Dearest Debbie and family, This comes with heartfelt wishes of sympathy to you all. Barb let me know Tuesday evening, NZ time that Graham had lost his battle with cancer. It is the saddest of times. I will always remember his big beaming smile and sunny disposition. So laid back and cheeky with it. He would have thought he had won the jackpot when he married you Debbie. Young, gorgeous and super intelligent. He with his charm, he had the best of times sharing his life with you. Our family have known the Newdicks since my mum was pregnant with Celia 1949, perhaps even before that. I saw you most when I lived in Wellington 1980 to 1986. Also years later Graham came with Richard to celebrate with my family young Zoe's Top Scholar Award with evening drinks in a Wellington bar May 2014, and I saw Graham for the last time when he came with Barb to my mum's funeral July 2018. I will always be grateful for that time shared. Below this photo was taken on the day of my Christening sometime in 1956. Barb & I, are a week apart in our birthdays born 20th & 27th ( Barb) December 1955 Graham will be 7 or 8 in this photo - front steps of our home in Hawera. Great family photo. You could always crop this pix if you wanted to. Scanned from very small b/w photo. Something to read in the months ahead knowing what Graham may have experienced, with you supporting him every step of the way. By the way loved the video of Graham walking along a country lane back in March/ April. Barb sent it to me and I passed it on to Celia, Stuart and Robin. I have a poem written by a friend she was one of my dear friends here in Dunedin. Elizabeth lost her life to Ovarian cancer last September. In retirement she was an acclaimed Poet and recently the friends from her Poetry Group in Dunedin published with permission from her husband Neville, a collection of her poems in a book called 'Wanting To Tell You Everything'. There is one I want to share with you knowing it was about Elizabeth's oncology experience. She has a great sense of humour, so I hope I do not cause any offence on sending it, at this time. Elizabeth was feisty, intelligent, very observant, witty and fun. On discovering your oncologist is a travel agent: By Elizabeth Brooke-Carr There is a choice he says. the shorter route, without add-ons, the 'no frills', no-treatment way would be faster, more direct. You'd arrive at your destination ahead of time, having avoided the pitfalls of travelling: no missed connections, lost luggage or jet lag. The longer route would provide a wider panorama more stopovers, new experiences. You'd wear an ID tag on your wrist.There would be regular appointments, hours spent in waiting rooms scrutinizing food and fashion magazines, art on the walls. There would be needles, tubes and drains, a slow-playing drama with a diverse cast of characters constantly checking your name and number, oxygen levels, pulse, temperature, blood pressure. There would be drugs and delirium; you would cross time zones, travel in all weathers, meet strangers, make new friends, embrace old ones. You would need time and fortitude. You have to decide, now, so that plans can be set in place. There's no map for the journey, no certainty about what lies ahead. No clear directions. No estimated time of arrival. The ground you stand on is shaky, the horizon hazy, both routes daunting from a distance. One thing is certain. There's no going back. That's not an option. Your name is on the passenger list. You must pack your own bags and choose which way you will go. Gather around, Kia Kaha - stay strong, as you have done throughout Graham's ordeal, his last journey. Celebrate his life, the treasured memories, remember to laugh too and he will be around in spirit, loving you, for years to come. Much Aroha to you all Big Hugs Sandy Xxxxxx Sandy Pantall