Equinom

My girlfriend Equinom and I have friends for 30 years.  Yes I know…. incredible given that I’ve not yet had my 30th birthday party yet, but this factoid at least is true.  We met in the first week of Grade 1 at St Martins…. .if memory serves correct, Equinom asked me if she could be my friend, and a precocious little blonde kid named Libby Free say she couldn’t because Equinom was already her friend.  Needless to say, Libby ended up out of the loop and Equinom and I have been friends ever since.  (wonder momentarily what happened to Libby Free… hmmmm…. nope dont really care).  Anyway didn’t always hang out at school a lot (couldn’t stand the designer label, uptight crowd she used to hang with), but we lived a couple of streets apart and would frequently do stuff after school or on weekends.  I have so many memories that involve Equinom, that it’s like she’s one of the family.  She and Edouardo were always included in family dinners, and she even used to come away on family camping trips with us from time to time. 

We’re a strange match really, both very stubborn, straight shooting type people, yet both into very different things.  Equinom is in the Army reserve, currently studing Asian politics, likes hiking and bushwalking, has degrees in Law and Commerce, never wears makeup and works part time in the family butcher shop. Whilst I, strangely enough, the other hand would be very poorly suited to the military (not enough pink), couldn’t give a shit about Indonesia, not only is know to wears makeup, but likes jewellery and nail polish to boot, and knows nothing about butchery, except how to flirt with the butcher!  But we seem to get along, and I think it’s largely due to being able to always rely on each other for an honest and non judgemental opinion.  She’s also one of the most intelligent people of my acquaintance, yet occasionally displays the most absurd lack of common sense… that’s getting better as we get older, but it’s true that you can be very academic and yet not have a clue!  I love her to bits and this week, I am missing her very much.  She’s on a study junket to South Korea, and wont be back for a couple of weeks yet.

I think between Edouardo being in Cairns, Equinom being in South Korea, SirPhil in CanberraBabylon and MD in Quetta, I’ve not felt quite so alone as I have this week, for a very long time. 

Dad

Thanks everyone for your support and warm words this week, It’s been a rather trying week as you might expect, but the emails, SMSs, phone calls and cards I’ve received from so many friends, both near and far, have been really wonderful.  It’s nice to know that you’re in the thoughts of so many people when you’re dealing with something as difficult as losing a parent, and doubly comforting to know that people care so much.

My father wasn’t a flamboyant or flashy sort of character, he was far too practical and down to earth for that sort of thing.  He was one of the most intelligent people I have ever known and was always available for sensible advice.  Dad was known for his dignity, integrity and his deep strength of character.  The way he handled living with MND demonstrated just how strong he was time and again.

He had an amazing and sometimes obscure sense of humour, and a keen appreciation for harmless practical jokes.  Strangely enough though he must have been the worst joke teller I have ever known – he’d always crack up long before the punch line, and be unable to finish telling it, so if no one else knew the ending, we’d all be sitting there waiting for him to compose himself.

Dad didn’t live a big life, he didn’t touch thousands, he didn’t gain the notice of the masses, but those who knew him, and those he touched will never forget the incredible qualities he possessed, and his generosity in sharing them with us.

memorial poem memorial poem memorial poem

Do not stand at my grave and forever weep.

I am not there; I do not sleep.
I am a thousand winds that blow.
I am a rivers peaceful flow.
I am the sun warming the plain.
I am the gentle summer’s rain.
When the bush is still and hush’d
I am the dawn’s slow creeping blush.
I am the birds in graceful flight.
I am the stars that shine at night.
Do not stand at my grave and forever cry.
For this is farewell but not goodbye.

memorial poem

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Dad’s Condolences

It’s always hard to think of the right thing to say when someone passes away, I know I’ve always had difficulty coming up with something sincere and heartfelt when your friends are in pain.  Thank you everyone who send condolences… me and the family really appreciate your thoughts at this time.


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Sorry to hear about your father. I hope despite the sorrow of this occasion it heralds an opening of new opportunities for both you and your family. Forgive my formality, it’s just my way when it comes to issues of mortality.  I’ll write again later after you and the family have had time to sort through things.

Once again my condolences.
 
MD

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borys
i am so sorry.  actually i dont know whether to feel sorry, relieved, both.

i am very sad that i will not be at the funeral as i feel as much a part of your family as my own.  please keep that in mind if you/ your mum/ angus (etc) feel the need to get the flock out of town for a few days, we can head up to the apartment when i get back

with much affection, 
equinom

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Hi Borys,

I just head about your Dad.  I was going to call you, but thought I would leave you alone with your family.
I am very sorry about your loss.  Please pass on my condolences to Toni as well.  You know that if you ever need anywhere to run away to, there’s a bed here for you anytime you need it.  My phone is always on as well. 
All my prayers and good thoughts are going  your way.

Love you chick, Look after yourself.

JJJ

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From our family to yours, our deepest condolences at this time with much love
Humbibble, Higgsy and Parents.
xxoo

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Babe,

I'm so sorry to hear about your dad. I know it was a long time coming and am thankful that in the end he went peacefully in his sleep... Email is not the place for this, so I will just say that I love you and am here for you if you need anything.

Love
Miss CL

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Dear borys, Mr K and Angel,

We are all so sorry to hear about your dads passing.  

If the funeral is a small family affair we totally understand, but if it is ok to attend then we would like to be there to support you and yours and give our respects to your dad.

Could you please let us know either way, by email or phone, if I don’t hear from either Keith or you I will call you soon just in case you are not checking messages.  

If there is anything we can do to help you through this difficult time, please don’t hesitate to ask.
We’re thinking of you.

JessFA, GoddessBek, BsM and family


Hey Borys
Sorry to hear about your Dad.  I tried to call you a couple of times, I hope you’re alright. Will definately have some drinks with you on the weekend. Please let me know if I can do anything at all.
Darkman

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Hi borys

I hope you’re okay, please accept my deepest sympathy. I love you and you have my shoulder if you need it.
Love
KissB!tch

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My condolences borys.
I am so sorry to hear about your dad.  My heart felt sorrow goes out to you.
 
SirPhil

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Borys
My thoughts are with you and your family.  Look after yourself and each other and if you need anything just call
x Jenni

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Hi Borys

I am sorry to hear your sad news.  I send my deepest condolences to you and your family.

Wystan

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Hi Borys,
I’m thinking of you and your family especially today. I love you a great deal and am very glad for our friendship.  If you need anything, just ask.
Darkman

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Hi Borys,
Sorry to hear about your Dad.  I’m sure you have had lots of offers, but if there is anything we can do, let us know.
Lorcan & Mrs Lorcan

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Hi Borys

I am very sorry to hear about your dad.  I’m  not sure if its ok to call so thought I would send an email first.
My thoughts are with you.  My phone is always on if you need to chat.

Take Care
Tinker

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Dear Borys,

 

My heart goes out to you and your family at this time and if there is anything I can do, please let me know. 
I will still attend your birthday when it is held on the 10th though.  It will be nice to catch up.

 

Love Always,

 

WOliver

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Hey darling,

I don’t know what I can do if anything. But I am thinking of you and your family and sending hugs and love.

James72

(no need to reply if you don’t feel like it)

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Hey Borys

Just to let you know my thoughts are with you.   I know what it is like and no matter how well prepared you think you are for this, it still hurts to the core.  But then it shows how much we loved them and what an impact they made upon our lives.

Take care of yourself and my love to your family

DenMa

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Dear Borys,
I was sorry to hear of your family’s loss ,I can remember how numb and sad at the same time I felt when Norm died. If there is anything you need that I can help with please ask.
Lilith
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Old photos for Dad

I’ve been looking for old photos to scan in and send to my Dad.  He has a ‘My Pictures’ slideshow set as his screensaver.  And from what I can make out he really enjoys seeing all his memories flashing up on the screen.  And look what I found in the back of an old photo album!  It was taken in the back yard at my grandparents house in Toowoomba…. I’m about  18 mths old, and Big Sal would be nearly 3.  Still looks just like us.  🙂

toni laver robyn boyer

Tomorrow, BigSal is taking him to see if he can try out an eye controlled mouse device so he can regain use of his computer.  Since losing so much of his neck control, the laser keyboard hasn’t been of any use to him anymore, so it’s been quite a while since he’s been able to get online.  Hopefully this ERICA computer thing will be useful… only drawback is that its about  AU$10K to buy, and he’ll likely only get a few months use out of it.
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