of the way. My trust is in Him to see me through the other side, if it is His will, and I know that I have the full support of my dear family and friends, whom I call my ROCKS, pushing me on. I have an amazing medical team in ARI and the care and treatment that I am receiving is second to none. God is so good. Thanks for sharing. Paula was an inspiration to me and she will continue to be in the days that lie ahead.

    God Bless you all.

    Wilma J. Thain

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