If you were thinking about buying the Sunday Times so that you can read the article today (see the end of yesterday’s blog), don’t. Why?
Two days ago Dignity in Dying told us that Switzerland had just changed the entry requirements again. They had cancelled the need to quarantine and had strengthened the pre-entry covid test level. Then Tim spoke to the canton of Zurich by phone. Then a little later the Sunday Times journalist phoned to say that the news weakened the angle they were taking, so there would be no article.
Well, we had put in some effort but I’m perfectly happy at not being published yet again.
My two other companions had cancelled their flights and hotels, and had been planning their own activities at home for that period. We’d all adapted to the fact that the travellers would be just Tim and me. We were already in Farewell mode. After some thought I took the view that in this rapidly, maddeningly, changing world it would be prudent to leave it at that. Best not to start the search for flights and hotels yet again. Risky. We talked about it. They understood. So it’s just Tim and me.
In fact the regulations did change again, but this time from the British side. Yesterday HMG announced that anyone intending to enter Britain would have to take a covid test two days before their flights. So that now applies only to Tim, and it might be rather tricky, fitting it into just a three-day stay in Switzerland.
Gawd, this is tiring!
Darling David what can I say, except, use all the strength you have left to go to Switzerland in peace and know that you go with so much love from so many people. We all admire you , love you and wish it were different. In my heart always. X
I’m so sorry that you and Tim have had so much extra stress. I wish we could all be with you to help you and you know that we would if we could.
Thank you, as ever, for thinking of updating us. We shall miss this wonderful blog, just as we shall miss you so much. May our love and prayers, and your own immense courage, help you to endure this final journey and find peace at last
With the very biggest of hugs, ever
Jan X
Oh David, you really couldn’t make this up. That you should have to go through such stress at this the eleventh hour is criminal it really is. I have said most of what I wanted to say privately but my love and that of the whole family is wending it’s way across the sea to you and to Tim. We can never thank him enough for all he has done and is about to do in the next few days. I hope for a an uneventful journey for you both and while I wish with my whole heart things could be different I pray that you find the peace you so richly deserve. You have brought so many of us on this journey with you and I hope you know that we are all of us with you on this last leg. The room will be full of the smiling faces of all who have known and loved you God bless x
Indomitable David, reconnecting with you after so many decades, especially in such dire circumstances, has been truly inspirational. I no longer lob out a flurry of excuses at the slightest adversity! So, thanks for that, and hats off to you for sharing with us your journey through the illness, your vulnerability, adventures and lovable wit! May the rest of your journey be a peaceful glide. Many thanks to Tim for being there with you all the way. Hugs galore to you both! xxx
Dear David l hope you are now safely in Switzerland l hope you find the peace you deserve
and to say you will never be forgotten
God bless xxx
Dear David, do you remember the time dear Frances Hardy whipped us all together to perform the Faure Requiem in “Canterbury” ? I played the organ, you were in the choir and it was amazing……and such fun.
The following link leads to my favourite group, which I thought I would share, as the words sum up what so many of us are thinking right now.
May Lux Aeterna shine on your soul wherever it comes to rest. You will never be forgotten.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o9al6HNOgSo
God bless, Dave. We will always remember you for your courage and humour in the greatest adversity. XXX
Reconnection only recently – and by a chance reading of your story in a newspaper – has given me a lot to think about, and in ways it is as yet difficult to articulate… You need calm now David… Climb and soar… Graeme