16 Comments

Beautiful words Butta!

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Thanks A-Lo. Apologies for the late delivery on this one, there was a glitch in the Matrix and for some reaosn it didn't send out automatically this morning.

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I love the image of lighting a candle for your Dad to see. Some beautiful and clever writing in here Ryan. I always looking forward to seeing "Out of Office" in my mail - and am always intrigued as to what subject you are wrapping some words around. You always leave me with something to think about - so thank you for that!

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Thanks Alex. Much appreciated.

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Bravo, grief is such a bitch and with you forever

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It does seem that way, Di.

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Enjoyed listening to this, thank you.

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Thanks Lucy.

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Thanks again for talking openly of death and grief .

Those of us in palliative care thank you as we constantly marvel at the lengths that people in our society go to to avoid talking about and exploring this huge part of being human we will all face ..

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Thanks Bron. I actually have an article in next month's issue of Galah Magazine, profiling a palliative care unit in Queensland that are doing things a bit differently.

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I had a rocky path with my late father including a few years when we didn't talk to each other at all. He was great at being many things, but being a father or any form of relative wasn't really one of them. Ironically I was the only one at his bedside when he passed. So at times I mourn his loss, but in some ways I had mourned it many times before he died. I made a real effort in his last years because I understood the finality of death and am glad I did. I also made sure I remembered the good times, because there were good times.

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I am sure in the end he appreciated you being there Luigi. Never easy mate.

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I think so, my mother said he was very anxious about dying along. We had been at his hospital bedside for about 30 hours and they said it could take days. I suggested my mother and brother go to her home and have a shower and get changed. Then of course he decided he was going, and while I rang them immediately that it looked like it was close, he passed away 5 minutes before they got back. It wasn't pretty, and my mother was pleased that he wasn't alone, and also that she wasn't there to experience it.

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I vividly remember the newsletter issue from last year when your wife (I believe) did the voice recording and made the announcement about your dad. Take care, mate.

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Your writing is beautiful Ryan. We said goodbye to my wonderful mother-in-law yesterday so your words are very apt at this time and a good reminder to let grief take its natural course.

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I'm sorry to hear that Kate. I hope you had the chance to say your goodbyes.

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