Farewell

This will be the final entry in Anne's blog.  In her first entry, Anne wrote "so the journey begins."  Over the past 4 years Anne gave us the privilege of sharing her journey.  Now her journey is at an end.

In her first blog entry, Anne quoted the prophet Isaiah:

 "those who hope in the LORD will renew their strength.
 They will soar on wings like eagles"

She is now soaring as the eagles, free from the disease which dominated so much of the past few years.

As a family, we were overwhelmed by the number of people who made the journey to attend the service of Thanksgiving at Barkham Church. It was clear to everyone that Anne had touched so many lives, often (or perhaps usually) in a way which went unnoticed to everyone else.

Now we must adjust to life without Anne. What better way to do that than with the words of the poem which Anne sent to her siblings on the first anniversary of the death of their mother:


You can shed tears that she is gone
or you can smile because she has lived.

You can close your eyes and pray that she’ll come back
or you can open your eyes and see all she’s left.

Your heart can be empty because you can’t see her
or you can be full of the love you shared.

You can turn your back on tomorrow and live yesterday
or you can be happy for tomorrow because of yesterday.

You can remember her and only that she’s gone
or you can cherish her memory and let it live on.

You can cry and close your mind,
be empty and turn your back
or you can do what she’d want:
smile, open your eyes, love and go on.


Paul, Josh, Chloe & Ben.

Thanksgiving service

We would like to give you more details about the thanksgiving service on Friday. It is at 11am, at Barkham st James's church (RG40 4PL post code for satnavs). We will be having coffee and cake following the service in the village hall opposite. As it is a thanksgiving service not a funeral, there is no dress code - (Chloe: I will be wearing purple!). If you are able, please try and share cars to help with the parking. If you would like to make a donation in memory of Anne-please give to kidney research UK http://www.kidneyresearchuk.org/donate .  

Sad news

We are sorry to have to let you know that despite treatment over the weekend, Anne continued to be very weak and passed away on Monday morning. She had suffered bravely for many years, but is now at home with The Lord in a place with no more suffering or tears.


As a family we would like to thank everyone who has supported Anne and us throughout her journey.

We are planning a service of thanksgiving at Barkham church on Friday the 19th at 11am, to which you are all welcome.

Paul, Josh, Chloe and Ben

Hospital again

Just quick post to let you know I am back in hospital. My hb is low so I need a transfusion and my calcium is too high. Please pray. 

December begins.

My week hasn't quite gone as planned. Paul arrived back from London at 1am on Friday night to find me being very very sick. Not at all what you need at 1 am! I then slept until 5am when it started again and continued all day. I felt very poorly, considering contacting the hospital. Just the thought of 4 hours in A&E followed by a night on AMU really put me off. By Sunday I was feeling a little better - although completely exhausted by no food. I couldn't manage the stairs which meant no bath so Paul and I tackled the joys of a bed bath instead. We managed without soaking me or the bed which was a great achievement. I have been very tired but slowly improving since Saturday and thankful I have managed to stay at home. Being sick is awful because I am struggling so hard to eat and then I am sick and all that effort seems such a waste! 
I can't believe it is already the beginning of December - I have started my internet shopping and my Christmas cards will be here soon. Christmas plans have been made with short visits for me. 
On Sunday I had the delight of sharing the morning service from church via my iPad. It was so lovely to see everyone and listen to Julian speak - while watching him. Thank you so much to those involved who were so kind to make that work. I miss you all very much. The joy of being part of a church family can't be measured. 
So the rest of the week involves coffee with friends, a blood test and an appointment with the consultant for results. Please pray for a good plan.