THANK YOU: “Privileged to be here” were Dave’s words moments after Al passed away and indeed we did give him what he wanted at the end of his five year cancer journey and that was his wish “I want to die at home”. Words cannot express our heartfelt thanks to those who made that possible. To Carole for being both daughter and carer for his heart wrenching, but precious last three days. To Dr Alister Blomley of Riccarton Clinic and Dr Ben Hinsdon and his oncology team: Al and I had the utmost respect and faith in the advice and care given to him, even if he challenged you constantly. To Al’s Home Support Team: Dr Hilary Cleland, Claire, Bridget, Julie and Penney from Nurse Maude Palliative Care; Access Community Health: Carl, Tussy, Rowana, home care RN’s and his care workers and Lindsey Lewis from Older Persons Health. To Jo and Tom, thanks for the love, meals, hugs, messages and support that still continues. To our special, caring and precious family and friends, thank you for being there. Phone calls, visits and messages that kept us sane (well kind of!) and Sally for all the visits to care for me and trying to keep Al in line while I had my own cancer treatment. To Phillippa, your tribute to our “Not A Plaster Saint” was perfect and I know our boys would be smiling. Again to Carole, Dad would have been proud for the thoughtful recall of his sayings. To Erin, your choice of poem was beautiful and your words are a treasure. To Nathan Beardsley, Al’s celebrant, you were amazing and delivered the early years eulogy and final committal to Al perfectly. Thank you for listening to us prattle on and turning that and his own words into the most wonderful, thoughtful tribute and service. Thank you to Wendy Davidson from Lamb and Hayward, your superb professionalism and care, made an incredibly difficult time, just as we had previously talked about and very much per Al’s wishes. You and your team at Lamb and Hayward deserve the highest accolades, your empathy, compassion and attention to detail was a huge comfort and we will be forever grateful. As his family including the four legged-ones adjust to our “new normal” without Al in our lives, thank you for being part of Al’s journey, and for your comforting presence at his life celebration and burial. Jenny along with Sam, Carole, Dave and our families.

Posted by Jenny Fleming on March 9, 2024

I'm Dad's co-driver as we head to Glamp Point on Benmore Views. Our happy place

Posted by Ted Fleming on February 19, 2024