The Inevitable

“There is a land of the living
and a land of the dead,
And the bridge is love.”
from “The Bridge of San Luis Rey” by Thornton Wilder

imageRip Jon Alastair Craig
1941 – 2015

It doesn’t seem possible that just 8 weeks ago we were enjoying life and making plans for another trip. But now, what became inevitable, has happened.
After only one round of chemotherapy, it became apparent that this invader in the Architect’s head was stronger than any modern medicine.  My darling lived for only another five weeks.
Surprisingly, he was in no pain except at the very end. The consultants and staff at Wellington Regional Hospital were fantastic. Initially, the consultants thought that this could be fought with large doses of chemotherapy, but it became apparent after only one round that this was not to be.  So that he was not alone I slept at the hospital in his room with him for the 17 nights leading up to the transfer to the hospice.
The last 10 days of his life were spent at Te Omanga Hospice close to home.  What a lovely place, set in beautiful calm grounds and staffed by such an amazing, caring, loving group of people.  Again I stayed with him and I too was cared for by this incredible group of people. I cannot thank them enough: Then quietly and peacefully on Sunday, August 16 the Magic Carpet Ride came to an abrupt end. My second love died.
We had only two years together, but what a fabulous two years.  Thank you thank you for sharing this time with me my love.

“To live in lives you leave behind, is not to die.”
Judith Baxter, Blogger & friend 1938 –

42 responses to “The Inevitable

  1. Oh, Judith, I am so sorry to hear this but I had been wondering how you were. You were with him until the end and had made the most of your two years together. That is a lesson for us all to live and savor each day. Your quote at the end is so true. May the beautiful memories bring you peace and comfort. You made a fine looking couple!

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  2. I’m so sorry, Judith. I hope the lovely memories of those two years will warm your heart when you are hurting.

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  3. I’m so very sorry to read tho, Judith. My heart goes out to you. May your happy memories give you some comfort. Blessings xx

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  4. I am so very sorry to hear this sad news, Judith and my heart goes out to you. You had two fabulous years together and you have been left with some wonderful memories. You are in my thoughts and in my prayers. ❤

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  5. Oh, Judith, how very difficult this must be for you. I am so sorry and you are in my thoughts from far across the world. How wonderful that you had those two ecstatic years though, and I could tell your love and joy were boundless. Carry on my friend as you have done before.

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  6. I’m so sorry for your loss. So very sorry.

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  7. Oh Judith. 😦
    I look up to the stars tonight, look up tomorrow and catch a massive hug as it falls back to earth. 🙂

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  8. My sincere commiserations Judith. Cancer is no respecter of nice people and takes our precious ones away.I’m glad you will be able to remember the good times with The Architect.
    xxx Huge Hugs xxx

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  9. So sad to hear this, Judith. My thoughts and prayers go out to you. May you find comfort and peace in your memories and strength in knowing so many are saddened to hear of your loss.

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  10. I’m so sorry for you loss; your tribute to your love is beautiful x

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  11. Oh! So very sorry for your loss! What a lovely description of what had to be an emotionally painful, heartbreaking time for you both. My heart goes out to you in this sad time.

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  12. Holding you in my heart and prayers dear Judith. May your heart find peace as you rest in the knowing of how deeply you have loved and been loved. A gentle hug to you my friend.

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  13. What a beautiful tribute to your second love. The two of you put the two years you had together to good use. Peace . . .

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  14. I’m so glad you had that whirlwind two years together. So sorry for your loss. Your nearness was surely a blessing to the Architect, right up to the end. Hugs.

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  15. Hello I just read this piece, I love you so much wish I was with you now. I am making sure I hug and cuddle Alan all the more because we none of us know what will happen tomorrow, God Bless xxxxxx

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  16. Just remembered the day we were packing up the old house looking at this picture of Jon sitting in the garden. We were exhausted with cleaning the house and Jon wanted the newspaper and I was going to deck him or rather pour the jug of water over him had he dared read the newspaper. Such Happy Days with you both love XXXXX

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  17. Judith, I am so deeply sorry about the loss of your dear Architect. How preciously you have loved and been loved throughout your life. My heart goes out to you….may you be comforted and strengthened by the continuing blessings of the deep love you have received, offered and shared…………

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  18. Dear Judith, you have my heartfelt sympathy for the loss of your beloved.
    It has been such a joy to read your blog over the years.Thank you for your honest sharing of the joys and sorrows of your life. It is amazing how easily the Internet allows us to share our thoughts and experiences wherever we are. Namaste, dear Judith.

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  19. I’m sorry for your loss. This is a beautiful tribute to the time you had together and that time spent is a blessing.

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  20. I am so sorry for your loss.

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  21. I am so very sorry for your loss.

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