Letter to the Editor Thursday May 2, 2013

Care and comfort

This must be recorded, the wonderful help that is available when really needed.

You've had a medical, the diagnosis confirms bad, terminal. What can happen then is astonishing. The troops march in, like a well ordered regiment, doctors, nurses, wives and partners, Cancer Society, Hospice, families, friends etc. And what do they bring? Caring, loving, comfort and support, lots of it, inspirational stuff!

I am speaking on behalf of many people (I hope).

I have had my life, didn't think I mattered now, but the wonderful help has transformed the last of my existence.

I feel for people cut down before their time, and those who are forced to live and cope (somehow) with their sometimes awful afflictions.

This caring comfort and support is the most important thing, especially in the early stages, and strengthens us to begin to cope and accept our fate.

I wish to pay special tribute to my wife and my doctor. Towers of strength.

Now our faith, if strong, and nurtured, will sustain us, to a degree, especially if allied to that most wonderful place, planet Earth, the great creation. Those of us fortunate to have reverence for Mother Earth, Papatuanuku in Maori, have a rock solid foundation to cling to, sometimes in absolute desperation.

We can't handle things on our own. None of us are strong enough. I am aware of my own weakness and vulnerability. Many of us are so thankful for the marvellous support and inspiration available.

All you fine people out there, you are the salt of the Earth. (Biblical origins, denoting among the finest of your kind).

With humility and respect,

ALLAN FREDERIKSON

Kaitaia

PS: I still have some time. How much? Precious? Wonderfully so. Special thanks to our lunch club for the luncheon held in my honour.

There's a lecture coming (I hope) to be recorded. Some joy, some concern, some hope.