Graham pictured with Jack and Poppy as he celebrated his 44th Birthday in hospital on Monday 22nd June 2009.
Dear friends,
It is with great sadness that I am writing to tell you our dear Graham passed away peacefully at 1:30pm on Thursday 2nd July surrounded by his family.
He succumbed to a chest infection that worsened over the weekend. He was in no pain and we had time to say our goodbyes. Graham remained his cheerful self right up to the end, telling us he was fine and asking for cups of tea! He talked with the kids and my family and then when they went outside for a break, I held him in my arms, he turned his head to the side, closed his eyes for the last time, took his final breaths and I watched as the pulse on his neck faded away. One of Graham's supporters sent me this poem and although I am not a religious person, it describes something of how I feel:
God saw you getting tired,
When a cure was not to be.
So He wrapped his arms around you,
and whispered, "Come to me".
You didn't deserve what you went through,
So He gave you rest.
God's garden must be beautiful,
He only takes the best
And when I saw you sleeping,
So peaceful and free from pain
I could not wish you back
To suffer that again.
Thank-you for your love and support over the last 27 months. Thanks to all his supporters, we were able to have this precious time with Graham that will be in our hearts and memories for ever.
Graham's funeral will be held at 2:30pm Friday 10th July at the Boyd Chapel in Springvale Cemetery, followed by the burial. Refreshments will be held at the Mulgrave Country Club from 4-6pm. We request no flowers but donations can be made to the "a donor for graham" fund via the website and envelopes will be available at the chapel.
Online condolences can be left here or by clicking the comments link below.
Sam, Jack & Poppy xxx
Posts
8 comments:
Graham was such a brave man. Thanks for sharing your loss so openly and honestly. You are showing such courage as a family. There will be many who don't know what to say because they do not want to make things worse with careless words. May I, like your friend, share someone else's words?
"We lived with uncertainty, but who does not?
We lived with hope and faith and love.
We learnt that these could not kill cancer.
They could change attitudes and make time worthwhile."
(Together Alone, 1998)
Your wonderful family will soon know that your children's school community will continue to care, and I hope you find that love and support is all around you.
Dear Sam, Jack, and Poppy,
So shocked and saddened to hear of your loss. I have followed Graham's progress to the US and back again - I felt so sure that he was winning. My Dad was diagnosed with AML at the Alfred at the same time as Graham, I always wondered if they ever crossed paths. Perhaps they will now.
XXOO
I am so sorry to hear this sad news. As you probably know from my comments, I've been following Graham's journey for a long time. I was getting worried when I didn't see a new post. My sincere condolenceses to the whole family.
I been following GRaham's story for along time and I also am shocked to read this. I am deeply sorry for your loss, I love his spunky attitude!
Dear Sam, Jack & Poppy,
This is very sad news and I am so sorry to hear this. I have followed Graham's courageous fight and your wonderful support for the early days of ADonorForGraham and may you treasure all the special memories of time together.
I have been following the trail for many months now. I am really saddened for you all. I was really hopeful. My best wishes to you all.. Steve
Hello to Sam, Jack and Poppy,I was really saddened to hear that Graham had lost his battle. He fought a gallant fight as did you all. You will have many wonderful memories to help you by. I found this beautiful verse.
"God didnt pattern the sky of grey without a rainbow to brighten up the day.
God didnt plan the darkness or night until there was sunrise to offer us light.
God didnt intend for sorrow to stay so he gave us his love to ease the way."
I really hope that with the help of all those that love you, you will all be able to get through the following days and weeks. Love Marg.
Dear Sam, Jack and Poppy,
I don't know you guys personally, but have been following Grahams story for a long time. My heart truly sank when I got the email that Graham was gone. When reading his blog I always felt that he is someone I would have loved to have known in real life. Sam, you have been fighting for so long for your much loved Graham, I can't even imagine the hole this would have left you with. It was worth every minute of the fight to save Graham, and the extra time you bought yourselves as a family, but you could tell Graham was tired. He is at peace now. I will be thinking of your family often over the coming difficult weeks and months, but I know you have lots of support. Take care.
Post a Comment