Following Sandy's funeral ceremony, guests were invited back to Hinkler for refreshments and food.
Although I didn't get to see everyone, I know that a lot of people made the short treck back to Mil and Sandy's home to give a final harah and show their support to family and friends. Your time was appreciated.
Despite having an earlier "Pre-Wake" in May this year, where around 80 of Sandy's invited friends came to see her, it was difficult trying to estimate what was required for this wake. Thankfully Donna was placed in charge and was able to pull together an amazing party in a very short time. Because of such clever organising there was no shortage of refreshments, food or good laughter all night long. Donna was supported on the night by Julie Morgan who was never seen standing still making sure everything was in good supply. Sincere thank you to both Donna and Julie.
I believe the final harah lasted well into the early hours of the morning.
Sunday, September 30, 2007
Friday, September 28, 2007
Beautiful Ceremony
The funeral for Sandra Martin was held yesterday amongst the native bushland of Pinnaroo Crematorium. I think everyone there would agree that the light rain was a very calming and cleansing climate for the service where some masterful arranging and performances ensured that Sandy received the funeral that she would have been proud of. Our sincerest of thanks to the following people from all of Sandy's friends and family.
We thank you all.
All going well, we will be posing transcripts of the ceremony for those who could not be there.
- Phillip and the drivers from Simplicity Funerals,
- Leanne for her calming and sincere celebrant skills,
- Denise who managed to summarise a life full of never ending adventures,
- Sandy's godmother Pattie and her son Peter with a wonderful poem so aligned with Sandy and her artwork,
- Friend and surrogate family, Mil with her delightful description of such a lovely vessel,
- John and Penny for taking time out of their busy schedule to play such wonderful music
and
all 160 wonderful people who took time out of their busy lives to come and see Sandy on her final big adventure.
She will be missed, however her spirit will never be far from all the people who have known her.We thank you all.
All going well, we will be posing transcripts of the ceremony for those who could not be there.
Sunday, September 23, 2007
Funeral Arrangements
The funeral for Sandy will be held as follows:
Thursday 27th of September at 2:00pm
at Pinaroo Valley Memorial Park
Whitfords Avenue, Padbury
Thursday 27th of September at 2:00pm
at Pinaroo Valley Memorial Park
Whitfords Avenue, Padbury
Saturday, September 22, 2007
Passing
Nellie Sandra Martin passed peacefully and beautifully just past midday today.
Many sincere thanks to everyone who has been sending their warmth and loving to Sandy, her family and friends in this emotional and painful period. I only hope that this journal has been of benefit and reassurance to all the many people who were not able to be with her. It's certainly been healing for myself during a terribly painful yet confirming experience. Thank you all.
We will be posting funeral arrangements here (and in the paper) when they are known.
David
Many sincere thanks to everyone who has been sending their warmth and loving to Sandy, her family and friends in this emotional and painful period. I only hope that this journal has been of benefit and reassurance to all the many people who were not able to be with her. It's certainly been healing for myself during a terribly painful yet confirming experience. Thank you all.
We will be posting funeral arrangements here (and in the paper) when they are known.
David
Settled
Wonderful Edwin from Silver Chain arrived this morning to see Sandy. He has managed to be a relief to all of us here with his effortless movements in making Sandy comfortable. We've got new sheets for the day and a good position on the bed.
Believe it or not!
Sandy is still here with us. Those of us here in the house took turns to sleep and to be by Sandy's side. More joyful singing, some silent spaces and just gently being.
another angel arrived during the night to administer additional soothing drugs so that Sandy's distress is minimal. It is unbelievably hard, as we know you will know, to not be able to do anything except wait with her.
We are certain that she feels the level of love and support with which you are enveloping her.
another angel arrived during the night to administer additional soothing drugs so that Sandy's distress is minimal. It is unbelievably hard, as we know you will know, to not be able to do anything except wait with her.
We are certain that she feels the level of love and support with which you are enveloping her.
Friday, September 21, 2007
Nothing's Happening
Not much has been happening since the last update. Sandy has been sleeping soundly since she received the additional pump with sedatives.
Everyone here is getting to the point of beyond tired, which is helping to relieve the tension as we find most things entertaining. Thankfully we have dedicated visitors who are of sounder mind to keep us in check and make sure we get some needed rest.
Everyone here is getting to the point of beyond tired, which is helping to relieve the tension as we find most things entertaining. Thankfully we have dedicated visitors who are of sounder mind to keep us in check and make sure we get some needed rest.
Not your average girl
Every time, she amazes us all. Sandy is still responding to conversations going on around her. She gets frustrated that she isn't able to tell us what she wants, but we are managing to sort things out and get her settled again.
She's doing sleeping mostly, so there's a lot of sitting and keeping company.
Suzi from silver chain was back today, and she was really surprised to be here again. She was so lovely to all of us here and gave a chat to everyone about what's going on and how Sandy is going to be over the night. When asked about time, Suzi had a hard time saying, not because she didn't want to say, but because "Sandy's not your average girl," the average girl would not be here.
So much love coming into this house from all around the world. Thank you all.
She's doing sleeping mostly, so there's a lot of sitting and keeping company.
Suzi from silver chain was back today, and she was really surprised to be here again. She was so lovely to all of us here and gave a chat to everyone about what's going on and how Sandy is going to be over the night. When asked about time, Suzi had a hard time saying, not because she didn't want to say, but because "Sandy's not your average girl," the average girl would not be here.
So much love coming into this house from all around the world. Thank you all.
A strong woman
Nothing to tell you just now. Taking turns here to sit with our beloved Sandy. Music now playing.
Lovely Lois here again. silver Chain nurses' attention has been incredible. They are kind, caring, gentle and dedicated to making sure Sandy is as comfortable as possible and as able as possible to put all her attention on what she needs to do.
Family taking care of family in different households and all supporting each other. Sandy would be delighted to be responsible for all of this.
Talk to you all soon.
Our decision is that we will inform you all when Sandy passes only after we have been able to contact all family not able to be here with us at the moment.
Lovely Lois here again. silver Chain nurses' attention has been incredible. They are kind, caring, gentle and dedicated to making sure Sandy is as comfortable as possible and as able as possible to put all her attention on what she needs to do.
Family taking care of family in different households and all supporting each other. Sandy would be delighted to be responsible for all of this.
Talk to you all soon.
Our decision is that we will inform you all when Sandy passes only after we have been able to contact all family not able to be here with us at the moment.
Spring Day
Well, what can I say.
Lovely Lois from Silver Chain is here again to refil Sandy's pump, so that she can rest easy and not be distressed.
It looks like the weather was too nice to leave just yet.
Lovely Lois from Silver Chain is here again to refil Sandy's pump, so that she can rest easy and not be distressed.
It looks like the weather was too nice to leave just yet.
One more day
Still here, surrounded by friends and family.
Breathing is quite laboured, but going strong.
Breathing is quite laboured, but going strong.
3am Stir
Around half two this morning Sandy was getting restless and short of breath. The house was woken and everyone here was by her side, nobody knowing what to expect. After attempts to settle Sandy, the night nurse was called to give her a fast acting sedative.
An hour or so later and Sandy is back resting, Mil, Cathy, Margie, Denise, Donna and Peg still by her.
An hour or so later and Sandy is back resting, Mil, Cathy, Margie, Denise, Donna and Peg still by her.
Thursday, September 20, 2007
Night time again
Been a good day today. There's been ups and downs but all in all, a good day.
Sandy manage to get sleep through to about half eight when the Katherine from SilverChain showed up. In the middle of us deciding not to wake her to adjust her position, she popped her head up and took over the decision - typical!
After a fair amount of settling she's back in a sleeping pose and happily resting.
Sandy manage to get sleep through to about half eight when the Katherine from SilverChain showed up. In the middle of us deciding not to wake her to adjust her position, she popped her head up and took over the decision - typical!
After a fair amount of settling she's back in a sleeping pose and happily resting.
All hands
There's been a great group of supporting people keeping the house buzzing and working.
There's been a couple of errand runs to the bottle shop, Melanie is on her way now, Rick did a run last night.
Pete Kirby, Jamie and Katrina were busy today in the sunshine doing a bit of a yard clean up. I think the comment when clearing out the gutters was "Where do you want this bit of garden?" as they took out the growing moss and greenery.
Lee, Denise Munro and Peggy have been busy providing much needed support to everyone with back rubs and massages.
After time with Sandy today, Rick is taking Jaala-Jade and Alexander to visit Grandpa who's stuck in Fremantle hospital with a mending hip. They are then going to see Grandma at the Rapanaros' as she's with Tony.
Denise Stone has been the meal queen, pulling together a lunch, dinner or anything with love and help from Katrina and Chris Cairns. Thanks to all the food that everyone has been secretly putting in fridges, bench's and cupboards.
Tony has cooked us up a huge bowl of pasta for everyone, and we all know how fast his pasta goes!
Singing! My has there been singing at this place. Sandy is being serenaded by three lovely ladies singing like angels. Mil, Melanie and Peg are three talented and wonderful ladies.
There's been a couple of errand runs to the bottle shop, Melanie is on her way now, Rick did a run last night.
Pete Kirby, Jamie and Katrina were busy today in the sunshine doing a bit of a yard clean up. I think the comment when clearing out the gutters was "Where do you want this bit of garden?" as they took out the growing moss and greenery.
Lee, Denise Munro and Peggy have been busy providing much needed support to everyone with back rubs and massages.
After time with Sandy today, Rick is taking Jaala-Jade and Alexander to visit Grandpa who's stuck in Fremantle hospital with a mending hip. They are then going to see Grandma at the Rapanaros' as she's with Tony.
Denise Stone has been the meal queen, pulling together a lunch, dinner or anything with love and help from Katrina and Chris Cairns. Thanks to all the food that everyone has been secretly putting in fridges, bench's and cupboards.
Tony has cooked us up a huge bowl of pasta for everyone, and we all know how fast his pasta goes!
Singing! My has there been singing at this place. Sandy is being serenaded by three lovely ladies singing like angels. Mil, Melanie and Peg are three talented and wonderful ladies.
Breathing strong
Sandy has manages to get some sleep, with the help of the SilverChain nurse. She's comforted with one or two visitors who are sitting quitely (no talking remember).
Her breathing is strong and deep. There's no distress now she's settled.
Her breathing is strong and deep. There's no distress now she's settled.
Rememberances
There's been so many nice and interesting things said around Sandy at the moment that we thought it would be nice to share some of them with you here.
Little Rick
Sandy "Oh Richard, such a nice kind boy." to Richard (nephew) who then stood over Sandy and gave a great big hug and held her.
MaggieMay
Sandy "Oh Maggie can we play play"
Margie "We will always play play, we'll never stop playing"
Tutu
Sandy "Take it off..."
Donna "take what off?"
Sandy "Your tutu - take your tutu off."
The Book
Every visitor that arrived on Wednesday was instructed to view the Book. Sandy has been working on a pair of scrap books for the grandchildren, it's all but finished and shows many photos of family over the generations and memories for Matthew and Nathan.
What's been nicked!
Late last night Sandy was eager to get out of bed. When asked why she needed to get up she replied "I have to go and walk around the house to see if anything's been stolen!"
If you have any anecdotes or stories about Sandy that you would like to share, please add them to the comments or email David or Sandy and I'll post them up for you.
Little Rick
Sandy "Oh Richard, such a nice kind boy." to Richard (nephew) who then stood over Sandy and gave a great big hug and held her.
MaggieMay
Sandy "Oh Maggie can we play play"
Margie "We will always play play, we'll never stop playing"
Tutu
Sandy "Take it off..."
Donna "take what off?"
Sandy "Your tutu - take your tutu off."
The Book
Every visitor that arrived on Wednesday was instructed to view the Book. Sandy has been working on a pair of scrap books for the grandchildren, it's all but finished and shows many photos of family over the generations and memories for Matthew and Nathan.
What's been nicked!
Late last night Sandy was eager to get out of bed. When asked why she needed to get up she replied "I have to go and walk around the house to see if anything's been stolen!"
If you have any anecdotes or stories about Sandy that you would like to share, please add them to the comments or email David or Sandy and I'll post them up for you.
LETTING GO
Lovely Lois from Silver Chain now here with Sandy again. Earlier today Lois put in a sub cutaneous point of entry with a pain management pump so that Sandy didn't need to struggle wtih taking orally any more of the pill cocktails helping her through this.
Sandy has been experiencing more difficulty with her breathing and Lois is now preparing a fast acting sedative, to be followed by a slow acting sedative so as to help Sandy settle and to be as comfortable as possible as she prepares for this final stage.
Sandy, unable earlier to do anything other than try and respond to everything that she hears, has just requested no more talking. She is content to be surrounded by love in silence.
This is obviously not such an easy thing to do - to let go.
Thankyou for sending her your goodbyes.
Sandy has been experiencing more difficulty with her breathing and Lois is now preparing a fast acting sedative, to be followed by a slow acting sedative so as to help Sandy settle and to be as comfortable as possible as she prepares for this final stage.
Sandy, unable earlier to do anything other than try and respond to everything that she hears, has just requested no more talking. She is content to be surrounded by love in silence.
This is obviously not such an easy thing to do - to let go.
Thankyou for sending her your goodbyes.
No more pills!
The nurse has given Mum a sub-cutenious needle so that she now has methodone on a constant flow. This will mean she is sleeping more but won't be in as much pain. The big thing is there's no more annoying people waking her up to feed her a dose of pills, much relief for Sandy.
People are arriving again.
People are arriving again.
Feeling very loved
Medicine having desired effect. Sandy calmer and less distressed. Lee arrived with pastries, Sandy commented is it a picnic day? Is very aware of what colours people are wearing. Doesn't like brown, brighter colours are preferred for us while she is choosing white for herself.
She is glad to know Jamie is caring for their Dad. Helene is with Tony as Marg and Donna are here.
Thursday night with a sip of champagne Sandy declared "I feel so full of love I could explode". She is appreciating the love of her children, siblings, family and friends and is welcoming all messages of love received from you.
She is glad to know Jamie is caring for their Dad. Helene is with Tony as Marg and Donna are here.
Thursday night with a sip of champagne Sandy declared "I feel so full of love I could explode". She is appreciating the love of her children, siblings, family and friends and is welcoming all messages of love received from you.
Morning arrives
Sandy had a good few hours sleep last night - once she settled. Waking at 4am to Mil, Denise and Cathy's care and attention. A few more hours rest before everyone else arose.
Feeling a bit discontent with still being here this morning, she keeps asking why she's still here and apologises for wasting everyone's time. Silly lady!
Managed to get some more medicine into her this morning and she's settling again.
Feeling a bit discontent with still being here this morning, she keeps asking why she's still here and apologises for wasting everyone's time. Silly lady!
Managed to get some more medicine into her this morning and she's settling again.
Sleeping at last
After much coughing and distress, Sandy has fallen asleep and is snoring effortlessly.
Everyone here has found a bed and is getting some rest. All is quiet apart from the comforting sound of the oxygen machine in the hallway.
Everyone here has found a bed and is getting some rest. All is quiet apart from the comforting sound of the oxygen machine in the hallway.
Wednesday, September 19, 2007
Tough night
It looks like it's a bit of a difficult night. Sandy's having trouble stopping coughing long enough to get to sleep. Hopefully she'll be tired enough to sleep regardless soon.
Exhausing day
Coming to the end of a long day of visitors, Sandy is doing well.
It's so very exhausting having so many loving visitors and you have to perk up for them all. This means there's lots of sleeping to be had at every chance you can get. Thankfully the new bed is being of some help in this matter and after much repositioning a comfortable spot can be found.
Going to be a long night, but there will be lots of hands on deck.
It's so very exhausting having so many loving visitors and you have to perk up for them all. This means there's lots of sleeping to be had at every chance you can get. Thankfully the new bed is being of some help in this matter and after much repositioning a comfortable spot can be found.
Going to be a long night, but there will be lots of hands on deck.
Alert and well
After her big sleep at lunch time, Sandy is now alert and providing comments on everything.
Big smiles
Sandy has woken up and is quite alert now. She's being entertained by siblings, children, neices and nephews. Eager to let everyone know how absolutely wonderful they all are.
Arrived
Fresh in from the airport Cathy and Donna have arrived to big smiles and messages from the young grandchildren.
Having a snooze
Having a bit of a sleep at the moment, but happily surrounded by a few family and friends.
Nephew Rick arrived on the way to the airport. He's off to collect Cathy and Donna who are flying in from Albury/Wodonga. The plane is delayed but the should be here soon after 2 o'clock. Will be really nice for Sandy and Cathy to see each other again.
Unfortunately the grandkids couldn't be organised to come at such short notice.
Nephew Rick arrived on the way to the airport. He's off to collect Cathy and Donna who are flying in from Albury/Wodonga. The plane is delayed but the should be here soon after 2 o'clock. Will be really nice for Sandy and Cathy to see each other again.
Unfortunately the grandkids couldn't be organised to come at such short notice.
New Bed Arriving
A new bed for Sandy has arrived so that she can sleep more comfortably. This will hopefully give her a more comfortable nights sleep.
Tuesday, September 18, 2007
Progress update
Sandy is in good mind and not too much pain.
Not having a lot of luck staying awake and focused for more than a few minutes, but she is reacting well to all her visitors.
New Progress Site
Just set up this website (free online) as a place for interested parties to follow Sandy’s day to day progress.
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