Archive for December 17th, 2005

17 Dec 2005 All who have loved shall be forever young
Author:  |  Category: Living with Cancer  | 8 Comments

Allan posting again. It has been a very long night and day. I called Gail this evening and we spoke briefly. We are now nearing the end and she wanted some time alone with David.

The sheer speed and inexhorable spread of the disease are horrifying. Gail said that we are likely to lose David tonight and that he would be unrecognizable to you now if you were there.

David’s favourite poem was read out at the wedding by his best man, Chris. Gail has asked that it be posted here again for David.

Autumn
by Garrison Keillor

Here on an autumn night in the sweet orchard smell,
Sitting in a pile of leaves under the starry sky,
Oh what stories we could tell
With this starlight to tell them by.

October night, and you, and paradise,
So lovely and so full of grace,
Above your head, the universe has hung its lights,
And I reach out my hand to touch your face.

I believe in impulse, in all that is green,
Believe in the foolish vision that comes true,
Believe that all that is essential is unseen,
And for this lifetime I believe in you.

All of the lovers and the love they made:
Nothing that was between them was a mistake.
All that we did for love’s sake,
Is not wasted and will never fade.

All who have loved shall be forever young
And walk in grandeur on a cool fall night
Along the avenue,
They live in every song that is ever sung,
In every painting of pure light,
In every pas de deux.

Oh love that shines in every star
And love reflected off the silver sea.
Love, a gift to all who would try,
And yet, now held by you and me.

17 Dec 2005 Friday Update
Author:  |  Category: Living with Cancer  | One Comment

Allan & Cheryl again. We just got off the phone with Gail, who updated us with the following to pass on to you.

First of all Gail wants to thank everyone for their care, support, and comments here and on Flickr.

David and Gail are still in Mercy Hospital in Scranton, but they have been moved from the 8th floor, so please do not use the previously posted phone number as they aren’t in that room anymore. They are now in the in-patient hospice care on the 3rd floor. They can get calls 24 hours a day there. Call the hospital main line (570) 348-7100 and ask for the hospice. The switchboard there will transfer you to the Fieldings in room 386.

Gail asked that we clarify that David is not in a coma. He has been moving between unresponsiveness and rare lucid moments. It’s been tough because, in his semi-conscious state, David has been trying to remove his bracelets, IV, etc.

Some of you have already contacted Gail and are planning to go out there this weekend and in the coming week. Please do what you can to contact her first, or contact us – syntaxerror [at] gmail.com, to help co-ordinate your visit.