Saturday, January 22

A parents worst nightmare

 

Our beautiful and much loved youngest daughter died today aged only 42. 

She suffered an unexpected severe seizure on Monday and subsequent cardiac arrest where her heart was only revived after 50 minutes by a team of 11 paramedics. This resulted in trauma to her brain which meant she never regained consciousness. The past year was possibly the happiest in her life and from our perspective as parents we shared many conversations about life and enjoyed her company. That relationship was more like that of a good friend than as a daughter. Her two older sisters were highly supportive of her and are of course grieving her death.  

After school she obtained a public relations degree but her real interest was in the environment which prompted her to join a privately funded bush protection organization that facilitates setting aside land as a trust for nature in perpetuity.   

She left to pursue a career in music after completing a diploma in music. During this time she performed many gigs and received awards.    

The staff at the hospital were exceptional in their approach and dedication attempting to save her life.  Rachael was inspirational to many groups and lived a simple environmentally friendly life and lifestyle.  We cannot choose when we depart from this world but that doesn't mean we are going to be very happy about it.  

During the past year she became very interested in Christ’s teaching and joined a prayer forum. Lots of questions about the ancient texts but a deepening in her own spirituality. Immediately prior to the incident she lived a healthy lifestyle and was very positive about life in general.  



10 comments:

Deanna said...

Such terribly sad news. My heart goes out to you and your family.

Vanessa said...

Heartbreaking - I love you dad ❤️

john's justice said...

Shocking news>she was so interested in all that makes life meaningful.
Ou deepest sympathy goes out to you, Lindsay, and to Anne

John and agnes stuyfbergen

Tom said...

Dear Lindsay and family,

Your terrible news leaves me speechless with sadness. It feels ..... unbelievable.

Colleen said...

I am very sorry to hear this news and my sympathy to you and your family. - Colleen Kingston nee Byrnes

Trevor said...

I remember well Lindsay the many times, after a round of golf, we would sit and talk about our families. I feel like I knew Rachael quite well from those discussions, even though we only met a few times. Above all I remember your pride in her intelligence, her talents and her efforts to make sense of the world and her place in it. This is such a blow, and Rita and I have been feeling very sad, knowing what this must be like for you, Anne, Vanesssa, Nicla and their families. Our deepest condolences to you all.
Trevor and Rita

Lindsay Byrnes said...

Many thanks for your words of comfort which are greatly appreciated. The Coroner his going to conduct an autopsy so the funeral will be delayed and the most likely date is in two weeks time. As a registered donor her vital organs now give new sight and life.

Lindsay Byrnes said...

Rachael’s funeral is now scheduled for Tuesday 8th Feb at 11am at OLHC in Henry St Eltham. Vic
Check for the official confirmation and link to live streaming which will be posted to https://naturalgrace.com.au/ in due course.
The live-streaming can be watched from anywhere and will remain online to allow for time differences. Please join us if you can.

susan said...

Oh, Lindsay, I'm so very sorry to have read about your loss.
Please accept my deep condolences.

Lindsay Byrnes said...

Thanks Susan
We did have a beautiful service in her honour which you can still watch via live streaming at naturalgrace.com.au by scrolling down the website for search for funerals and down to Rachael Byrnes to tap on the link. Best wishes