It’s come full circle. Read the first blog post, “A funny thing happened” of April 1 last year. Last night, 256 blog posts later, I made the same taxi trip.
Yes, I’m in Zurich. Arrived last night with Tim, to whom full tribute for his great help in so many things, after a journey filled with last minute changes, occasional confusion, and excellent service from Swiss and the airports. The hotel is rather grander than last year’s, and they know why we’re here so they’ve given us a free upgrade to a suite.
Onwards
Thank you. All of you. I had not intended to include a Comments facility but after 75 days of doing continuous posts I thought it worth trying so long as I didn’t get involved – far too onerous. Opened it mid-June last year. Well, after more than 730 comments – and hardly any responses from me – how do I feel? Enormously grateful. You’ve supported me throughout. You’ve given me courage. You’ve understood why I’m doing what I’m doing. You’ve learned more about MND/ALS. You’ve contributed to my MNDA Fund. Some have pledged to continue the fight. You’ve brought inspiration, laughter, deep sorrow, and huge friendship. It’s kept me going during this very difficult period, greatly complicated by the pandemic. Thank you. All of you.
Onward to the end.
Fear no more the heat o’ the sun,
Nor the furious winter’s rages;
Thou thy worldly task hast done,
Home art gone, and ta’en thy wages:
Golden lads and girls all must,
As chimney-sweepers, come to dust.
This is my last. Whatever my worldly task has been, it’s now done. Ultimately we all come to dust.
That was the Bard. Another way of saying it, which I’ve quoted before because I like it, is Laurence Hope’s:
For this is Wisdom; to love, to live,
To take what Fate, or the Gods, may give.
To ask no question, to make no prayer,
But to kiss the lips and caress the hair.
Speed passion’s ebb as you greet its flow.
To have, – to hold, – and, – in time, – let go!
For me this is the time to let go. Today a day of complete rest. Tomorrow a short taxi ride. A chat with a doctor and others. A bed. A small drink, syringed in. Deep sleep, and during the sleep it will be over.
Tim will probably say something in the next few days.
So it’s goodbye, farewell. Be good. I’ll be watching!
God speed, old friend
Farewell, dear friend
Farewell, David; many friends will accompany you tomorrow and will keep cherishing the moments spent with you.
Farewell David,
My thoughts are with you now and will be with you tomorrow❤️
and all the Trumpets sounded for him on the other side.
Darling David
They say a man is not dead while his name is still spoken and yours my wonderful cousin will be spoke for many years to come and some. When you close your eyes know you are not alone. We will all be there with you, our hands on your shoulder, whispering your name. X
God speed DP. You will be greatly missed. See you out there, somewhere x
You will always be with us, and us with you dearest Dave. Loved by so many. XxxxxX
I’m so glad you’ve arrived safely in Switzerlad. I’m so glad of Tim’s great support. I’m so glad of you’re wonderful friendship with Malc, which meant that you became part of the family and wonderful friend to me, Chris and Camilla. And we’re so glad that you will now find peace.
Shall always remember the hugs X
Lovely last post. As all your posts in this extraordinary, diverse, life-filled blog. Thank You. We pledge. Fare thee well dear golden chimney sweeper. No more heat nor winter’s rages. Let go in peace and rise in glory. Shanti Shalom Salaam x
Sleep tight lovely friend. Lots of love always.
Imagine all of us holding your hand as you cross the crystal sea.
Lots of love.
Farewell David. We will always remember you.
Bye cousin I can only hope to have such dignity and courage
Paul
Dear David goodbye god bless you will always have a place in my heart x Barbara
Goodbye David
Goodbye,dear friend
David, I have said my goodbye separately but wanted to say here what a good friend you have been and what a good man. Keith & Elizabeth
Goodbye David, I’ll never forget you and all your good works
‘I have passed the mountain peak and my soul is soaring…’ Khalil Gibran… David, you telling us to be good, and that you’ll be watching, reminds me of a letter my mother wrote to me 63 years ago when she was having my youngest brother… ‘be good’ she said ‘and keep having a nice time…’ Well, over the years I have tried… and your reminder to be good might just make all the difference!!! Thank you for those fine moments all those years ago… Graeme
Sadness and Gladness.. See you on the other side.
A very good life and a a lovely man. What more could we ask for.
We mourn a lovely and generous friend for more than 30 years. Auf Wiedersehen in a better world