For those who could not be with us at the funeral, Chris and I shared this...
Our Dad (Ron Hunt) was the second son to Alf and Vicki Hunt, born on 31 December 1922 at home in Auburn, Sydney. It was New Year’s eve and right on midnight. It was so close to midnight that the midwife and the Doctor argued about whether it was December 31st or Jan 1st. Apparently his Mum remembers hearing the tail end of the church bells ringing and the tooting of car horns as she came out of the gas.
Dad was raised in and around the Eastern Suburbs of Sydney. He had a brother Jack, almost 2 years older and then a younger sister, Wilma who is 11 years his junior. He loved the beach. He spent lots of time swimming, body surfing, fishing and hanging out at the various Sydney beaches. He and his brother Jack later became life savers at Maroubra Beach.
When Dad was just a young boy, his father would take him to the Lodge to entertain the patrons with his singing, tap-dancing and poetry recitals. He was trained to be a performer, and would ever after be ready to tell a joke and even recently was able to recite whole poems off the top of his head.
Dad was a bit of an entrepreneur as a teenager. He sometimes skipped school so that he could earn money "caddying" for the pro-golfers at New South Wales golf club or "mucking out" at the local stables. Another inventive, but naughty way he made money, was when he pinched some flowers out of his mother’s garden and talked one of his mates into selling them back to her. The family had to be careful with money during the depression and often Dad was sent on the train (because his fare was cheaper than an adult’s) to collect the cooking rabbits sent in from the country grandparents.
From what Dad told us he was a bit of a larrakin who got into lots of mischief. Once he tied his girlfriend’s long plaited hair to a telephone pole so she would be there when he came back from lunch. He rode his baby sister’s pram down the steep streets and across tramlines, and he jumped off the rocks into the ocean and let the waves wash him back onto the rocks again.
When WW2 broke out, Dad put up his age to join the army along with his father and brother, Jack. He spent about 6 years in the army and was based in NSW, QLD and Victoria. He was trained as a gunner and a signaller. During this time he was bitten by a red back spider which paralyzed him from the waist down for a week. He was also injured in a truck accident and hospitalised with the mumps. In addition, his hearing was permanently damaged from the loud artillery noises.
After the war, Dad returned to Tallong where his mother was running a guest house and small orchard. When the guest house burnt down he moved to Goulburn to live. At the age of 23 he joined the Post Master General. He subsequently worked for the PMG in Coffs Harbour, Sydney and later returned to Goulburn.
Dad met Mum in Goulburn in 1948 through mutual friends. Mum already had a long term boyfriend but Dad was not daunted. He was one of those cheeky determined guys who didn’t give up. Dad and Mum enjoyed playing tennis, ballroom dancing and going to the pictures, sometimes with Dad’s younger sister Wilma in tow. They were finally married in Goulburn at St Saviour’s Cathedral in August 1954. (They celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary a couple of years ago, 1994).
Their first child, Chris, was born 5 years later. They then had to wait for another 5 years for their second child, Beth. Two girls for the kindest and most loving parents in the world. Dad used to make up stories and tell them to us, and pray with us at bedtime. We went on wonderful family holidays and had many adventures on farms, beaches, sapphiring and chasing opals. But when we saw roadside thickets and called out the word "blackberries!" Dad would put his foot on the accelerator and pretend he did not hear.
Dad worked as a teacher at the PMG training school in Goulburn, until 1970, when he was transferred with PMG/Telecom (which later became Telstra). The family moved with him to Canberra where he worked as a linesman and then a technical officer until his retirement in 1987. He always knew where the new suburbs would be built years beforehand as they were responsible for planning the new telephone cables.
The move away from Goulburn to Canberra was a traumatic one. All the family and friends we missed, but eventually we settled in and developed new friendships. In those early days many young families were new to the area and they became involved in church fellowships and small groups that continue today.
Dad took us back to Goulburn for regular "This is Life" rallies and we went to the Billy Graham crusades when he came out. Some of his favorite music comes from these times. Dad believed in Jesus as his saviour and had a strong Christian faith and commitment.
Life has been centered around our home in Scullin since 1971. Chris graduated school and began work in 1978. Dad and Mum took us on a trip to Indonesia and Singapore and Dad kept us very close the whole time, worried that one of his girls would get taken. You get to know each other in a whole new way when you are on a trip together. Dad was always there to take care of us.
He took us everywhere (swimming, horses, and gymnastics) and was always early and waiting to pick us up, any time of the day or night. As far as boys went, he would meet the new guy and casually saunter out with his baseball bat (or air rifle if he really disapproved) and lay the law down.
Beth left for a year in Japan after graduating in 1982. Chris claimed she’d never do such an awful thing to Mum and Dad, but within months, she too, was living overseas in South Africa. It was not until Dad retired and they left on their own big trip around Europe in 1987 that we had any real idea how hard it would have been for them to let us go.
Dad worked hard and carefully to provide for the family, but never at the expense of spending time with us. With Mum, he saved for their future financial security and also made sure we girls had what we needed. After he retired, they took themselves on various journeys around Australia and overseas.
Dad was a media junkie. He used to listen to the radio and play his reel to reel tapes and records. He loved TV and has a monumental collection of videotaped shows, as well as 1000s of cassette tapes. The frustrating thing is that we were unable to find his favorite song amongst his own collection.
Beth and Tom were married in 1989, so he finally got a son (in law) and they became great mates. When the first grandchild Steven was born Dad was there. He was almost 70 when he became a ‘Pop.’
Chris and Mark married in 1994. Dad finally gave up smoking after the stress of that event was over. They would often go to the coast with Dad and Mum and many a fish lost its life on their hooks.
3 more grandchildren were born: Leah in 1996 and Ruben in 2000. Chris and Mark’s tiny premature daughter Michelle also arrived in early 2000. They have been growing up with Pop and Nana around the corner and very strong influences in their lives.
Recent years, Dad has been a member of the Lawn Bowls club here in Hawker. He enjoyed the competition, friendship and food. It did not seem to matter how tired or miserable he felt most days, we noticed on bowls day he was chipper and ready to roll. Any bowls day was a good day.
Last year, family friend Helen recorded a series of interviews with Dad and wrote it up into a book called ‘Thereby hangs a tale’ that we have had printed. For that we are very grateful. He told a lot of stories, mostly about his younger days but we are so glad to have a written record.
In December last year Dad’s cancer was diagnosed, but he was well and active for the next few months. Trips to the coast, bowling, gardening, family gatherings and so on.
6 weeks ago Dad showed signs of being unwell and he deteriorated steadily, but all along he was able to keep track of where, when and what was happening. He ate well and slept long hours. Dad’s biggest concern was regarding Mum. He must have been more on the ball than us. Mum was hospitalised a couple of weeks ago and was diagnosed with cancer affecting both lungs. Dad was devastated, all of us were. We plead for prayer to ease this terrible blow.
2 days later, at 6am in pitch dark, I came in to find him bright and glowing, sitting there next to the bed with his dressing gown and wool boots on! He said he thought it was the middle of the day because it had been so light in there. He asked about Mum then he reassured himself, "You told me, didn’t you?" He was very accepting, happy and content. He started almost singing to the Lord, "Love you, bless you, praise you" over and over. Something really changed.
I read the daily bible verses in wonder the next day.
Isaiah 60:1 Arise, Shine, for your light has come, and the glory of the Lord rises upon you.
Proverbs 4:18 The path of the righteous is like the first gleam of dawn, shining ever brighter till the full light of day.
His favorite hymn had been "Heaven came down and glory filled my soul" and that’s exactly what happened.
Later that day Mum was released from hospital, and we had one more week together. Dad seemed so happy and never stopped praising and blessing God, saying he loved us and blowing kisses or winking. He slept almost constantly. Tom and Steve shaved off their hair because Dad was losing his from the radiotherapy. He simply glanced up at the baldy boys and said, "Looks good"
Last Friday night, Chris, Mum and I were there, when so suddenly, his breathing changed and he took a few quiet breaths. Our husbands and children were all with him at home when he died, so peacefully.
Many people have complimented the care we have given Dad and Mum, especially in recent weeks, but all I can say is we are the family that our dear parents produced, and who we are is because of them. It has been a team effort and we have been magnificently supported by many family and friends. Without help, we could not have been successful in keeping Dad at home, and we have definitely had joy and gained so much because of it.
Mum wanted to say how blessed she has been to have Ron as her husband. He expressed a love that she had never experienced and it was sustained throughout their lives together, and built a foundation for the family.
She is full of gratitude and thanks for all the loving support we have received, which has carried us through these difficult weeks.
Ron and Joan
Saturday, June 16, 2007
Tom's Tribute
Ron Hunt to me was a welcoming, caring/sharing gentleman – Please let me take some of your time, as I would like to explain.
I remember my first time being greeted at the front door of his home in Chewings St. It was with an extended arm, a firm hand shake & a glint in his eye, as he said, "welcome sport". I recall thinking back then that there was more to this man, & sure enough there was. Sometime during the course of that first impression a baseball bat was introduced to me via a good few slaps into that same extended hand I shook earlier on. I look back now and smile at that memory seeing that it was his subtle, yet gentle way of telling me that he wanted his daughter Beth, looked after, home at a reasonable time and brought back the way she had left. It struck me that this man truly loved his daughter.
From that first intrepid meeting, I was welcomed back by Ron, Joan & his family many a time. Over the next few years I got to see what it was truly like to live in a home that was closely knit, surrounded by love and upheld a Christian faith, albeit slightly foreign to me, I was somehow drawn to it.
Often I would find myself sharing weekends down at the South Coast at Pretty Beach with the Hunt family – We would often play cards til the wee small hours, go for a swim or just laze around. But! the best for Mark & I would be to wander down with Ron to the ledge and wet a line. Of course it was a bonus to catch a fish, however, the real joy was just hanging out, swapping stories and just getting to know one another. It was during this time that when he would welcome me into his home with that extended arm and firm shake, I would call him "Boss" – he really seemed to like that tag. He would refer to me as Tom Tom.
Sometime back then when I thought that Beth could be the girl for me, I swiped that baseball bat, thinking I could get back at the boss one day. Around five years later I did, I gave it back to him on our wedding day, saying you won’t need this for me any more.
One of my proudest memories of the boss was when he was present at the birth of our first child Steve - welcoming him into the world. This act was a loving gesture, as he was not allowed to be present at the birth of his two daughters. We all cried for joy as Steve took his first breath. Although not present at the births of our other two children Leah & Ruben, The Boss was there in spirit, patiently waiting outside for any news. As our family grew, almost every time we would visit the Chewings St home, the kids would race to the front door to ring the bell just to hear him say out loud "whose dinging my donga?" – the kids and us would all laugh. It was a great lark. He would welcome us all in, sometime when, I don’t really recall I started referring to him as Poppy, it just seemed fitting.
I’ve spent a lot of time with Poppy over the years. Whether it be mowing the lawns, taking the rubbish out to the tip, pruning the fruit trees or picking the mulberries. I learnt a few important lessons from him, one was - you never rush into anything – he was a great procrastinator, not in a negative way, more a thoughtful way. He taught me, that there was a lot to perspective. Secondly – he taught me about forgiveness, on more than one occasion on our sojourns out to the tip or wherever it might have been, somehow or another, Poppy managed to or I managed to get him injured. He never tore strips off me or called me a bad name. He just forgave me, no matter how much it may of hurt him. He was like that. The girls almost got to the stage of banning us going out together for fear of only on of us coming back intact.
It was about 10 years ago I lost my father. I was never really close to him. I saw in Poppy many wonderful traits that I knew where sorely lacking in me because of my upbringing. He became my mentor, and as the years have progressed we became very close. When he would greet me at his front door, I would call him pop because he had replaced the father I had lost. The hand shakes where still there, but a hug was also thrown in. The girls would often say, why don’t you give him a kiss too. We just looked at each other knowing that a line had to be drawn somewhere.
In Pop’s final year, he took me further under his wing as we enjoyed many a sunny afternoon at the Belconnen bowling club, having a roll up. He was the master and I again his apprentice. Just the way I and I do believe he liked it. I am only sorry now that I didn’t do this sooner. We made a pretty good team.
It would be remiss of me not to take the time and give credence to Pop’s wonderful sense of humour and his sharp wit. He had a yarn for all occasions and I reckon between us all here today we would have heard them all.
I thank God for bringing Pop into my life, for I know that I am a much better man today because of who he was and the void he filled in my life.
I remember my first time being greeted at the front door of his home in Chewings St. It was with an extended arm, a firm hand shake & a glint in his eye, as he said, "welcome sport". I recall thinking back then that there was more to this man, & sure enough there was. Sometime during the course of that first impression a baseball bat was introduced to me via a good few slaps into that same extended hand I shook earlier on. I look back now and smile at that memory seeing that it was his subtle, yet gentle way of telling me that he wanted his daughter Beth, looked after, home at a reasonable time and brought back the way she had left. It struck me that this man truly loved his daughter.
From that first intrepid meeting, I was welcomed back by Ron, Joan & his family many a time. Over the next few years I got to see what it was truly like to live in a home that was closely knit, surrounded by love and upheld a Christian faith, albeit slightly foreign to me, I was somehow drawn to it.
Often I would find myself sharing weekends down at the South Coast at Pretty Beach with the Hunt family – We would often play cards til the wee small hours, go for a swim or just laze around. But! the best for Mark & I would be to wander down with Ron to the ledge and wet a line. Of course it was a bonus to catch a fish, however, the real joy was just hanging out, swapping stories and just getting to know one another. It was during this time that when he would welcome me into his home with that extended arm and firm shake, I would call him "Boss" – he really seemed to like that tag. He would refer to me as Tom Tom.
Sometime back then when I thought that Beth could be the girl for me, I swiped that baseball bat, thinking I could get back at the boss one day. Around five years later I did, I gave it back to him on our wedding day, saying you won’t need this for me any more.
One of my proudest memories of the boss was when he was present at the birth of our first child Steve - welcoming him into the world. This act was a loving gesture, as he was not allowed to be present at the birth of his two daughters. We all cried for joy as Steve took his first breath. Although not present at the births of our other two children Leah & Ruben, The Boss was there in spirit, patiently waiting outside for any news. As our family grew, almost every time we would visit the Chewings St home, the kids would race to the front door to ring the bell just to hear him say out loud "whose dinging my donga?" – the kids and us would all laugh. It was a great lark. He would welcome us all in, sometime when, I don’t really recall I started referring to him as Poppy, it just seemed fitting.
I’ve spent a lot of time with Poppy over the years. Whether it be mowing the lawns, taking the rubbish out to the tip, pruning the fruit trees or picking the mulberries. I learnt a few important lessons from him, one was - you never rush into anything – he was a great procrastinator, not in a negative way, more a thoughtful way. He taught me, that there was a lot to perspective. Secondly – he taught me about forgiveness, on more than one occasion on our sojourns out to the tip or wherever it might have been, somehow or another, Poppy managed to or I managed to get him injured. He never tore strips off me or called me a bad name. He just forgave me, no matter how much it may of hurt him. He was like that. The girls almost got to the stage of banning us going out together for fear of only on of us coming back intact.
It was about 10 years ago I lost my father. I was never really close to him. I saw in Poppy many wonderful traits that I knew where sorely lacking in me because of my upbringing. He became my mentor, and as the years have progressed we became very close. When he would greet me at his front door, I would call him pop because he had replaced the father I had lost. The hand shakes where still there, but a hug was also thrown in. The girls would often say, why don’t you give him a kiss too. We just looked at each other knowing that a line had to be drawn somewhere.
In Pop’s final year, he took me further under his wing as we enjoyed many a sunny afternoon at the Belconnen bowling club, having a roll up. He was the master and I again his apprentice. Just the way I and I do believe he liked it. I am only sorry now that I didn’t do this sooner. We made a pretty good team.
It would be remiss of me not to take the time and give credence to Pop’s wonderful sense of humour and his sharp wit. He had a yarn for all occasions and I reckon between us all here today we would have heard them all.
I thank God for bringing Pop into my life, for I know that I am a much better man today because of who he was and the void he filled in my life.
Honoured
Dear family and friends,
Dad’s funeral was yesterday, Friday 15th June. It was beautiful for us, expressing a lot of love and shared memories. He would have been so honoured. So many people with hearts on sleeves and tears in eyes, and some laughter and joy too.
A recording Dad’s favourite hymn was found and played as he left the church. "Heaven came down and Glory filled my soul" So true for him that last week.
Thank you to everyone who came and everyone who couldn’t: for the many generous and thoughtful messages and provisions. We are overwhelmed at how we are being cared for in practical and tender ways.
You are blessing us in many ways. Don’t miss telling someone you love them.
Joan
Chris & Mark, Michelle
Beth & Tom, Steve, Leah Ruben
Dad’s funeral was yesterday, Friday 15th June. It was beautiful for us, expressing a lot of love and shared memories. He would have been so honoured. So many people with hearts on sleeves and tears in eyes, and some laughter and joy too.
A recording Dad’s favourite hymn was found and played as he left the church. "Heaven came down and Glory filled my soul" So true for him that last week.
Thank you to everyone who came and everyone who couldn’t: for the many generous and thoughtful messages and provisions. We are overwhelmed at how we are being cared for in practical and tender ways.
You are blessing us in many ways. Don’t miss telling someone you love them.
Joan
Chris & Mark, Michelle
Beth & Tom, Steve, Leah Ruben
Sunday, June 10, 2007
Funeral
I'll tell you a bit more about things later, but here's funeral details for those who need to organise the day.
Friday 15th June 07
10 am
Christchurch
Cnr Beetaloo st + Belconnen Way, Hawker (ACT)
William Cole Funerals
Friday 15th June 07
10 am
Christchurch
Cnr Beetaloo st + Belconnen Way, Hawker (ACT)
William Cole Funerals
Friday, June 8, 2007
Ribbon free
Dad suddenly, quietly and peacefully died tonight, just after 9pm.
We were all with him at home.
We were all with him at home.
Ribbon
Dad's condition changed dramatically this morning. He is slipping away and is currently very peaceful, despite a couple of hours of respiratory distress this morning. He has not woken and barely stirs when we move him. His breathing and colour are not good.
I am reminded of a bunch of helium balloons holding on by a couple of ribbons.
He is surrounded by love and prayers, here at home and from wherever you good folk are, I'm sure.
Love (most precious)
Beth
I am reminded of a bunch of helium balloons holding on by a couple of ribbons.
He is surrounded by love and prayers, here at home and from wherever you good folk are, I'm sure.
Love (most precious)
Beth
Thursday, June 7, 2007
Thursday 7 June, 2007
Kerfuffle here this morning.
We cleaned out under Dad’s bed and removed everything from the room before washing and vacuuming for the arrival and set up of a hospital bed. (Canberra Hospital equipment loan service have lent us walkers, shower chairs, wheelchair, etc, and DVA have sent wheelchair ramp, sheepskin, squishy cushion, etc)
So much warmth and comfort for him in the electric bed, and easier for us to care for him. The air mattress has a cycle that prevents pressure areas. Dad’s hair is seriously falling out, not in chunks, but fairly evenly so he still has some thin cover. He only sat up for a while this morning when the beds were changed over but has been sleeping in bed since, stirring only to blow kisses and say love you. Although … tonight Tom and Steve shaved their heads in his honour (said they would if Dad lost his hair) and he looked up and said, "Looks good."
Mum is going pretty well, sometimes coughing but mostly OK. She is still on antibiotics. She had a bed change when she was in hospital, we tossed out her old sunken waterbed and so she returned to a new mattress (preapproved) with padded top.
Mark’s Dad had surgery today, looks good post op and should be out in a day or two, but not sure of what’s up ahead. He’s been over with them all day, just popped in here (10pm).
Tom was walking across the road on his way to work at 550am yesterday (Wed) and was almost hit by a car. It was dark blue with no lights on and was very dark outside. Apparently worker’s comp is only for accidents when you are at work since new legislation 3 weeks ago, no longer when traveling to work. He has been off with a torn calf muscle, and we are glad he is safe, and it’s handy to have him around.
Mum says, "We feel very blessed with provisions and love from so many family and friends."
We cleaned out under Dad’s bed and removed everything from the room before washing and vacuuming for the arrival and set up of a hospital bed. (Canberra Hospital equipment loan service have lent us walkers, shower chairs, wheelchair, etc, and DVA have sent wheelchair ramp, sheepskin, squishy cushion, etc)
So much warmth and comfort for him in the electric bed, and easier for us to care for him. The air mattress has a cycle that prevents pressure areas. Dad’s hair is seriously falling out, not in chunks, but fairly evenly so he still has some thin cover. He only sat up for a while this morning when the beds were changed over but has been sleeping in bed since, stirring only to blow kisses and say love you. Although … tonight Tom and Steve shaved their heads in his honour (said they would if Dad lost his hair) and he looked up and said, "Looks good."
Mum is going pretty well, sometimes coughing but mostly OK. She is still on antibiotics. She had a bed change when she was in hospital, we tossed out her old sunken waterbed and so she returned to a new mattress (preapproved) with padded top.
Mark’s Dad had surgery today, looks good post op and should be out in a day or two, but not sure of what’s up ahead. He’s been over with them all day, just popped in here (10pm).
Tom was walking across the road on his way to work at 550am yesterday (Wed) and was almost hit by a car. It was dark blue with no lights on and was very dark outside. Apparently worker’s comp is only for accidents when you are at work since new legislation 3 weeks ago, no longer when traveling to work. He has been off with a torn calf muscle, and we are glad he is safe, and it’s handy to have him around.
Mum says, "We feel very blessed with provisions and love from so many family and friends."
Tuesday, June 5, 2007
Wednesday 6 June
Dad is very weak, sleeping almost constantly. He wakes enough to eat some breakfast, and has very little other food or drink during the day. His legs are so weak he cannot stand at all now, and his hair has been seriously falling out today. A hospital bed is due to come tomorrow, which should help us keep him comfortable and move positions with more ease. He is settled and frequently praises God, and always looks up to blow kisses and say "love you."
Mum is happy to be home and in the relative quiet (well, with 2 daughters and families…) and we have had lovely visits and food/flowers dropped in. Her cough is troublesome at times and breathlessness comes and goes.
Warmest thoughts, many thanks.
Ron and Joan
Chris and Mark, Michelle
Beth and Tom, Steve, Leah, Ruben
Mum is happy to be home and in the relative quiet (well, with 2 daughters and families…) and we have had lovely visits and food/flowers dropped in. Her cough is troublesome at times and breathlessness comes and goes.
Warmest thoughts, many thanks.
Ron and Joan
Chris and Mark, Michelle
Beth and Tom, Steve, Leah, Ruben
Saturday, June 2, 2007
Sunday 3 June 07
We are all happy that Mum is home. She is quite recovered from how sick she was last week with the infection, but still gets puffed quickly and has coughing episodes. She’s pottering around home and garden and has a few appointments lined up for this week. As far as treatment goes, we see the oncologist in a few weeks for follow up (no plans for chemo); and radiation oncology is not thought to be helpful at this stage.
Dad is very settled and content – sleeping most of the time. He rotates from lounge to chair to dining table to bathroom. He said he was just going to ‘loaf’ today (ha ha), and wants to be covered up, rugged up, warmed up all the time. Aside from a good breakfast and drink, he’s not interested in eating very much for the past few days. He is still on Dexamethasone for the brain swelling but now radiotherapy is finished, he can be reduced off it. Only on his usual puffers and no need for painkillers at all, thank the Lord.
After we told Dad about Mum’s lung cancer (Wed) he was flat, shocked, stunned then emotional then angry. He was so sad and teary. Later that day and the next, he seemed more settled, less agitated (than he’d previously been) and less connected. Maybe he had needed us to tell him what he thought we had been keeping from him. As though he knew and finally had his questions resolved.
On Friday morning (6am pitch dark) I heard him moving around and I came in to find him bright and glowing, sitting there next to the bed in the wheelchair with his dressing gown and ugh boots on! He said he thought it was the middle of the day because it had been so light. He asked me how the kids were and where Mum was (hospital) and was she OK? (Kidneys better, still coughing) then he reassured himself, "you told me, didn’t you?" He was very accepting, happy and content, wasn’t sure if he would stay up, but went back to bed. He went through everyone, telling me how much he loves them, then he asked himself, "Shall we go now? No I’m just going to sleep." He started almost singing to the Lord, "Love you, bless you, praise you" over and over. It was beautiful (awesome and scary). He’s been praising and blessing God since. Something really changed.
On Saturday, I read the little daily verses (from A. Vera) for Fri and Sat. . .
Isaiah 60:1 Arise, Shine, for your light has come, and the glory of the Lord rises upon you.
Proverbs 4:18 The path of the righteous is like the first gleam of dawn, shining ever brighter till the full light of day.
Today’s (Sun) Psalm 43:3 Send forth Your light and your truth, let them guide me; let them bring me to your holy mountain.
Chris and I are here almost constantly. Tom has had time off to have the kids, and come/go from here. Mark has had some days off, too, and Michelle was sick home from school all last week. Mark’s Dad is into hospital for an operation this week, could be serious. He went missing for a few hours Friday and Mark was frantic looking for him, but he’d had a fall outside a Dr’s surgery near the shops, and was patched up before they sent him home. It will be tricky whilst he’s in hospital because he is Mrs Sawa’s carer and she can not manage alone.
Thanks to everyone for love, prayers, support and practical help. I know I feel joy and happiness every day, the privilege of being here and being together, as well as struggle and grief. We are so blessed and the presence of the Lord is with us.
Warmest thoughts and love,
Beth for
Ron, Joan
Chris, Mark, Michelle
Tom, Steve, Leah and Ruben
Dad is very settled and content – sleeping most of the time. He rotates from lounge to chair to dining table to bathroom. He said he was just going to ‘loaf’ today (ha ha), and wants to be covered up, rugged up, warmed up all the time. Aside from a good breakfast and drink, he’s not interested in eating very much for the past few days. He is still on Dexamethasone for the brain swelling but now radiotherapy is finished, he can be reduced off it. Only on his usual puffers and no need for painkillers at all, thank the Lord.
After we told Dad about Mum’s lung cancer (Wed) he was flat, shocked, stunned then emotional then angry. He was so sad and teary. Later that day and the next, he seemed more settled, less agitated (than he’d previously been) and less connected. Maybe he had needed us to tell him what he thought we had been keeping from him. As though he knew and finally had his questions resolved.
On Friday morning (6am pitch dark) I heard him moving around and I came in to find him bright and glowing, sitting there next to the bed in the wheelchair with his dressing gown and ugh boots on! He said he thought it was the middle of the day because it had been so light. He asked me how the kids were and where Mum was (hospital) and was she OK? (Kidneys better, still coughing) then he reassured himself, "you told me, didn’t you?" He was very accepting, happy and content, wasn’t sure if he would stay up, but went back to bed. He went through everyone, telling me how much he loves them, then he asked himself, "Shall we go now? No I’m just going to sleep." He started almost singing to the Lord, "Love you, bless you, praise you" over and over. It was beautiful (awesome and scary). He’s been praising and blessing God since. Something really changed.
On Saturday, I read the little daily verses (from A. Vera) for Fri and Sat. . .
Isaiah 60:1 Arise, Shine, for your light has come, and the glory of the Lord rises upon you.
Proverbs 4:18 The path of the righteous is like the first gleam of dawn, shining ever brighter till the full light of day.
Today’s (Sun) Psalm 43:3 Send forth Your light and your truth, let them guide me; let them bring me to your holy mountain.
Chris and I are here almost constantly. Tom has had time off to have the kids, and come/go from here. Mark has had some days off, too, and Michelle was sick home from school all last week. Mark’s Dad is into hospital for an operation this week, could be serious. He went missing for a few hours Friday and Mark was frantic looking for him, but he’d had a fall outside a Dr’s surgery near the shops, and was patched up before they sent him home. It will be tricky whilst he’s in hospital because he is Mrs Sawa’s carer and she can not manage alone.
Thanks to everyone for love, prayers, support and practical help. I know I feel joy and happiness every day, the privilege of being here and being together, as well as struggle and grief. We are so blessed and the presence of the Lord is with us.
Warmest thoughts and love,
Beth for
Ron, Joan
Chris, Mark, Michelle
Tom, Steve, Leah and Ruben
Friday, June 1, 2007
Mum home
1 June 07. Friday night 7pm
Wonderful news, thank God! Mum is home.
Dad woke bright early this morning and seemed happier than in a long time, blessing and thanking God.
He was ready to go up to the hospital and spent a couple of hours with Mum whilst we were waiting to find out if she would be allowed home today. Wilma and Reg headed off and it took all day to drive home. I hope they get a good night’s sleep tonight.
Dad says to everyone " Love you love you all" and Mum says "thank you for all loving messages and prayers and visits and support at home"
Wonderful news, thank God! Mum is home.
Dad woke bright early this morning and seemed happier than in a long time, blessing and thanking God.
He was ready to go up to the hospital and spent a couple of hours with Mum whilst we were waiting to find out if she would be allowed home today. Wilma and Reg headed off and it took all day to drive home. I hope they get a good night’s sleep tonight.
Dad says to everyone " Love you love you all" and Mum says "thank you for all loving messages and prayers and visits and support at home"
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