IAN GIDDY

Ian Giddy
Born 18.01.1948
Died of cancer 14.06.2009.

Contact Peter
peter.giddy@gmail.com

JUNE 2009: STEFAN & NICCI; WILDCLIFF; IAN GIDDY DIES 12TH JUNE 2009; ROGER GUSH; ALPHA WEEKEND; PHUKET;

June 2009

JUNE 2009 IN THE GIDDY FAMILY

NICCI AND STEFAN TRAVEL TO PHUKET THAILAND FOR A WEDDING
THE BALCONY COLLAPSES
CHRISTIAN, AARON AND ZARA STAY WITH US FOR A MONTH.
ALPHA COURSE AT WALMER METHODIST CHURCH
IAN GIDDY DIES OF CANCER  18 JANUARY 1948 TO 12 JUNE 20029
WILDCLIFF TRIP AFTER NICCI AND STEFAN RETURN FROM PHUKET
MICHAEL GIDDY AND FAMILY DRIVE THE MERCEDES BENZ TO WILDCLIFF
CATHY AND SAUL SILBERSTEIN JOIN US AT WILDLCIFF
CATHY AND SAUL MOVE TO THE NEW FLAT ABOVE WOODSTOCK
SOUTHERN KINGS PLAY BRITISH LIONS AT THE NEW STADIUM IN PE
NIPPERS AGM AND PRIZE GIVING
MEMORIAL SERVICE FOR IAN AT THE METHODIST CHURCH IN PLETT
SPRINGBOKS PLAY BRITISH LIONS



Nicci & Stefan went to Phuket, Thailand for a Wedding photo shoot. The balcony that Nicci was standing on collapsed. They left the children with us and we had a great time looking after them. The children loved attending Barbara's school.
Ally continues to have success with her Sunday Hockey.

Ian takes a turn for the worst as the Cancer in his Pancreas has taken hold. He has Chemo and treatment and looses weight rapidly. On 11.06.2009 he is back in NY after a week at Rheincliff and working hard at a conservation project and report. He collapses in pain and from weakness and is rushed to an intensive care hospital where a "coma" is induced by reducing his temperature.

Roger Gush has Cancer as well and is in pain. The last time we saw him he was weak and uncomfortable at Wildcliff.

I am a leader at an Alpha course and we have the Holy Spirit weekend at Willows: Bev Cox; Rodney Kolbe; Moira Haupt; Cari Mc Lean; Susanna does not make the weekend as she has bad megraines; Regg Kee and THeresa make up the group. We are joined by Reg Haupt and Jennifer. Hugh joins the group discussion one evening. It is a most successful weekend but I find it very draining with all the emotion.
Michael joins us for his first trip to WIldcliff. We have a full family weekend with Cathy & Saul traveling from CT.

rugby: The British Lions are touring SA. They have beaten all the local sides so far and play at the newly built NM Stadium on 16.6.2009.

Wildcliff;
We left PE at about 05.30am on Saturday 13th. We had Gerald's trailer hitched up and stopped over in Plett. Ena is taking the Death of Ian very badly. She cries and then seems okay for a while. Then talks about how close he and I had become recently and how it should not happen that her child leaves this earth before she does. This is a sad time for all of us. Ian had become a very real person to us in the last few years. Also he had so much to contribute. So many people depended on him for their own life.

Patrick left for New York this evening. He arrived in NY at about 16.00 our time and early in the morning their time. Ian has not physically died yet but they now plan to "take him off the life support machines". Jenny says that Ian's life left him on Wednesday when he went into a coma and was taken to hospital.

We left Plett at about 09.30am and drove in convoy with Nicci and Stefan following us. Michael had left earlier and was about 90 minutes ahead of us. We arrived in Hiedelberg. Did some Biltong shopping at the Biltong factory. This biltong is not the same quality as the Albertina Biltong. After a short stop at the Spar I showed Stefan and Michael the Cottage and then we all drove up to WC. This afternoon I had again to climb onto the roof to fix the TV aerial. Finally we managed to get it going and were able to watch the Western Province team play the visiting Lions. The Lions beat the WP team but only just. It was the toughest game that the Lions had since they arrived in SA.

That afternoon we did not do any walks but it was good to be all together at Talari. Cathy and Saul arrived a little later. I felt a kind of sadness that Jacqui and Michael were so far from us. The children had a wonderful time playing in and around the house together. Stefan made us one of his famous Pootjies. And it was only just enough. Normally it feeds us for two days.

I had bought the series "Shield" and had planned to watch this series but I am not sure if it is as good as 24 at any rate everyone was soon fast asleep. I had bought some new mattresses for our strechers as the ones that we used to have I lost when Michael & I returned from MMC. They are a little narrower but thicker and quite comfortable.

Barbara, Ally and I slept in Jenny's study. We had brought our stretchers and we are always very comfortable on them.

Sunday morning: Bob Brown came for a visit. He will be leaving his farm and moving into town where he has bought a house. He will continue to farm cattle on a famr that he is renting. We went for a walk up the Tortoise Head trail. The kids started becoming tired and Cathy, Saul and I decided to press on along the side of the hill towards the Rain Frog Dam. We did some serious Bundu Bashing and so realised that we were not going to reach the dam.

We were now above the stream (Rain Frog Dam Stream) that leads to the Oak Tree Meadow. We had to do some serious Bum Sliding to reach the stream. There were some sheer drops and thick bushes so that you could not see where you were going and could step into the Abyss at any time. When we reached the stream we were at the foot of a waterfall which I immediately names Saul's Falls. The walk down to Oak tree meadow was not easy as the Wattle has fallen across the stream and this makes for a lot of crawling and scratches. Back at Talari the rest of the gang had arrived a lot earlier than us. I had to shower for the second time today as I had a hard work out this morning.

Later today we had a walk down to the Meadow where the children swung on the rope swing and the trees. They played around in the stream as well. The three horses were there and did not seem to like Digby. This had been a really full day for the children and a Bath and Jamies was the next event in their day.

Barbara phoned Jenny who said that Patrick had just arrived and they would be going for a walk in the park and then go to see Ian. Probably for the last time. They plan a memorial service for Ian at Rhinecliff on Saturday 20th.

Cathy and Saul left for Cape Town as they had to be back at work on Monday morning. The rest of us have taken an extra day of leave. I think that Saul may have been unhappy that I suggested that they take the Tradouw Pass as it took them longer than they had expected. Cathy and Saul have moved into a new flat overlooking Table Bay and the harbour. It is much more sunny and bright. Cathy no longer feels the sense of being under constant threat.

This evening we had a couple of roast chickens and vegetables for supper. We had lit a fire each evening although it really was not that cold. Again people seemed to fade early. I have started reading a book on "Spies and Secrets". Interesting stories from the second world war.

Monday morning: Ena phoned early to say that she had spoken to Patrick in NY and that they had now switched off the machines that were keeping Ian alive. THis is going to be a huge gap in all of our lives. We are going to miss him and his influence on so many aspects of our lives. Nicci had spoken to Ena in Plett when she stayed there. Ena had told Nicci of the time that we went to Europe and had stopped over in Kinshasha (Brazzaville).

It was the middle of the night, hot and clammy. there were little or no facilities in the transit lounge and the passengers hung around trying to while away the time. Ian had been led to talking in French to some of the locals, they had showed him some of the local 'secret' buildings and then the soldiers had accused him of being a spy. He and Ena had been detained and the whole airplane had been held up. Ena had screamed and shouted and told them to release him. Ian had told Ena to leave on her own and that he would follow.

Ian was just about 18 at the time. Finally the soldiers or police finished playing their games and released them. I think that was after Ena showed them her Scotish or British passport. The other passengers in the airplane seemed to be disgruntled and accused Ian of messing around with stuff that he should have left alone. Kind of "stirring the pot". That year we spent at Wengen, a ski resort in Switzerland where we learned to ski.

We started off on the nursery slopes and then slowly worked our way up to the ski lift and finally I remember one day with the ski instructor on a cold and windy day having taken the train up to the top. We all got out of the train feeling totally miserable and freezing and skiing down to a tavern type of hut where we had some hot chocolate before continuing this harrowing ski adventure down to the village. I think that was the last of the lessons and from there onwards we would go on our own.

One particular time we found a route that was not one of the "Beaten Trails" and we skied though virgin snow. This was probably the most exciting time of the holiday as we did not know where we were going. Ian was leading us and we finally did make it back to the village but we had to do quite a bit of cross country to get there. This trip must have cost my parents a fortune.

I would go out to the taverns at night, meeting other young skiers. Of course they were mostly Europeans who were able to speak French, German, Spanish and Dutch. I battled on and made shallow friendships over drinks and dance. One day we were on a train going up to the top of the ski hill when Allan met an American man who told us how important Computers would be in the future of business. Allan was impressed by this piece of information and that he would investigate this when back in Port Elizabeth.

Monday morning.
We decided to take the Bushpig up to Ena's Falls. Keith and the crew were doing their Monday Wattle Clearing job and so Keith came down with the Bushpig to fetch us. Michael, Lene, and the three children had walked on ahead. Stefan & I loaded the bakkie with cushions and blankets as it looked like it would be cold at the top. Then he and I followed Michael and caught up with them in the Pine Forest. Keith then loaded us all into the vehicle and we dropped him off where the gang was doing their work.

Stefan took over driving and we went half way up before he off loaded us and we walked the last section. The Mountain hut (Barafu) is coming on nicely. Barafu is the name of the camp that is on the Kilimajaro climb if you take the Machame Route. This was the first time that we see work being done. Jackson has built some of the wall and is in the process of fitting the Door and a window. It is not easy to see how the finished product will look as it is a steep rocky area where it is being built.

From here we walked on up and over Ena's Falls and into the Hidden Valley. We walked a little way into the Fynbos but children soon became tired and we had to return. I was thirsty and welcomed a walk down to the top of the falls for a drink and cool off. The children really enjoyed being here. in minutes they had their shoes and shirts off and were playing on the rocks. What a joy it is to see them having so much fun in the outdoors. Hopefully they will remember these weekends with their cousins.

We drove and walked back with a visit to the rain frog dam on the way down. The kids were starting to get tired and irritable. But seeing the dam seemed to revitalise them. They again took off shirts and shoes and were in the water even though it was cold.

Back at Talari we had a bite to eat and watched some cricket with our eyes closed. Some even went to bedrooms and lay down for a well earned sleep. Stefan and I walked up to Sauls Falls. It is an easy walk from Talari and you enter a little below the Mud Dam and are able to walk all the way up in the stream (this stream is known as Talari Stream). We came to the junction where the West Stream (Which I decided to name as Stefan's Stream but later Jenny told me that Ian had named this Rock Slide Stream) (Now Dry) joins the Rain Frog Dam stream. We had been up to the top of the West stream and this is an exploration for next time. There is a great deal of indigenous trees and plants in these two streams. We exitted in line with the Mud Dam and walked down from there.

A little later Stefan took the boys and Ally to the OT Meadow and started a swinging exercise. Jessie and I followed and were soon swinging back and forth under the oaks. Then came the best of all: Mom and Nicci came and did the same. Both of them seemed to get stuck on the swing which swings over the stream. It is not a good thing to fall as you will get quite wet. I am not sure how it happened but there was almost nobody who ended up wet.

We received a number of calls about Ian. I had not realised that he had actually died last night. But now it is final and there is no further hope. This is very sad for us. I am going to miss him. We all are. It will take us a long time to come to terms with the fact that we will NEVER see Ian again. He played a part in our lives that was important to us. He was able to create a lifestyle not only for us but for our families to come. As Nicci said today when we were up at Barafu: he has left a legacy and this is something that is special and that not many people are able to do.

Back to Port ELizabeth, reality, work, school.
Tuesday we arrived back in PE in time to watch the Southern Kings play rugby against the British Lions team at the new stadium. We walked to Grey school where we met up with some of the other people that we had booked seats for: Jaco Viljoen, Abe Cilliers, Charles, Ingrid, Ian and ourselves all took a Grey school bus to the stadium. We walked the last few hundred meters in a crowd of people. There was still quite a bit of construction going on around the stadium on the roads. We found our seats and then stood in a long queue to buy beers. Sitting with us were: Ron & Lyn; Peter & Elmarie; Anthony & Lana; Andrew, Tristan and Marion. The Game was exciting and while our team was beaten, they were by no means disgraced and played a tough game with a referee who did not seem to make the right decisions in many cases; both for and against us.

Wednesday: another Alpha this evening.
Thursday: we were supposed to be at the Clarendon Park 100 Club but were just too tired to go out this evening.

Friday was the Nippers AGM and Prize GIving.
It was a really successful turn out of Nippers and Parents. We hand out a huge number of prizes and awards this evening. Always quite sad as the U14's will be leaving us. The Junior Lifesavers were there to encourage our U14's to move over to Juniors.

Clint made a wonderful Beef Pootjie. It was really one of the best meals that I have had in a long time. The evening was well supported and a huge success. It looks like we are going to have a successful 2009/2010 season.

Ally won a trophy for her participation in almost every event that was possible. Previous winners of this trophy include: Jason Collier, Giovanni Falco, Quinton van Staden ande Oliver Wiehahn. This trophy acknowledges the fact that Ally participates in a highly competitive age group. The Summies U12's this year are the National Age Group Champions. They were the U10 National Age Group Champions two years ago. While Ally tries hard in every event she will not always win as her competition includes Chrisie Vaughn, Jamie Engelke and Lara Odendal who are all competitive in this age group.

Saturday morning we were joined by Edie Dore (Harris) and drove through to Plett where we held the Memorial Service for Ian. Ron & Lyn came through. The researchers from Wildcliff also joined us. Keith Riggle drove them through. Ann Thomas had told a number of Ena's friends of the Service, the result was that we had a really good support for Ena at the service. Ena has many friends and loyal supporters in Plett. ALice and Ian, Giles Butlin were also there. Keith's team brought a huge Bouquet of wild flowers and protea from Wildcliff. It looked quite stunning in the chapel.

Costa Stathakis is a minister who had come to preach at the Walmer Methodist Church in PE. Fortunately I had made contact with him at that time. He even visited Ena at her home. We attended some of his services in Plett and so had a connection. Costa conducted the service. Barbara prepared a hymn sheet with "Amazing grace" and "How great thou art". I read out a Eulogy, ROn read out a series of comments from students of his Executive Graduate Master of Business (Stern School of Business) in New York University and Edie read out an excerpt from a letter sent from Costa Rica.

After the service we met at Alice for tea. She had prepared a feast. Fortunately the volunteers were there and looked hungry. After the tea we drove home to watch the Springboks play the Lions in the first of three tests held at Kings Park Durban. I did not see much of the match as I had to take two loads of rubbish to the tip. Ron & Lyn stayed to watch. We had an early night after a draining day.

We had missed a hockey game of Ally's. they had played Union from Graaf Reinett in a Derby day. Our Clarendon second team beat Union by 4 goals to nil. I am sorry that we missed this game.

Sunday Morning: Fathers day. I received a number of calls from Nicci, Cathya dn from Jacqui in London. They had just returned from a short holiday in Barcelona. They loved the Spanish People but found the town to be ridiculously expensive. It appears that they had a good holiday overall.

Church: the Daryl, Charles, Ingrid, Vinance, Mike B and Fred Music Group p;ayed the song from the MMC: Lig jou Hande na Bo. A good number of men who were at the MMC came forward and sang the song with Lands lifted. It was a good show of support for Daryl.

A scroll with a description of a Father was handed to the men. Michael gave me a photo of the two of us at the MMC whith our headlamps on our hats. He also gave me a book with 365 things that a Dad should know. For me this morning was quite emotional as I could not stop thinking of Ian and our memories. He should not be gone. It seems absolutely crazy. He was too alive to be dead now.

The following week I kept myself as busy as possible with a trip to Transkei. I left just after 3am and spent the first day in Mthatha, the second day travelling to Flagstaff & Lusikisiki, the third day Julia and I were in Bizana and Mount Frere and the last day we spent back in Mthatha. I arrived home on Thursday evening. Average daily mileage was about 450kays. This had been a particularly cold week. We were due to hike the Mountain Zebra trail but fortunately had postponed the hike for two weeks. It was so wet and cold that it would have been a really miserable hike.

Saturday: Barbara & I did something that we have never done before. Our DVD player had broken down. I had arranged to go running but it was cold. I whimped out and got back into bed with Ally's mini DVD player. We had bought a series called "the Shield" for our trip to WC as we were concerned that it may be wet the whole weekend at our last visit. So Barbara & I settled down to watch the series. And stayed in bed until after 9.00am watching this contraversial series of tough, corrupt cops.

That afternoon we watched a stunning game of Rugby. The Lions were playing the Boks in the second of three matches. Our team were down 5:16 at half time. Just before the half time whistle a penalty was awarded to the springbok team. It was inside the Boks halfway and at an angle but Francois Steyn kicked the ball true and straight and we walked off the field 8:16.

The second half was nail biting. We scored two more tries: one sneaky try by Brian Habanna and a second one on the corner. This put us at 25 points. The British Lions scored 9 points with two penalties and one drop, putting them at 25 points as well and time was up with the score at 25 each.

The Lions kicked an Up & Under and Pietersen caught the ball in the air. One of the Lions caught him with an arm and he went down with a Penalty being awarded to the Boks: Five meters inside our half. Morne Steyn had been sent on to the field as a Substitute. Morne had played for the Super 14 Bulls who had won the 2009 competition and had become known for his prolific Kicking ability.

Morne said to John Smith, the captain: "Give it to me, I know that I can convert this one." These were very brave words. John knew that Francois had been successful with an even more difficult kick earlier on, but gave Morne the opportunity. Morne struck the ball cleanly and while it appeared to hover just before the cross bar, it was over and we won the game in extra time.

The poor Lions Fans were stunned, Shell Shocked, speechless. It was sad for them. They had been in front for almost all of the game with us leveling towards the end and they had tasted victory and a chance to level the series. This loss meant that the Springboks won the game and the series. For the Springbok fans it was an amazing game with proof once more that they really are world champions.

Sunday we again watched some of the Shield Series and I was able to catch up on the Wildcliff Cash Book which I had lost when my computer crashed earlier this year.

Monday 29.06.2009. This day is significant as I went for a run (walk) with the MPRG for the first time in over a month. My knee has been bothering me and I was loathe to test it. The run was no trouble as we went slowly and did a whole lot of walking. But later in the day I felt the pain on the outside of the left knee.

MAY 2009.

17 May 2009.

MAY 2009 IN THE GIDDY FAMILY
IAN IS DIAGNOSED WITH CANCER
MARYNA BAARD LOSES HER FIANCE IN A HIKING TRAGEDY
JACQUES DU TOIT AND ANGUS BUCHAN
I PURCHASE THE MERCEDES BENZ FROM THE SPENCES
KIM TRZEBIATOWSKY DIES IN A TRAGIC CYCLING ACCIDENT
RON AND I WATCH RUGBY AT ST ANDREWS



What a week this was: Monday morning I had a run with the MPRG and in the evening Barbara, Ally and I went to the Zeelies for a Precept course that is being hosted by the Zeelie Cell Group but that is being led by Noeleen Slatem.

Tuesday Morning another slow run and in the evening I had a Nippers Committee meeting to sort out the AGM, New committee and Prize Giving.

Wednesday morning I left early in the morning for Queenstown. I spent the day visiting shops in Queenstown and then booked into the Aloe Grove Farm B & B. I went for a short jog on the farm road. But as soon as it became too dark to see the road I returned. I did not want to injure myself and was weak and tired from a very long day. That evening I had supper at the lodge and fell asleep as early as about 8 or 9pm.

I had ordered a picnic breakfast and left Queenstown at about 5.45am. I drove on the N6 to Aliwal North. this is a stunning road. Good quality road and in a beautiful setting with Koppies and Rocky outcrops en route. The Sunrise that morning stretched from North to South and was truly amazing. Shades of Blue and Crimson, from deep reds to shadowy pinks and oranges. At Aliwal I turned right to Sterkspruit. This was part of the Transkei and is still underdeveloped and does not look as healthy as the Aliwal area just down the road.

I spent the morning at the Price & Pride and Barnetts there before driving back to Russells in Aliwal North. The drive back to Queenstown was equally stunning as I had the setting sun casting shadows on the Koppies.

I was too late to go for a run and probably too tired as well as I hardly ate any supper and was again asleep early. I will probably not stay here again as the showers are luke warm and there is no strong flow, the towels were non absorbent, the bed room lighting was poor, the heater did not work, there was no real soap, only the liquid sort of soap that I dislike. The price was good but the rooms lacked any kind of special touch and there was no warm reception from owners or any greeting from the bar staff. I met up with Lou Bricknell from our church and we chatted at breakfast. Lou is in partnership with two other men to set up proposals for land development in rural areas.

Friday morning I spent visiting shops and left for home at about 14.30. As I approached PE, I received a call from Ian to say that he had found a recourrence of the Pancreatic Cancer that had been discovered last year. At that time he had an operation and Chemotherapy and we thought that it had been cleared.

But now, after a few nights of pain this week, he went to see the doctor and they told him that the cancer was back with a vengence. I spoke to Patrick and Mom to tell them about the call. It seems that Ian plans to continue with his life as far as possible. Jenny's son gets married in August. They are off to Paris this week. And they plan to come to Wildcliff as soon as possible.

Here are some of the emails that were sent:
Peter - just had a set of tests and it seems there may be a return of the cancer. So will have to see what can be done. Need more evaluations so please don't say anything to Mom about this yet.

Ian
Thank you so much Barbara. I really appreciate hearing from you.
I know Ian tried to talk to Peter this morning, but Skype wasn't working that well, so I think he'll probably try again later.


I have been doing some research, and I'm feeling a little more optimistic that there is some chemo treatment that will help buy us more time.
Unfortunately he's having a lot of pain - very sudden onset - just a week since it started, but it hits him when he lies down, so he's not getting a lot of sleep. I just picked up a pain prescription so hope that helps.
Hard to believe, isn't it! but we are coming out of our denial phase and facing up to it. I'm keeping Rachel informed.


Love Jenny
PS By the way, we may still go to Calgary in mid-June for Ian to teach if he is still well enough to do so, and it would be great to see Dawn, so do send me her email address.

Hi Jenny

Peter has just shown me Ians sms. I am so shocked and pained for you and Ian. I dont know what to say except that my prayers are with you and Ian right now. Words cant help what you are going through but just know that you and Ian are surrounded by our love and prays and we are here for you.

Bless you both
Barbara

Hi Rog and Tory and Peter and Barbara and Patrick and Marianne,

Thank you all so much for your loving wishes. We are soldiering on here, and I thought I'd share the latest plan with you.
Love Jenny

Hi Dr Huang,


Yes, thank you. Dr Rein prescribed Vicodin but Ian thinks perhaps he should have a sleep prescription too. Actually, if you would be able to phone that through to our pharmacy, that would be wonderful.
212 721-3883 Park West Pharmacy at 82nd and Columbus

Ian spoke to Dr Chachoua tonight, and we have a plan. We'll go to France for a week, and cope with the help of Vicodin and hopefully a sleeping pill. On Monday 25th May Ian will have a echocardiogram and then start on the EAP treatment for three days, a break of four weeks, then again. Because of possible adverse effects on the heart and one little kidney, there will then be the MRI, CTscan monitoring procedures.


So, we'll see how it goes, but we both feel more positive now we have a regimen to follow.
Jenny

On Fri, May 15, 2009 at 10:52 PM, Huang, William C. wrote:

Jenny. Thanks for the email. You do have Abe's correct email address. Did Ian speak to him today on the phone? Did you get the prescription for sleep and pain?

William C. Huang, MD
Assistant Professor of Urologic Oncology
Department of Urology
New York University School of Medicine
New York, New York
Phone: 646 744 1503

To: Huang, William C.; Ian Giddy ; Stephanie Rein ; Chachoua, Abraham
Sent: Fri May 15 14:11:07 2009
recent articles on chemotherapy for ACC - re Ian Giddy


Dear Dr Chachoua, Dr Huang, and Dr Rein,


Thank you all for your kind care of Ian during this difficult time.
I would like to draw your attention to these recent articles (I am sure your are probably aware of them, but as a former medical librarian, I feel it's the least I can do to try to help, and they make me feel more hopeful that something can be done.)
I'm not sure if this is the correct email address for Dr Chachoua, so would appreciate it if Dr Huang could forward this if it's not right. Thanks.


Jenny Giddy

Citing Articles via ISI Web of Science (31)
Citation: P. Kaur, A. Chauhan, G. Singh, S. P. Kataria & S. K. Mathur : Incidentally Discovered Nonfunctioning Adrenal Cortical Carcinoma: A Case Report And Review Of Literature . The Internet Journal of Third World Medicine. 2009 Volume 7 Number 2

http://www.pubmedcentral.nih.gov/articlerender.fcgi?artid=2630932
http://www.cancer-therapy.org/CT6B/pdf/62._Guthrie_&_Jasani,_597-602.pdf
2008 review article - above

Thanks Peter. Yes, Ena phoned and they had a good chat.
It seems to me that Ian did sleep better last night, or maybe he's just adapting more quietly.
Jenny
PS Chris has just phoned. Very nice to have all this wonderful support.

I'm off to Paris now and next week (25th on) I'll start a series of
chemo treatments

I have a painkiller prescription so hopefully I'll be able to sleep.

Jenny has suggested that we try to get Julia and Laura to Wildcliff in
August and have you and Patrick (and immediate family) join us for a
get-together. What do you think?


Peter
16.5.2009.



The Southern Kings play the British Lions at the Nelson Mandela Stadium on Tuesday 16.06.2009..
The game is due to start at 15.00.
I have bought and paid for 24 tickets for the South side of the stadium on the:
Legacy Upper Tier. Block 619. Seat numbers 4-24 to 4-38. And 5-34 to 5-38
And Block 620 2.1 to 2.4
The cost of a ticket = R85
Peter, Barbara & Ally & Mark
Charles, Ingrid and Ian
Anthony & Lana
Andrew, Tristan & Marion
Michael and Lene
Jaco (Paid R100) & Abe
Ron & Lynn
Peter & Elmarie
Earl, Bailia & 2 (Paid R300)

That is 24 Tickets.
Want anymore?

Peter
24.05.2009.


Saturday morning I met up with Adrienne, Susan, Maryna and Andrew Barton for a run from Hobie. I had felt heavy and tired but once I started I felt a lot better and ran strongly. Maryna and I did the full loop along Strandfontein and down Admiralty Way. While we were jogging I asked Maryna why she had never married. She is an acceptable looking, healthy (triathlete and paddler) woman. She told me that when she was a student at Stellenbosch she had a boyfriend for four years. Philip and herself were engaged to be married.

They had a group of friends who used to hike together in the Boland. They would spend weekends together in the mountains. They planned a hike in the Drakensberg as a group. But for a variety of reasons the group never got together. SHe was doing her internship in Pretoria at First Military Hospital. Maryna works at the University and is a Biokineticist. So it turned out that Philip and his friend, Lawrence did the Drakensberg hike together.

They walked up the mountain and pitched a tent. That afternoon as they were making their Toppers and Smash, they felt stones hitting their tent. They were being stoned by some Basotho men or boys. Lawrence ran out and was hit on the Jaw with a stone and he was badly hurt and fell into some bushes. Philip was stoned and then tied up and thrown over a cliff side and died.

Lawrence woke up the next day and, with a broken jaw, walked until he met a Basotho on a horse who assisted him to reach a settlement where he was able to recover. Maryna tells me that she cried for two years. I am sure that she has had many men friends since then. Maryna is a friend of the Burri's. When Susan was due to have MC she and Markus did the Canoe paddle from PE to East London.

After the run I spent the morning at work and the afternoon was spent watching Rugby on TV and catching up on some recovery time. Sunday morning I met up with Jacques Du Toit and Andrew Jonas for the same run again. Jacques told this story as we were jogging: He had been at the MMC and was there when Angus Buchan collapsed. This is his story:

Jacques Du Toit (Heart Specialist living in Mill Park, Port Elizabeth.
I later realised that one of the doctors who attended to Angus was Jacques Du Toit. Jacques is the husband of Riana Green who is also a doctor and who runs with the MPRG. On Sunday 17.05.2009 Andrew Jonas, Jacques and I went for a run on the beachfront.

As we were running and chatting we started to talk about the MMC. And Jacques told me that he had been there (his second visit). He had heard that Angus was in trouble but was well aware that in instances like this one, there would be a number of GP's who would willingly assist. Last year he had also offered to assist where he saw medical attention would be required but found a queue of GP's who were assisting the Para-Medic's

So when we were called to prayer he did not rush to see how Angus was doing. However he received a call on his phone. But as we all know, reception was almost non existent as there were so many calls going in and out. Then a few moments later he received an SMS asking him to help. He ran over to Angus' home where he summed up the situation: they were giving Angus a Drip and Adrenalin. If Angus had suffered a heart attack, then the Adrenalin would kill him.

He told them to remove the Adrenalin and to continue with the Drip. And, as he personally knew a doctor in Pietermaritzburg, he told them to fly Angus to the hospital. His advice was to either postpone the evening session by two hours or to allow Angus on stage only the next morning. He discussed this with Angus' daughter who is a nurse and with Angus' son, Andy who was in the Music Group.

Later Jacques also told me that his father in law, Riana Green's dad, had been the mayor of Clocolan which is the place where we had stopped on our was to MMC a few weeks earlier.

Ally was playing Drums & Barbara was singing in the music group that morning in church. During this service the minister, Jonathan and Graeme Gilmour made their appeal for funds and pledges. This is for the extensions that are planned. Tim Marshall added a lighter note with his singing and actions routine. I was able to break the news to Mike & Barbie Perks that we are no longer going to hike the Fish River Canyon this year. I handed over the booking documents to Mike.

After church Ally made a number of calls and set up for Hockey at Clarendon. We fetched Mark and he told us that he plays Hockey at his school in Linkside. We met up with about 12 to 15 children and dad's who joined us for Hockey. Ally & Alli, Luke and Luke, Jess and Jessica, Brad, MC and Emelio, Amber, Jonti and another dad, Mark, Ashliegh & Joshua & Greg....

This was the first time that I have seen Mark Du Piesanie in many years. He is doing modeling and has an agent. He was in Paris for a short while doing modeling there as well. He is in Grade 11 this year.

We had a great time playing and generally having fun outdoors. We dropped Mark off and then visited Charles where I was able to give him the tune for In the stillness of who you are and Lug jou hande na bo.

Today I made a booking for the Lions Rugby match that is due to be played in Port Elizabeth on 16.06.2009. at the new Nelson Mandela stadium. This will be the opening of the stadium and the first game to be played there.

I also made an offer to purchase Ian Spence's old Mercedes Benz for R5000 plus repairs to the vehicle of about R16 000.

The next week was just as busy:
I was home on Monday and went to the precept course at the Zeelies that evening. But Tuesday I left early for Jhb where I had good Head Office Meetings then stayed over at Keith Braadvedt. Suzanne and I went to fetch Julia who was playing Water Polo with the men. SHe was the only girl and played continuously for over 90 minutes. Julia is in Goals and saves some really tough and ferocious attempts. I slept well. I am reading Spud and find this to be a really funny book about this school boy at Michaelhouse. He reminds me of me at that age.

Wednesday morning we finalised some of the issues we had discussed the previous day and then met with the ADRS people. Corrie dropped us at the airport. I landed in PE and went straight to Alpha where I had supper and stayed there until about 10pm. THen next morning, Thursday I left at 5am for Butterworth.

I met Christo, Julia, Maria and Alfred there. I was able to give them feedback from our meeting and then went to King where Ingrid Botha had asked me to assist with the documents and induction of a manager. From there I drove to EL where I met Maria and we went to a staff member's home to inspect a lounge suite. It turned out to be legitimate. That night I stayed at Chimneys with Chris Zietsman.

Friday morning I went to Josh, Price, Barnetts and Morkels in EL before driving home. Ally went to her evening guild at the church.
Saturday morning I collected Adrienne and Elmarie for a run at the beach. We met Susan Burrie, Andrew Jonas and MC Botha. We did our normal circuit. A bit too fast and I ended up with a sore knee. From there I went to the Post Office to collect forms for the purchase of a vehicle and withdrew the cash that I would have to pay the Spences.

I spent a few hours at work and then went home to do a tip run with the gardener, Kevin. Saturday afternoon I first watched Ian play rugby against Paul Roos. He did not have a good game and their team lost. To their Credit, Paul Roos simply outclassed Grey. We watched the Third, Second and First teams all get beaten by Paul Roos. I heard that the Hockey team had also been beaten the previous evening.


Paul Roos is the name of the first Springbok Rugby Captain. The story goes that he was wearing a T-Shirt with a Springbok emblem when their team went to play Scotland in 1906 and hence the name "de Springbokke".

Saturday evening Michael and his two boys and I went to a church supper at Admirals restaurant in 2nd avenue Walmer. They seemed to have a great time. We gave a lift to Jonny Pearson who told me that he was diagnosed with terminal brain cancer. It seems that it is inoperable and he is having chemotherapy as well as Radium treatment. I dropped him off at his home in Waverly drive.

Sunday morning Barbara & I dropped Ally off with Michael and then drove through to Plett. Ena made us Breakfast and then we walked to the Spences where Alice signed over the Mercedes Benz. She charged us R5000 plus the repairs that she had just had done to the car to the value of R10 000. Ena gave me a good box of Rusks. I love one or two of her rusks for breakfast.

We filled up and then drove home. It was an easy drive and once I had got used to the size and feel of the car it was not too bad. But it certainly feels like a tank to me. We collected Ally from Michaels home and after lunch went down to Clarendon where we again had an excellent afternoon of Hockey with this ad hoc group of people who seem to turn up from all corners to enjoy a game.

I had the Five Ways Garage put the car through road worthy and then licenced it at the Post office the next day. No trouble and the Merc is now officially ours. I am not sure what I will do with it but it is useful to have an additional car.

Monday evening we met at the Besters for precept. A good evening with plenty of discussion. At this precept course are: Pierre and Bronwyn Bester; Hannes & Jacqui Zeelie; Owen Biggs; Bobby Stevenson; Garth & Noelene Slatem; Rob Ermes and ourselves.

Wednesday evening Ally had a hockey game against Summerwood in the afternoon. She is now in the second team and last year they thrashed Summerwood. Today it was a different story altogether. The had a really tough match and were unlucky to not score a goal. They were beaten 1-0. Ally had a Big Band Competition at Alexander Road where she played well but Barbara commented how out of date the music was compared to the music being played by other schools. Unfortunately Ms Judd ( the music teacher) was attacked in her home and was not able to be there. It seems that she is okay but shaken up.

I had an excellent Alpha session. Fell asleep during the DVD but not noticeably. Our group sessions after the DVD are turning out to be real out pouring of heartfelt stories and problems. I am sure that this will draw people closer to God. The support that members feel from fellow group members is strong.

Hi All

No doubt you will all have heard & read about the tragic death on Sunday evening of Kim Trzebiatowsky.

Kim was an ex Achillean and was likely to shortly rejoin the club.

Kim's tragic accident happened on the Seaview Rd in the company of Chris Gedye, Peter Marriott and Shane Norris. Graham Channon explained that they had been at Van Staadens for the weekend. And that Peter and Kim had wanted to cycle while Chris and Shane were running. Peter had done a U turn to meet up with the runners and they were also doing some hill training. Kim did a U-turn without looking and a lady in a BMW hit her. The driver had no chance and to add to the hurt, Graham tells me that the driver knew Kim.

Kim was also Chris's girlfriend.

To the three of you we extend our heartfelt condolences for the loss of your very special friend. We also have you in our thoughts with regard to the trauma of immediately dealing with a loved one in those circumstances.

Fortunately Kim was not alone and opened her eyes to her loved one(s).

We pray that you will all find strength to deal with this tragedy.

Best wishes
Bruce

Saturday 30.5.2009.
Up early but no one there to meet for the morning run at the beach. So I decided to call it off. I have a sore knee and it is just as well that I dont run for a while until it starts to heal. Went to the shops with Barbara, did a tip run and then Ron & I headed off to Grahamstown to watch rugby. Unfortunately we had missed Ian du Toit's match but we watched from the U16's.

It was a really chilly day and a visit to the pavilion at St Andrews in Grahamstown was required. Ron had a traditional G & T while I had a beer. The Pavilion is really a success with a quality bar, luxury cushions, big couches and a fire place. They had organised a buffet lunch as well as the hot dogs and hamburgers on the braai. The Colliers, John Stapleton, Hennie van Eck, Lindsay Pearson, Arlene Wulfson, Hiedi were some of the parents we saw there.

The main game was closely contested and it was the Grey first team kicker (full back) who scored the first 9 points. The St Andrews boys managed one unconverted try and one 7 pointer putting them at 12 points. Grey scored a converted try and they were at 17 points. Ron & I started to walk towards the car as we wanted to get home to be able to watch the second half of the Bulls/Chiefs Super 14 final.

As we stood behind the poles the Grey team were awarded a penalty. with the track record we thought that this would be the deciding points but the strong West wind put the striker off and no points were scored. But a few seconds later the St Andrews boys played some classic passing rugby and scored from ten meters from their own try line. The try was converted and the game won by the home team. There were huge celebrations by the boys who know that beating Grey is always a significant victory.

Nicci and Stefan had left CT early and arrived in PE at 13.30 in time for Joshua's party in Kragga Kamma. Ally also had a party: Emma at the Boardwalk where they played some ten pin and dodgems.

We had a quick drive home and were in time to watch the Bulls beat the chiefs by 61 to 17. A margin of 44 points. The Bulls were in top form and the Waicato Chiefs were floundering.

Sunday morning: Church with Nicci & Stefan. Then Nicci, Stefan & I tried to find a suitable camera for them to take to THailand but we were not successful. Barbara, Ally & I went to the Bridge where we looked for some DVD's to play for the little children when Nicci and Stefan are away. I collected Mark and we headed off to Clarendon where we had another good turnout of hockey players: Jonti, Jessica, Joshua and louise. Hannes & Amber. MC, Emelio and Jason. Alli Mitchley, Rob and a few friends; Jessica Giddy. I think we had a total of about 18 people in the two teams.

Life is charging on.
Friday 12th June.
Nicci & Stefan are back from Thailand. They were in Phuket where they did a photo shoot for a wedding. At one time they were taking photo's while there was a group on a balcony and the whole balcony collapsed. People lay about in shock and injured.

The final count was one in hospital and many others with minor injuries. We had the three children: Christian, Aaron and Zara staying with us. Surprisingly not a huge effort although I can hardly speak as I was away on business a lot of the time. Also I had the Alpha Weekend last weekend. What an exhausting experience. We stayed at Willows. Yesterday Nicci & Stefan returned. We had a braai and everyone was in bed early.

Both Michael & I had the day off on Friday. I had to spend a short while in the office and then attended Jessica's sing song carnival at the school. Barbara joined me. After the show we saw Nicci and Stefan off. They drove through to Ena for the night. We will leave early on Saturday morning, meet them in Plett and then all drive through to Wildcliff.

While all of this has been going on here; Ian has been having a really tough time. He has been diagnosed with Terminal Pancreatic Cancer. Right now he is in Intensive Care in a NY hospital and has been sedated.

Some emails.
Thanks Barbara. I'll have a better idea tomorrow night as to prognosis.

They are keeping Ian in a coma for 24 hours, so I should find out by tomorrow evening what is happening.

At this stage, I would say no as he is not conscious, and I don't know if he will regain consciousness.

Jenny

Jenny please let me know if you feel Peter should be coming over to be with Ian. Peter is in meeting in East London today. You can contact me on my mobile anytime you need. Not sure how you do it internationally (0842272272 or my landline 041 3748191) the mobile is the better option.

God bless and stay strong

Barbara



Ian in intensive care will let you know

Hi peter and barbara and patrick and Marianne
We are all back at the hospital again today taking turns at ian's bedside though he is still unresppnsivr

They are now warming him up slowly so he will go from 31 to 37 at about 5am. I will go home in about am hour but will come back v early or they will call me if he shows any response.

I am so glad julia couldvfly in last night and it is a comfort having her and Rachel and laura and Jovy here

My James will come soon. He is probably still a bit in shock after yesterday when I called him for help just to help me and ellen move ian back to bed by the time he arrived ian was gray and he had to do CPR until 911 people arrived plus the policemen I'd run to call from across the street.


My brother roger had yet another biopsy and may be released for a few days with tons of morphine until they decide whether to give him chemo or radiation
it is nice to have my sister In law Tory for company


Hope all is giping well there


Take care.
Love jenny


Hi Jenny

How is Ian? Peter has phoned and told Ena and said we will keep her up todate.

I was so shocked to hear about Roger. How bad is he? Sorry all the questions,but very difficult being away from family when they are going through such a rought time. We will be going to bed in about an hour, but you have my mobile number so you can call me at any time of the night.
084 2272272.

We are all off to Wildcliff for the weekend. Cathy and Saul will join us there. This will be Michael's first visit to WC. He is taking the Merc.

Peter
12.6.2009.