Frugal Living and Life Itself
In memory of 'Jayjay14', who sadly passed away on 3rd July 2013.
These past couple of days have been rather strange, what with all the reflection and consideration being given to future plans and security during retirement. All the 'what ifs?' These thoughts are never far from the back of my mind but have been thrust to the fore, once more, by the sudden death of a very popular member of our Frugaldom Forums. The sudden loss of one of our friends, after such a short illness, has deeply affected many of us, so this blog post is in memory of 'Jayjay'.
On 2nd May 2013, to the shock and dismay of us all, Jayjay announced the dreaded news that she had been diagnosed with a brain tumour. As Jayjay herself put it, "it's all a bummer". And so things took their natural course and we all too soon lost a very dear friend, just like that!
Frugaldom is about making life comfortable, enjoyable, affordable and debt free. We have been chattering away, setting challenges, comparing notes and sharing tales of our lives on a daily basis for over 10 years, eventually setting up dedicated 'Frugaldom' forums in June 2008. Jayjay joined our merry bandwagon in February 2010, so we have all shared a great deal during our frugal travels, highs, lows and everything in between.
We are about cutting costs, killing debt, saving for the future, making the most of everything and hoping to have the health and well being to enjoy all the fruits of our labours... so when someone is suddenly snatched from our midst, it leaves us all at a loss. Several have asked the question, 'what is the point'? Well, the point is this... life carries on regardless and the memories of our dearly departed friends are carried with us so that we may learn to appreciate things that we might otherwise have overlooked. Life itself, for example, and all the little things that we witness, random acts of kindness, sharing, giving... and then we instantly forget.
Spending money is something that us frugalers are seen to hate doing and, for many, participating in an act of impulsive spending is a bit like spotting hens' teeth! We save, we budget, we try to spend wisely and we make purchases when we are ready and able to do so without incurring debt. But we also need to enjoy life and love what we are doing RIGHT NOW, even if some of us are still struggling to pay off debts and mortgages or live within our own means. Investing in the future needn't just be about pension plans and retiring to the country because the future is tomorrow and, until then, all we have is today. The future comprises a whole load of memories that we are collecting each and every day of our lives, treat every today as the present and every tomorrow as the future.
Speak to your nearest and dearest, don't feel compelled to act your age if you don't want to and don't feel pushed into complying with consumerist society or those who think they know best what's good for you. Set a good example, be prepared and never put off until tomorrow what can be done today. Treat others as you would like to be treated and develop a self-reliance that rewards you with the self-confidence to 'go for it', whatever 'it' may be... and if that means locking away funds for your own funeral, writing a Will when you're young, paying off your mortgage early or spending £5,000 of your savings on a cruise, then so be it. Never forget that life is for the living and that fun can be had by all, regardless of how little cash you have, how bleak life may seem or how down you may feel. Nature has a way of providing, even if it's just a glimmer of sunshine on a rainy day.
After much thought and consideration, I spent cash today on something that will hopefully bring great enjoyment and further my quest for a better life of self-sustainability. I know that by making this purchase this week, the item will remind me each day of Jayjay, by way of the fact that I learned something worthwhile from our virtual friendship.
Rest in Peace, Jayjay. You are in our hearts and minds and your memory will be carried with us forever.
In lieu of flowers, the family has requested donations be sent to Manorlands Hospice/Sue Ryder.
In lieu of flowers, the family has requested donations be sent to Manorlands Hospice/Sue Ryder.
Lovely tribute to Jayjay xxx
ReplyDeleteI hope it adequately reflects what most of us have been feeling/thinking over the past few of days.
DeleteSo sorry to read this, I popped in and out of the forums now and then (as "sevenswans") but lately more out than in. I remember jayjay though.
ReplyDeleteThis post was a wonderful tribute and really got me thinking about the importance of balancing preparing for the future with enjoying the right now.
And it compliments very well your series about retirement... :) xxx
I think it has us all thinking about things, none less than how important even virtual kindred spirits become to us all who follow a similar path through life.
DeleteLovely tribute to Jayjay, she will be sorely missed on the forum.
ReplyDeleteMercifully her illness was short and swift and for that we must all be thankful. Not easy for her family and friends and difficult to cope with. Jayjay was able to be with her family at home until the last few days when the hospice took over care of her and her family. The care that hospices give is second to none both during the event and afterwards. They are often run by charitable groups and need donations to keep up the wonderful work they do. I for one will be sending a donation to both the charities in memory of a lovely lady, and to enable them to carry on the wonderful work they do helping patients and their families in the last days before they pass on.
Despite the suddenness, it is certainly a blessing that Jayjay was able to have those last days fully supported by both loved ones and the Sue Ryder charity & hospice. It was also them who arranged the home visit with the dog, which I am sure she would have loved, having only recently had to have her own dog put to sleep. It's a strange old world we live in, that's for sure, but I will continue to support Sue Ryder. Let's face it, for many of us on the Frugaldom path, it's another name for what's in our designer wardrobes. :)
DeleteBeautiful post Nyk. She will be very missed.
ReplyDeleteArilx
what a thoughtful and lovely post in honour of JayJay, may she rest in peace.
ReplyDeleteGill in Canada
A beautiful post NYC . Jay jay always came across as such a lovely lady, she will be sadly missed, my thoughts are with her family at this sad time. Rest in peace JayJay xxx
ReplyDeleteBeautiful Trip to Jayjay and what we all are feeling in our hearts,she will be greatly missed!
ReplyDelete