Two little brothers just hanging out together !

MY ROGER

Most of you who follow our lives will know that my beloved and most cherished husband Roger died from Motor Neurone Disease (ALS or Lou Gehrig's) on 15 December 2011. This was 2 years and 4 months after he had received the official diagnosis of MND. Roger was 58 years old and we had been married 35 years and 7 months.

As he donated his brain and spinal cord to research there was an unattended cremation and then on 20 December we had a Thanksgiving Service at our Church, St Barnabas Anglican Church in West Leederville. Jocelyn had flown over from Melbourne to help with Roger's care on 7 December. Tim, Amy, Glenda, Tom and babies flew over from Melbourne and we were able to love and support each other through this difficult time. Tim and Amy stayed for 2 weeks. Jocelyn, Glenda, Tom and the twins flew back on 10 January.

Roger had planned his funeral service with the following readings and songs to sing.

Psalm 103

John 9: 1 - 10:10

How deep the Father's love for us

Blessed by your Name

Hope of the Nations

Crown Him with many crowns

Each of our children shared reflections on what their father had meant to them and then Roger's brother David shared "Requiem of a Hero" by Derek Webster (who was instrumental is getting this blog of mine started in April 2006 whilst we were living in Germany), then a friend from Church Saul read "A walk in the clouds with my friend Roger" by our lovely friend Kevin who lives in Basel, Switzerland. (These pieces can be read of our working blog rogngayn@blogspot.com) or click on the link from this blog.

How Roger would have loved his service. Afterwards most of the people who attended the service shared a light lunch supplied by the wonderful people of St Barnabas. German beer was flowing freely - a lovely touch - thank you to whoever supplied I. I must ask!! Then the family went back to my sister Irene's home, just around the corner from the Church to spend time together. All a bit of a blur for me, but good to see all the extended family, especially those who had come from interstate.

So now it is 8 weeks since Roger passed away. It is very hot in Perth with temps hovering between 32C and 40C!! I am taking comfort in my wonderful family who I talk to most days, in the company of my sisters and especially Irene (we escape to the beach and enjoy each others company very much), I had a wonderful 4 nights away down the coast 1 hr from Perth with my friend Mary from Adelaide, truly a special time together. Then there's my lovely garden, that needs watering almost every day with the temps we have been having.

I especially miss my darling Roger in the evenings. We had such lovely companionship together. Mind you, I am now able to watch whatever I like on the TV, which was a bit of a novelty at first, but not being that fond of TV, this is running thin. Last night I listened to the radio, which was planning such beautiful classical music, so it was LOUD. A few tears fell as I thought about Roger and his absolute love for classical music.

I am trying to take each day as it comes, not do too much and just potter around the house and try and sort out some of the mountains of paperwork that needs to be done. I am slowly becoming more socially and ventured out for dinner at friends last Tuesday.

CHILLING ON THE LOUNGE WITH THEIR SOPHIES ! ! !

EDWARD and NATHAN

It's about time I introduced you to my beautiful grandbabies Edward and Nathan. They are twins, but as you can see, not identical. They were born on 1 July 2011 at 36 weeks. So now they are 7 months old and are just an absolute delight. I just love their big blue eyes (Daddy has brown eyes!!), their smiley faces, their giggles and sounds. What a joy it was to spend time with them when they visited Perth with their Daddy Tom and Mummy Glenda. Even though it was sad circumstances because their darling Gramps had died. It won't be long and I will be seeing them again when I visit Melbourne on 25 February for 11 days. Glenda turns 30 on 7 March so I will be there to celebrate with the family. It's going to be lots of fun, and lots of work too I guess.