Staying Power

There has been a marvelling at John’s staying power. The nursing staff who have been looking after him since Sunday told us that he was infamous amongst them.

Nurses who came to visit would shake their heads, trying to prepare us for the inevitable, and whisper with a sympathetic bow of the head or squeeze of our hands, “It’ll be soon.” or “I think it might be tonight.” or “I’ll be surprised if he’s here in the morning.”

And yet John made it through the nights and was here in the mornings, despite their predictions.

All the while, though, he was weakening – and this evening he let go at last.

We were all here at home, having each of us cared for him since he took to his bed. The two older boys had been home to see their families and brought back all their children’s love. That was enough, we think, for him to acknowledge that it was time.

John set off on his final journey just before seven this evening and we gathered round his bed to say our goodbyes, hardly believing that he was gone. Many tears have been shed; many memories shared; and all our love for John poured out.

We love you, John Sleath. God bless. Safe journey.

28 thoughts on “Staying Power”

  1. Auntie Anne. I am sending all my love to you all.

    A beautiful soul and person I got to know from afar.

    I have you all in my thoughts.

  3. Dad,

    It’s been an honour to be your son. The adventures we have shared have been phenomenal.

    The hole in our lives is not just the loss we have for you that we can’t replace but also the adventures that we will miss.You you always instigated and inspired us to do something out the box and without you life will certainly be less exciting.

    All my love,

    Number one Son

  4. Oh so sad sympathy to you all you will be lost without him he was such an amazing strong adorable person my heart breaks for you all your in my heart and prayers so sorry for your loss 😘😘😘😘😘😘

  5. Dear Anne, So sorry, It’s so hard, John was such a determined and inspirational man, may he rest in peace and rise in glory, keeping you all in my prayers xxx

  7. Dear Anne,

    So sorry to read the sad news, John was such an amazingly brave person and an inspiration to us all.
    Lots of love and sympathy to you and your family.

    Catherine xx

  8. We do love you John Sleath a life worth living taken from us all but so much more for you Anne, the boys and family..
    So very sad and sorry to hear the news.
    Much love Lizzie and Ray

  9. So sorry to hear of your loss. Only knowing you through the blog I have seen how much love is woven into your family and I hope this love will sustain you at this sad time.
    Best wishes
    Liz

    1. Thank you LIz – that is so lovely of you – you have been a beacon of hope on social media for me in that little jigsaw puzzle group.

  10. I’m so very sad to hear the news. I have no words but a deep understanding of the loss to you and the family.
    Sue H

  11. My heart is breaking for you Anne, and for the boys and your wider family. Our thoughts are with you all.
    A great and very sad loss. Life won’t be the same without him for any of us. Rest in peace John x

  12. Dear Anne
    We send our love and heartfelt condolences to you and all the family as we say farewell to our very dear friend.
    So glad we were able to spend some happy time together recently.
    Rich & Jill xxx

    1. Thank you Richard. I, too, am delighted that we had that lovely ‘picnic’ lunch together, which John was able to enjoy. Good to see you at the funeral too – friendship much appreciated.

  13. So sorry to hear of your loss, Anne. No-one could have fought for as long or as hard as John. Much love to you & family.
    Janet & Trevor

    1. Thank you Janet. and thank you for coming to the funeral – lovely to see you. A moment of normality amongst all the madness.

  15. Dear Anne
    I have been so moved this past years by your account of family life, its joys and richness, with always the shadow of John’s illness somewhere in the background. Yet you both did so much, enjoyed so much life and gave so much to your friends and family, your children and grandchildren through all these hard and worrying times. You have shared the joys and also the sadness. I send you my love at this moment of loss, knowing how much solace you will get from your very loving family. With love from Rona

    1. Thank you Rona. It was so lovely to see you at the funeral and so grateful for your kindness at the wake. I did eat something!!

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