In no particular order, conversation, carpentry, landscaping, computer technology, the bushland, nature's bounty, photography, country music and reading; these were the things Des enjoyed so much.
We shared long coffees in our retirement with lots of varied conversation and laughs, enjoyed walking around our garden and looking for new things happening, and what needed to be attended to next.
We bounced off one another's creativity and admired each other's projects.
Des started writing some articles online also. This is the Helium link to Des' articles, a photo, with some of his own biography notes.
He worked with optimism through almost three years with melanoma cancer - this link being my article from December 2007. Des' final three months plummeted downhill fast and he'd wanted his last days here at home. I became carer for Des with daily advice from palliative care nurses until his final two days, when he needed to be back in hospital.
Des passed away September 25, 2010 aged 65 years. This post is to share with everyone my grateful thanks for emails and cards of support and encouragement throughout our journey.
There is an old saying "if you love someone, set them free" ... these photographs of the sea-eagle had been taken by Des one day when we were bushwalking a few years back, not too far from home. We were both so thrilled knowing the distance away that eagle was, with the 12 x zoom lens he used, these photos were prize snaps in our eyes.
In fond rememberance of a dear husband of 43 years, Dad to our two daughters, Renee and Natalie, and Pop to his three grand-children, Ashlee, Brianna and Aiden. Son-in-law to my Mum, Valda. Brother to Joan, Robyn, and Kim. We will forever love you Des.
I am so sorry for your loss Carole. My the words you are going to use from that little card you asked me about bring you some small measure of comfort.
ReplyDeleteAll my love and blessings.
You will be in my thoughts.
Lolly
I am so sorry for your loss. It is impossible not to feel your pain from your beautiful and eloquent words. Know that you are in my thoughts and prayers, and I wish I could reach three quarters of the way around the world to give you a big hug. We'll be in touch, and I'll have to send you a cutting of that brugmansia (is it legal to do that?) so you can plant it in your garden.
ReplyDeleteAll my love and best wishes,
Susan
thanks to Lollychops; I have written personally before this.
ReplyDeleteSusan, thankyou for your big hug also; I feel it. Unfortunately cuttings aren't permissable into Australia due to strict quarantine regulations. I certainly admired it from afar though from your photographs, rather like the hug you sent me around the world.
Dear Carole,
ReplyDeleteWhat a loving and special tribute you have created for Des. I hoped you were writing, and you have said the right words beautifully. I always enjoyed hearing of the experiences you two shared, and I sensed that confident, affirming and adventurous spirit that Des possessed. The eagles captured so splendidly in his photos embody that spirit - strong and noble and capable and, now, free. I hope you will spot the birds again often, and smile. When I think of you, I see him, too. You are not alone.
Sending great big hugs from me
Gorgeous pictures, in words and images, Carole. I'm glad you have family to surround you in these times.
ReplyDeleteDes' pictures are awesome! Your words are so on-spot and share your heart with us all...thank you for comforting us. I trust you feel the love that goes out to you and your family as you move forward in your life.
ReplyDeleteAcross the many miles...prayers and hugs,
Jan Castle
My deepest sympathy to you and your family Carole. What a wonderful blessing to have such a marriage to remember and cherish. Your Des lives on in your heart.
ReplyDeleteWhen I left 'home' to move to Edinburgh my Mother held my face in her hands and said, "because I love you so much I have to let you go" I never fully understood what she meant until she died suddenly 5 years later aged 62. I wrote the same words on the card with her flowers at her funeral. The happiness you shared with your husband is evident Carole. I hope the memories of the times you shared will give you some comfort.
ReplyDeleteI am so, so sorry. Death is too hard on those of us left behind. But we do learn to cherish every moment with our loved ones.
ReplyDeleteA wonderful tribute to you dear husband. I am so glad you made me aware of your loss. I must have missed that post. I truly understand what you went through. I took care of mine for several months at home. They set his room up just like a hospital and taught me to do things I was scared to death to do. He had a special nurse that did not stay all time but was there in an instance if I called. Trust me it much worse on the care taker than the patient. He had congestive heart failure. Time is the best healer in the world for those that are left.
ReplyDeleteSo sorry to read this Carole, may Des rest in peace and you enjoy the memories you had together
ReplyDeleteI'm so sorry about your loss. The photographs of the bird are wonderful. Very touching tribute. Thank you for visiting my site.
ReplyDeleteA beautiful tribute Carole, I am so sorry for your loss and I send you a big hug.
ReplyDelete