~Memorials~
 By: M.T.Rivers |
In Memory of...
:PAIVIO, Leila Sinikka (nee Makinen). Passed away suddenly on March 12, 2006 at hospital, in her 74th year. Beloved wife of Arvo Paivio for 55 years and mother of Harri, Lennart and Marita. My condolences go out to the family at Leila's passing, the Grandmother of one of my nephews: Uri Arvo Leo Paivio, now a father of three beautiful children of his own. My heart and love is with the Arvo, but especially with Harri, Lennart and Marita and their families/children.
Rauha, rakastaa, ikuisesti!
 Hilkka Marjatta Speck nee:Palomaki |
:b. November 23, 1958 Kuortane, Finland then lived in Alavus for a time, d. Sunday March 13, 2005 Peterborough, Ontario.
A loving wife, mother, sister, grand-mother, friend and dear cousin who saw the humor and positive aspects of situations...even in her very last challenge. She was strong, brave, unconditional and comforting among so many other things. We will all miss her more than we can say. Kisses, Hilkka...love you. :) You brought out the best in me. Rauha, rakastaa, ikuisesti!
 Mom & Dad (Nana & Poppa) |
Leo Tuomisto: b. July 14, 1931 "Cabbagetown",Scarborough, Ontario. d. Friday May 08, 1998.
I think one of the biggest (and most difficult) question we ask ourselves is: "What happens when I die?" We wonder if "this is it" or there really is a place more wonderful than we can imagine.
 Grandpa |
I happen to believe that death is simply a transition that we encounter, that leads us to a new journey...a journey of understanding, unconditional love and further growth of spirit...BUT, for humans it is the most painful thing to encounter. We don't think about the spirit who is moving on to a place where it can grow, help us and use it's energy to the fullest, most positive extent...we are only left with sorrow and pain at the loss of human contact we once had with them and will never have again in this life time.
 Uncle Ray |
It is us, who suffer. We are the ones left with an empty place in our hearts and our lives.
The most important lesson I have learned from the death of my mother (and those that followed) was: there are no rules...nothing someone can say to comfort you..no "do overs". Honor those you love when they are here, tell them you love them, and when they are ill or pass...cry, grieve, talk to them and take the time you need..we're all different. When it gets too tough, search for grief councilling to help you cope instead of letting well-meaning people tell you how you are supposed to deal with it.
 Darlene (sister) |
Finally, if your loved one is suffering a slow illness..trust the relationship you both have and base what you do on how they feel. Talk to them about it! Don't pretend there isn't impending death between you! Don't chat about trivial things or leave the room to cry. Cry with them...listen to their fears or wishes or complaints of pain...let them tell you how they feel and tell them how YOU feel.
 Grandma |
My biggest regret is having listened to the restrictions my oldest sister put on me when mom was ill. She didn't have the slightest idea about what to do and did not support the family when it was most important. I will never allow anyone to guide me when someone I love is passing...I will let my spirit do that.
Others we have Lost:
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Clara Coomer (nee: Steele), Maternal Grandmother. b. August 28, 1901 York County, Ontario, d. December 18, 1955 Ontario Hospital Woodstock. Dorman "Austin" Coomer Maternal Grandfather b. February 24, 1902 Scott Twp., Ontario. d. January 1, 1978 Toronto, Ontario. Phyllis Tilley (nee: Irwin) Maternal Cousin b. 1921 York County, Ontario. d. February, 2003 Scarborough, Ontario. In Finnish, "Tati" (pronounced: Da-tee) means "aunt", Seta means "uncle". Muntaa Tati b. Finland d. 1974 Toronto, Ontario. Salli Marjatta Palomaki (nee: Mursula) b. May 27, 1936 Alavus, Finland d. November 29, 1984, Toronto, Ontario. Kuplas Tati b. Finland d. Toronto, Ontario. Juhani Kalervo Palomaki b. June 05, 1932 Kuortane, Finland d. January 05, 1993, Peterborough, Ontario. Eero Seta (Eero Johannes Tuomisto) b. February 18, 1941 Alavus, Finland d. January 4, 1995 Toronto, Ontario. Gregory James Bacon (a good man and friend from Jr. High/Highschool days) b. 1961(?) d. September 06, 2004 Bracebridge, Ontario ...sadly missed by family, friends and always remembered, especially, by Marie-Lynne. |
Animals are wonderful examples of unconditional love and loyalty. Most Totems come in animal form and each means something special to everyone. Here are some of the lovely souls we share our home and hearts with and their own nicknames!! We will always remember and love Kato...our special boy.
 Kato-Bob 1982-July 14th, 1999 |
"Rob-Bob" was very special in his own way, especially to me. He was two years old when I met him and was a typical anti-social "Just feed me and leave me alone" (our cramudgen) type cat who I took a particular shine to. For months and months I worked with him daily, picking him up and talking to him, stroking him and loving him and teaching him to trust. He slowly came around and began to love the attention just like our other "boys" and soon became my protector.
One day while I was home alone and working on the computer, Rob-Bob sat watching me and offering a kiss or two when someone knocked on the door. Just like a dog would do, Rob-Bob growled angrily and ran to the door! I'd never seen a cat do that before and was amazed at his instinct towards me.
We learned much later, that the man who'd originally owned him, abused him while my better half was not around. Rob-Bob went from being angry and untrusting to one of our suckiest cats!! We all miss him terribly, but have been amazed at how often he and Kato have come around to visit us in order to bring special messages.
 Rob-Bob 1988-July 1st, 2001 |
The "social butterfly" of the gang left us this weekend, craddled in loving arms. Bobber was the most affectionate of our "boys" and could be heard purring as soon as a human was close to him! He thrived on human touch and was happiest when cuddling on someone's knee (or shoulder) and often lulled me to sleep while purring loudly in my ear. We will miss him more than words can say. Another of our angels to watch over us.
 Bobber born: 1985-Sept. 8, 2001 |
We all have to make decisions...many that are difficult and leave us wondering if we made the right one. February 18, 2003 was that day for me, when I had to make a choice regarding Hawkeye's quality of life.
He was diagnosed with epilepsy when he was two years old, and although we followed a regiment of meds., his seizures became more frequent and multiples (cluster seizures). Early Monday February 17 morning, Hawkeye went through a series of 6 seizures, falling down the stairs during the last one, and I had to make a painful decision.
He was my "baby", my companion and protector of all the other boys. He was especially close to "Mar-Roon" who misses him deeply and continues running to the door to see if his pal is being brought back home.
I chose Hawkeye and named him specially. He loved to cuddle and romp,lay in the snow and sit on my knee (he believed himself to be a cat like his brothers, even tho he was 120lbs.!!) and I know his brothers past, helped him to cross over and are playing and watching us everyday. He will never be forgotten, by his humans, his old brothers and his new ones. We love you Hawkeye.
 Pup:1998 |
 Hawkeye May 15,1998-Feb.18, 2003 |
Buddy was the last of two kittens we checked out one summer weekend while relaxing with friends at their cottage. He was the most rambunctious, comical one, that my better-half chose him right away! He was a tiny ball of thick, white fur...so small, he barely fit into my man's hand, and spent the rest of the weekend camping out with us in our truck. When he was introduced to the rest of the family, he wasn't aware of his size, taking a brave stand against the three larger, cats who stood looking at him in wonder at his boldness. They quickly decided that he was of satisfactory material, and could stay!
Buddy grew into a large, eccentric cat, who enjoyed kneading your neck while he covered you in kisses, chirrped and purred and enjoyed being brushed while sitting on the deck with "dad". Buddy loved his family and made himself available when he knew someone needed it the most.
With great sadness, love and compassion, we sent him on his next journey on Friday May 16th, when we found he had lung cancer. With each passing of our "boys" we realize just how many places there are in our hearts. We love and miss you Buddy.
 "Buddy-Bob" May 20, 1991-May 16, 2003 |
We brought Croaker home first but quickly went back for his brother and thought that they would bond and spend a long happy life with us. Unfortunately Croaker possessed more "tude" than any of us could handle, and once again a difficult decision had to be made. At the risk of hurting a family member...or worse, a small child...we craddled him in our hearts as we said good-bye to him on Sat.
This little guy was all piss and vinegar, legs and sloppy tongue and although play-fighting with his brother was enjoyed, we will always remember his beautiful, beagle-howl of a singing voice whenever a guitar solo or voice that appealed to him, came on the radio. He especially like Clapton and Collin James :) but just about any song could get him to perform. We loved you best we could, little guy, your brother misses you terribly but Hawkeye will take good care of you. Forever.
 Croaker May 14,2003-Mar. 05, 2005 |
I have been asking questions since about the age of four, trusting my instincts, knowing more than my brief years should have allowed and often times, feeling 'out of place'. Trust a childs' instincts, they have just barely returned from the spiritual realm (ethereal) and still have much of the knowledge they gleaned while on their incredible journey. Ask them questions and they will tell you the truth. Example: A friend of mine asked her two children a simple question: Did you pick us to be your Mommy and Daddy? Her son was upstairs in another part of the house, her daughter was downstairs in the kitchen. These were their answers:
"Well, i picked Daddy."
"Oh,you did? And how did you do that?" asked her mom.
"Well when he was a kid I saw him walking down the street with his mom and dad.....so I picked him."
Curious, my friend went upstairs to ask her son the same question.
"I picked you." He said.
His mother smiled and said "You did?"
"Yeah" answered her son, "I was above a big crowd of people and I waited for the first person to put up their hand....and it was YOU!"
Her children were 4 and 5 years old, respectively, and gave their answers nonchalantly.....as if it had been a very silly question for their mother to ask.
 "Mar-Roon" (Hawks' buddy) born Mar.1998 |
 "Kool-Kat" born:July 13,2002 |
 "Lil'Monster" Born:July 10, 2002 |
Two more complete the family!
 Little bro.s Born:May 14,2003 |
 "Smarty Pants" |
 Are you being served? Born:May 14, 2003 |