Thursday, March 12, 2026

7:05

Just returned from the hospice.  Simon and I had been with Carol all day with obviously increasing pain this morning, which the dr. on duty corrected. Sitting by her bed we were aware of some response but when two church friends popped into see her, and share in tea provided by volunteers, Carol seemed on the same gentle path of decline.

We left at 6:15 after prayer and promises to see her tomorrow. We had travelled two miles or so when the phone rang. The sister in charge told us that when they were changing her position it seemed that she has suddenly developed a sinister breathing pattern. She thought the end was close. We turned around and re-entered the hospice. Sister Rosa was sitting with Carol. I was stunned by the change.  It is often commented that people choose to die when their relatives leave. Was this happening? 

It gave us a chance to say our thanks to her and all she means to us,. I read some Scripture and prayed, especially that she might enter glory peacefully.  Within minutes her breathing had ceased! 7:05 is the recorded time.

I have too much to work through at present and, unfortunately, the Coroner has to be involved because of the unknown neurological illness.  Obviously I shall post details. For all your prayers and happy memories of dear Carol, thank you.

34 comments:

Lucy and Matthew said...

Thank you so much for keeping us posted. What a mercy to be able to get back to the hospice. We are holding all the family in our prayers as you process all that happens and will happen next.

MW Mary Whitmer said...

Michael, I am so sorry! I loved Carol so much and she was always a wonderful friend. May God’s peace surround you and your family. With love and prayers, Mary

Anonymous said...

We are so sorry to hear of her passing. We are sorry for your loss but so glad she can be with the Lord she loved. She was a delight to be around and so much fun! We will be praying God’s peace for you and your family
Paul and Carol Cahill

Anonymous said...

Michael and family, we love all of you so much and will be praying for the Lord’s precious comfort as you mourn. Carol was so, so dear to us and we can hear her soft, gentle English accent, filled with so much love for her Lord and family, and touching each of us in our FBC small group with her wisdom. With much love, Dave and Cindy Heslinga

Tony Payne said...

There will be much more to say in the future, dear Michael. However, we will let you know that our hearts are broken. We can’t imagine a world without the two of you brightening the lives of everyone around you. We miss Carol desperately and are sorry we can’t be at your side at this grievous time. Remember Psalm 84: How lovely is your dwelling place O Lord, my soul faints for the courts of the living God…

Wade Allen said...

Michael, you are in our hearts and prayers this evening. May God hold you in His arms and bring you comfort. With much love, Wade and Christy

Donna Whitmer said...

Dear Michael, We are so very sorry and shocked to hear about Carol. Carol was so sweet and funny-we loved her accent. Both of you meant so much to us as you served at First Baptist. We pray that God will give you and your family peace, wisdom and comfort in the days ahead. Sending our love, John and Donna

Andrew Martin said...

You will know our sad thoughts at this time, Michael. May the peace of the Lord be with you.

Anonymous said...

Dear Michael we are so sorry - difficult to know how to express our feelings. We both feel so grateful for the opportunity to have known Carol and her joy of life as well as her love for God.So sad for you and the family but thankful that she is now at peace and pain free.
Love Ruth and Keith x

Anonymous said...

Love and blessings from a fellow sufferer, and much love. Night Wright.

Debra Reid said...

Michael. We are so sad to hear this news. Every memory of Carol is a blessing - she left a trail of love and enthusiastic service, laughter and gentle kindness, every day. We are grateful and feel her loss. We send our love and prayers to you at this time. Our loss is heavens’s gain. Debra and David

Matt & Christina Carter said...

Dear Michael, Carol was such an inspiration to us. We will never forget her sense of humour and gift of encouragement. We are so very sad to here your news. Assuring you of our prayers.
Much love
Matt & Chris

Anonymous said...

So many fond memories Michael, our love and prayers are with you

David & Janet Coffey said...

My dear brother - we send you our loving condolences on hearing the news of Carol’s home call. We give thanks for Carol’s gifted life and assure you as a family of our prayers.

William Ruddle said...

She was our Matchmaker-In-Chief at Spurgeon’s and there are many happy men who have Carol to thank. A prayer that we can say say with confidence: May she Rest In Peace and Rise in Glory!

Anonymous said...

Judy and I really appreciated your’s and Carol’s support while we were in Cambridge. Please be assured of our love and prayers.
Dave and Judy Morris

Anonymous said...

Much love to you and the boys Michael. Carol was unique and a real encouragement to Ali and the “Wives Group” even if she was a bit fanatical about the spiritual experience of shopping in IKEA. You are in our prayers

Anonymous said...

What a huge vacuum Carol leaves not only for you & her loving family but for us all. We are so glad to have known her for the past seven years. Feeling your extraordinary pain at this time, but know that you will be held by those strong Everlasting Arms

Maria Ward said...

am thinking of you at this time me and tyler are sending prays and love your way

Anonymous said...

So sorry to hear this news Michael but also relieved that her suffering is over, and that she is with the Lord. How wonderful that you had had that time with Chris yesterday, and that you and Simon were with her at the end of. Much love and prayers from Peter and I. May God’s love and peace surround you.

Gayle said...

Sending you all our love Michael xxx

Anonymous said...

Thinking of you and the family Michael and also thanking God for Carol's life. Much love John and Florence

Anonymous said...

Thank you for all your posts and your honesty. What a joy to know Carol will be with our Lord Jesus. How beautiful that you could be with her as she passed into eternal life. Sending you so much love and comfort Michael and family
Love Bonny and Nick Rogers

Debs and Craig said...

Michael sending you and all your family much love at this sad time x

Anonymous said...

Dear Michael, we are holding you, and Robert and a Simon in our prayers at this moment of exhaustion and grief. Carol was such a blessing, full of enthusiasm, kindness and love.

Heather and Iain said...

We want to send you much love, Michael - we are thinking of you and the family and remembering Carol as the funny, creative lady who always filled the walls of mum’s classroom with wonderful artwork when supplying for her xxx

Anonymous said...

So so sorry to hear this news Michael. I have such wonderful memories of Carol. She supported the whole Spurgeon’s community with such humility and grace and was always so positive. Nothing was too much trouble for her. Her laughter was infectious and I can see that lovely smile right now.
Sending you and the family much love. You are in my prayers. Judy Smith-Blow (Powles as was)

Anonymous said...

In our thoughts and prayers Michael and family. May you know the peace that passeth all understanding. Much love in Jesus.
The eternal God is our refuge and underneath are the everlasting arms. Love David Jock and Liz Christison

Anonymous said...

Dear Michael. We are so sad and sorry to hear of Carol’s passing. She was always a great encouragement to us and the family. May our Lord give you His peace and grace and our love is with you and the family. Jan and Lloyd

Tom Schwanda said...

Michael, our hearts are heavy and grieve with you and your family on the homegoing of dear Carol. We have many fond memories of her on both sides of the pond. I am grateful that she is healed and fully alive in Christ. May you, Simon, and Rob and your families all know the resurrection peace and comfort of Christ.

Anonymous said...

Dear Michael, as you have blessed and comforted so may people may you find the Lords peace and comfort at this time.

Anonymous said...

As the trading shoes went down n this morning for a 32 km run, you and Carol came to mind. The part of the bible which says about running the race set before us. Carol has run the race and has got that promised prize. The difficult part for you is to put on a new pair of trainers, carry on and finish your race. You are in our thoughts and prayers at this time.

Sam and Darren White said...

Michael we are so saddened to hear this news. Carol was a truly lovely and spiritual lady who will be greatly missed by all at HBC. She always took time to spend with our children as well as ourselves. We will be praying that you and your family know God’s peace and comfort at this time. Good bless you

Anonymous said...

So sorry to hear this news, Michael. I am sad for you and your sons, and we will miss Carol at church.
.But praising God that you could be there, praying for Carol, as she went to her heavenly father. She must have felt so loved by her family, friends and all who took care of her.
Caroline M