Mixed blessings

Little Treasures - our favourite cafe in Petersham, again features prominently.  It seems like the last entry finished at Little Treasures with a busy week ahead.  Well, we had the busy week and here we are back again at Little Treasures.  This time with a different selection of the Hage Clan.

It was Eva's turn to experience "our" cafe, and just to make sure Craig was kept busy, we were joined by Simon & his #1 grandson Samuel as well as Erika.  After Alex deciding to continue the new tradition of the "Hage Belgian Waffle challenge" Craig gave the bad news that the waffles were the only item not available (due I hasten to add, to popular demand! - understandably ...)  As soon as Craig found out that Alex had decided finally to try the waffles, he announced that it was lucky that there was a half portion of waffles available.

So ...

One half serving of Belgian Waffles - but with extra fresh strawberries just to help make up for it.  And, one happy eater!!!

After Samuel had demolished some of everyone's breakfast and a whole strawberry milkshake, it was decided that we'd all head to the park next door.  Samuel was kept busy with the slippery dip and other attractions, and the "oldies" refined the skill of wheelchair racing ...

This is where I should mention that while it was a joint decision to see who could wheel Alex over the bridge and around the play area the fastest, it was up to Alex to appear to be out of practice to such speeds.  But you'll have to agree that he did look the part complete with lap handbag.

The rest of the day really was an anticlimax, and thankfully Alex could recuperate from the morning's excitement at home.

On Sunday it was a very busy day as we had a stream of his friends and family calling in and the kettle certainly was kept on a high boil.  Late Sunday afternoon was again a rest time.

So another week starts.  On Monday morning, like many many mornings over the past 10 months, Jon arrived to share breakfast with Alex.  Usually we'd hear the distinctive noise of his Lambretta as he putted into the driveway, or he'd arrive in his work van.  But either way, we'd hear someone singing on the front verandah just before the doorbell went.  He always arrives with a huge smile and loads of news/gossip. 

Having friends like this is priceless.  Alex always, without fail, was cheered up by Jon's visits and we saw Jon most mornings.

Alex always started the day with the newspaper, and so this just sums up so much.

Now for the difficult part.  On Tuesday morning, at 9:05, Alex died a very peaceful death.  As he wished - at home, and pain free.  We had a running "joke" that it would be good if the end came on a Tuesday or a Friday, preferably between 8am and 4pm.  This was because our favourite local doctor was only on duty those days. 

Donna, our wonderful palliative care nurse, was due to visit by 10am on Tuesday as well.  This was again perfect timing.  Alex spent the day at home and this allowed his immediate family to visit him.

I'm going to finish this entry now. 

There will be two more entries but for anyone reading this who would like to celebrate Alex's amazing life, please call or email me to confirm details.