FMD, University of Waikato
Issue No: 75 – October 2009
Working Bee at Laurie & Margaret Drummonds 3/10
What a difference a day makes! (Or so the song by Dinah Washington goes). How do we thank all of you who helped transform our home on October the 3rd? Words are not enough but are all we have. The before and after photos are testament to all of the hard work put in by friends, colleagues, and family over a very busy day. In my speech at lunch time I said I thought of everybody who helped during the day as family, because what happened is what occurs when a family gets together to support one of its own. Whilst Margaret and I are not wealthy in monetary terms we are wealthy in friends and family, this was proven on Saturday and my comments to Margaret on Sunday night were “wow what a huge weekend we have had”. Before and After I can honestly say that we have been thru an emotional battlefield since finding out that the chemo was not working and to prepare for end of game. When I was given the chance of a year, I was ok with that and thought I had time to get things ready for Margaret and the family to at least have a haven to retreat to after the end. Things like painting the house and getting the gardens sorted, trees trimmed and all of the things tended to fade into the background when I was studying, doing my community bits and pieces , working, producing promotional DVDs etc. I had planned on the year to enjoy doing what I could and seeing the house and section looking as pretty as a picture. BUT! a shortened life expectancy blew all of those plans away. Before and After When Neil came and asked if Margaret and I would mind if he could organise a working bee, I bawled my eyes out. We are not normally people who ask for, or expect help from other people. It’s normally us doing the helping and that will never change. Over the short period of time from Neil’s initial involvement to Saturday the 3rd, I am not ashamed to admit that I had cried many times after the news that someone had offered this and another person had offered that. All of you folk are amazing, your generosity and commitment are beyond our wildest dreams. Our gratitude, appreciation and respect for you all are heartfelt now and forever. I said in my speech that Saturday the 3rd will never be forgotten by our family, it won’t, and we have the photos to prove what happened on that very special day... We are very grateful and appreciative to everybody who contributed to what was a truly great and moving experience for Margaret, me and our family. To those of you who donated goods and services (Stu Banks, John Roberts, and Fletcher building) we are truly humbled. To those of you who gave freely of your time and support we will never forget what you have done for our family. Tony Dicks, I thank you for your words of wisdom. Pieter, even though a Ford was parked in my driveway all day, I am sure the Ford was much the better for having done so. Ray (the possum) Hayward my neighbours still marvel at how well the tree dropped with fine aplomb, just missing the deck of his house.( I noticed that whenever you were up the tree he was watching you like a hawk). The gardeners, Leigh and the 2 Steve’s, awesome guys, we love everything you did especially the fine pruning of our trees. Pieter’s apprentice, Paul, did another fine job. (We need to catch up and talk about your travel adventures). Dave McDonald a dab hand with a paint brush and again another job well done. Roger, awesome having you there mate always willing to help where needed and it was great. Cont’d on reverse Neil , what can I say , you’re truly a great friend ,words cannot express our gratitude for what you managed to pull together in such a short time, two weeks WOW. Neil, if you can pass on our thanks to Damien and your daughter for the assistance they provided I would be appreciative. Our thanks and gratitude also to Ian Swetman (Swet) and his offsider Howard James (Curly) from Stu Banks Builders Ltd ‐ we were both surprised and astonished at how much you did in the time you were on site. And lastly if there are any “family” from FMD who I have missed thanking, I am truly sorry, it’s just that there were so many people on the ground doing their bit that I may have missed catching up with you. I also want to thank all of you from FMD for your kind thoughts, best wishes and support during this trying time of dealing with such an insidious illness. For the record, I steadfastly REFUSE to give up and go easily. I should also mention the other volunteers from amongst my friends, ex Crown relocations employees, family, neighbours and even one family who I didn’t know. Peter the father had seen the working bee mentioned in the local Neighbourhood Support newsletter and he and his whole family turned up to help a complete stranger. (This is what NZ used to be like) I was astounded. He has even volunteered to help plant the raised gardens once we have the topsoil in place – an amazing and humbling experience. I will have a CD available next week for you to view all the photos that were taken. Admiration and respect for you all. Laurie FMD Social
Alex Riley Williamson was born 29/09/2009 at 11.30am. First Grandchild for proud Poppa Raymond Hansen and a very excited Uncle Karl Hansen. th
Christmas Social – Fri 4 Dec Riverlea Theatre for dinner and show ‐ “Christmas at the Oasis” Cost is $65 per person which will be subsidized by the Social Club – final price yet to be advised. Please put your name down on the board in the FMD tearoom if you are interested in attending. Deadline for names is Wed 28th October. Snow on Mt Pirongia Picture taken by Michael Anderson 6/10 Facilitation will be produced monthly. This publication is available online at http://www.waikato.ac.nz/fmd/
For communications relating to the FMD newsletter please contact Judy Swetman, ext 4980, email [email protected].