Nelson transitioned on April 20, 2011 with The Style Crone and Camille at his side, loving him and touching him as he drew his last breath. His dazzling smile and inspirational spirit live on in the air that we breathe.
Now cracks a noble heart
Good night, sweet prince
And flights of angels
Sing thee to thy rest
-Shakespeare
Dear Judith
Thank you so much for sharing yours and Nelson’s story. Many others will be inspired by the love and support you have shown. I send you Reiki healing and wish that beautiful memories will ease yours and Camille’s pain.
Gina
So sorry for your loss… I have been reading your lovely blog for quite a time now, and always felt deeply touched and inspired by what you shared with us. May you find courage, solace, and peace in the memories of your love.
What a beautiful eulogy and so appropriate. When you think of Nelson’s life, remember it being so full of love and joy and fulfilment. The manner of his passing was as loving and beautiful as anyone could hope for. He slipped quietly away like the baby Moses in a reed basket, floating off down the river to whatever awaits him.
For you and Camille, you have done all that could humanly be done. Take comfort in the fact that love never dies, and that there will never be a day when Nelson isn’t with you in your thoughts.
I am so profoundly sorry for your loss, which you have borne so bravely.
Much love from England to you both,
Rose
Oh Judith I’m so sorry. Such a lovely man and such a wonderful couple and family. Please let me know if there’s anything I can do for you anytime anywhere 🙂
Kelley Zinge
A beautiful photo and a beautiful quote to celebrate an amazing man. My thoughts are with you and I cry with you during this painful time. Much love, Tess
I’m so very sorry for your loss.
I have not read your blog in several days thinking that your sad news was coming. My sincere sympathies to you on the loss of your sweet Nelson. May he rest in peace and may you find solace in the memory of the love you two shared.
Barbara
My friend Judith,
I am so sorry to hear about your loss. I was always inspired by the love that you and Nelson shared. It gave me hope that someday I might find something as special. I know how much you adored each other, and you two were truly a model of what a relationship should be. I know your love for each other is eternal and will live on long past this lifetime. My thoughts and prayers go out to you and your family. Though I am across the country, know that I am here for you whenever you need me. Just a call away.
Love,
Juan Martinez
Beautiful photo of a celebration of life. My heart goes out to you–you are in my thoughts. So sorry, Paula
Dearest Judith,
I’ve been out of reach as of late and gasped when I read about the loss of Nelson. You truly were his queen–loyal, devoted with such love and honoring. Courage and peace to you and Camille.
Blessings
I keep returning to gaze at Nelson, this man I never knew but who has taken up residence in my heart through your exquisite words, Judith. My eyes fill with tears of love each time I look at your photo of him. And photos of you, taken by him, on days so recent. You were the sweetest gift to each other for many years. Again, my deepest gratitude for sharing your story and your wisdom with us. And again, my deepest hopes of comfort for you and Camille.
I am so sorry. Thank you for sharing him with us…
I’m so sorry to learn of your loss. Please take some comfort from the outpouring of love and support you find here. Peace to you and Camille.
Words fail. Let all these hearts you have touched now comfort you.
Margaret
I’m so sorry for your loss, Judith. My thoughts are with you and Camille. Nelson couldn’t have been more loved, such a handsome chap. xxx
Judith, My heart goes out to you and Camille. Thank you for sharing your beautiful love story and the radiant photo of Nelson. I am so sorry for your loss. Please take care. Trish
What a lovely tribute and photo to honor your beloved Nelson. My sincere condolences to you and Camille. His bright smile will forever shine on you.
Judith and Camille, hold your sweet memories close, they will sustain you and see you through.
Judith,
I found your blog about a couple of months ago through Advanced Style. As I began reading the words written under the whimsical photos I was mesmerized by the sincerity, optimism and realism that shone through your posts and your journey.
I am exposed to the world of palliative care at work (and briefly encountered it in my personal life). Nelson’s couldn’t have been more lucky than he was, having such a loving, caring person as yourself to spend his time with.
I am truly sorry for your loss. Take care.
Hi Judith. I’ve been silently reading your blog now and then for a month or two, I forget how I found it first. I just want to say your story touched me so much, and you are an amazing person for being the lovely caregiver you were. Nelson sounded like an amazing person, and that smile shows so much heart. My condolences to you and your family.
I have come to see you and Nelson as friends. I had prayed things would turn out differently. Blessings on you and Camille as you continue.
Oh, Judith, I am so very sorry. I have been away and just read the news this minute, but I had wondered since your blog was quiet. My heart cries for your loss. May your memories sustain you, and may you know that Nelson’s love for you and your love for him has touched my soul. Please know that my thoughts are with you and Camille each and every day.
Judith,
Clearly, you gave this lovely man a wonderful life, same as he gave to you. You are in my thoughts.
-Suzanne
Judith,
I hope these difficult days will be gentle and kind to you & Camille, you have all been been through so much…
Our thoughts are with you.
Jill, Siena & Jaidee Easley
I have come to your blog through another blogger friend – Couture Allure Vintage. I am very sorry to hear of your loss, even if we have never met and I had never really paid any proper visit to your blog before. It amazes me that you find the strength to post at all. My condolences….
I’m not sure where or how many months ago I found Style Crone but l soon learned of your special family and the intirguing blog that accompanied you through what must have been a very special and sometimes difficult time.
I take my hat off to you for emphasizing how important a loving and supportive relationship is. Your great example has helped me to continue to value the special man I have too. Thank you for this.
You and Nelson must have inspired untold individuals, togethr and singly, each in your own way. That is a wonderful legacy that you will no doubt be thanked for again and again. Camile must be very proud of you both.
I wish you much comfort and love amd raise a glass in celebration of you all.
Suella
Thinking of you and Camille during this time. I am so sorry Nelson has passed over, for the pain and inconsolable yearning you will be feeling, but glad you were all together when the time came. You are bereft of Nelson in body, but no doubt together with him in heart. Judith and Nelson forever -your love eternal.
Sending you the hope that you can bear these days and that your closeness before physically parting will hold you in good stead in the time to come xxxx
Judith, I’m crying as I read the last weeks’ posts. Your sweet prince smiles so beautifully in this photo, arms open to welcome you and embrace you. Yours was and is a Great Love. You take his gifts with you on your path.
I do know how this loss feels and I know that nothing I say can be truly comforting. After my love Robert died, I found it helpful to keep two separate journals — one for writing memories of him, the other for writing about my grief, my current feelings and experiences. Keeping two separate journals let me keep his memories “pure” and let me express the grief in another safe place.
Love to you,
Joan
Oh, Judith, I am so sorry to hear of your terrible loss. Your love for Nelson shone through every word.
Thinking of you. *hug*
Sheila
Judith, the love that you and Nelson shared was not only rare, but inspirational. Nelson was the embodiment of a true gentleman in every way and I’ve no doubt that his sweet spirit will help you through these difficult days. My heart goes out to both you and Camille. With love, Patti
Judith, I don’t know you and I don’t know Nelson, but through reading your blog, the love you both felt for each other really came through. My thoughts & prayers are with you & Camille.
Judith, As your heart adjusts to a new rhythm, please know You have always been one of my female heroines. Living a life of grace, beauty & authenticity as you walk this new path. Love, love. Carol
Judith~ my eyes filled with tears and my heart broke for you hearing that your Nelson has passed on…Thank you for sharing such a great picture of Nelson above. He looks like such a cool dude!
<3 Brandee
I am grateful to have known Nelson, what a lovely person.
Judith, please let me know if there is anything I can do, I adore you. Steve