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Post Info TOPIC: Friends
gunadoo


Veteran Member

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Posts: 55
Date:
Friends
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Something someone said to me the other day prompted me to write ...
He said that a person without friends is on his way out.

I haven't posted here since December.Prior to that I was having an absolute ball as a traveller.I'd taken a deep breath,sold the house bought a van and resigned my job.
I've wanted to travel this great land since I was a kid when I went on holidays with M&D,and after the passing of someone very close and then another friend I was Gunadoo it.
Off I went,leaving Rocky in Qld,travelled west seeing the country,turned right at 3 ways and spent 3 months in and around Darwin spending some quality time with my son who at that time was in the navy on the patrol boats.
After his discharge in September I left Darwin and headed south down through the centre,meeting wonderful people and seeing some marvellous places and things along the way,spent 6 weeks in and around Alice,crossed the Simpson from Kulgera,spent 2 magical days in Birdsville(I think..bit vague about that))and returned to Kulgera,on to Coober Pedy and the Oodnadatta mail run,Woomera,into the Flinders and Arkaroola and to see old mates in Mildura.I know I'm raving!!
On Dec 9 I got a call from the ex saying our son Reece had been involved in a motor-cycle accident and broken his neck..things were as bad as they could be.
Careflight flew him from Katherine to Darwin and then to Royal Adelaide where he spent 6 weeks in ICU. Of course I headed to Adelaide from Mildura  to meet the flight and stayed until he was out of danger and well enough to be flown to Brisbane's PA hospital for rehab where he'll be until at least the end of May.Let me say here that ICU at the RA and the staff at Spinal in Brisbane are fantastic,dedicated,and caring people...
Things aren't so good for Reece,he's been classified as a complete tetraplegic (quadraplegic) although with rehab there has been some improvement albiet negligible at this stage..but he is positive and a stubborn young bugger and I know he'll make the most of whatever the eventual outcome is.
Tonight I'm free-camped just north of Coffs on my way to Brissy where I'll stay for as long as he needs me or wants me there.
Believe me,I've thought long and hard  about writing this ,and I'm not looking for sympathy,please,don't want it, but I guess the reason I've made the decision is because I've been inspired by Reece's friends who have travelled from the NT and Rockhampton to show there support for their mate.
I've also been inspired by  my friends on this forum.Those that know me have PM'd me and phoned or emailed to show their support.
So I do beg your pardon for the "epic",and if some think this is not the place to bare my soul so be it. Too late now!! To all my friends here and elsewhere..Thank you.
Without friends we're stuffed! and we should let them how important they are in our lives.
So at happy hours wherever, raise your glasses to friends everywhere.
Cheers
David



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David (going solo)
Landcruiser and Coromal Capri 600
DellieMay


Senior Member

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Posts: 486
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David... You are not alone. Our thoughts and hopes are with you and your precious son. I have "bared my soul" on this forum, and believe me... I felt comforted, and was comforted, by all the members.
Thinking of you
Dellie

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Firefly


Guru

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Posts: 2458
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Well the obstacles have been thrown at you all at once in the worst possible way mate. I am so pleased to hear your son is out of ICU and on the mend. As you say, he is stubborn and many miracles have arisen from just that. wink

I hope his future is postive and hang in there. You can bare your soul to us anytime, thats what friends are for are they not. x o x o

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Gary and Kerry


Guru

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Our thoughts and prayers are also with you and your son.
My brother when he was alive worked as a nurse at at the Hamstead rehab centre here in Adelaide. he was always inspired by the courage shown by his patients.
He befreinded quite a few and took them home for weekends and also fishing on his boat if they were able.
The doctors and nurses in all our hospitals around the country do a fantastic job with the resources given to them by the various goverments.

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htttp://garyandkerrys2009travels.blogspot.com.




Port Noarlunga SA

Experience is something you don't get until just after you need it.
Beth54


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Sometimes we need the anonymity of this forum to get something out. It doesn't always have to be about our travels. And if people don't like us doing that, they don't have to read it.

I found this saying a while ago, and use it often. 'Friends are like stars. You don't always see them, but you know they're always there.'

I live on the southside of Brisbane and I know several people who work at the PA, including my d-i-l. It is certainly the best place for Reece to receive his much needed care.

And by the sounds of it, he has that 'true grit' to make a new exciting life for himself.

My thoughts and prayers are with Reece, you and your family.



-- Edited by Beth54 on Monday 28th of February 2011 12:06:13 PM

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Beth, now living on the Redcliffe Peninsula, SEQ.

 

 
Gerty Dancer


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"SH*T"! Its a lesson to us all, that life can take a u-turn just when you dont expect it.

20 years ago, I cared for a young man who'd boken his neck at C5, hed been in RNS for a year or so, and came home with the support of his wife, parents, friends, and us carers. He had so little movement, and I was tempted to feel great pity for him until I got to know him. What an inspiring young man he was (still is), he never complained (Although he swore a lot!) and was always grateful to be alive every single day. He went to work part time for his former employer, and they were very glad to have his expertise. He did public-speaking engagements on safety and positive thinking.

Often when I'm having a grumble about something I remember him and count my blessings instead... his philosophy has remained with me. It sounds like Reece has already inspired you with his determination.

Hang in there, David, and congratulations on being such a supportive Dad! My very best wishes to Reece, and all your family and friends. Moments like this shows you who your real friends are.



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Cheers,  Gerty. ... at home

"Leaning forward to see whats coming"
                                                                   
Vic


Guru

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I know you said you don't want sympathy David, but you and Reece certainly have the thoughts and support of all here with you,

Hope Reece's condition continues to improve as much as possible,

Sincerly,
Vic


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Vic

Hi Ace Pop Top Campervan & A'Van A'Lite Camper Trailer.....

Khalil Gibran says "We tarry forward - not backward".

Spread the laughter
Share the cheer
Let's be happy
While we're here.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 
valnrob


Guru

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Best wishes for your son Gunnadoo, as he is a stubborn young fella he will make the most of whatever life throws at him. He's got a great family and wonderful friends network of people to support him as we on the forum do. Good luck to him and peace to you.

-- Edited by valnrob on Monday 28th of February 2011 01:47:29 PM

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Helena


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Gunnadoo sometimes it is good to write things down as you have done not only does it help you it also helps us that read it to be thankful for the health that we have ,as others have said our thoughts are with you and best wishes for your son. Helena.

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justcruisin01


Guru

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Mate , these are the things we do for family because we can, & it makes us all feel better.
All the best to you & your son .

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Be your self; there's no body better qualified !                    "I came into this world with nothing , I still have most of it"

 

JC.

 


 

                                             

                

    

                          

Happywanderer


The Master

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David, you write and bare your soul as much as you want. Sometimes it helps more than trying to talk to someone about it.
I know I did on here when I first joined as my son had a truck accident 4 years ago next may, will never work again, head injuries, multiple injuries. 4 and half weeks in coma and 6 weeks rehab in ABI unit.

There are times when you need to write it all down and have a little cry. All the best to you, Reece and your family and know there is love all around wishing him a recovery to what ever level will be.

My son is happy up in Qld with my 2 grandkids, one born since the accident. Sometime in the near future he is to lose his left leg. Not related to the accident, born with a Congenital Vascular Deformity and told he would lose it by 21, He's now 37 has lived his dream of driving all the trucks he ever wanted right up to road trains. Just a bugger he had the accident driving logging trucks.

The vascular surgeons have told him they can't save it much longer, it is deteriating and he has accepted that.

Back to you David, be with your son, hold his hand, give him your love and you never know, one day you may be able to take him for a trip in caravan having a bit of together time.
I will be looking out for you. All the best.

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Happy Wanderer    

Don't worry, Be Happy! 

Live! Like someone left the gate open

 

 

 
gunadoo


Veteran Member

Status: Offline
Posts: 55
Date:
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Thank you all for  your support and thoughts.
David

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David (going solo)
Landcruiser and Coromal Capri 600
jandas fun


Guru

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Posts: 700
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Hi David, our thoughts and prayers are with you and Reece as well.
Let us know if we can help in any way.

John and Anne.

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There is no road to happiness. Happiness is the road.

Just Lovenit.


Wentworth Falls NSW
BobnBev


Senior Member

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Posts: 460
Date:
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David thats so sad, we wish your son the best....

Saw a small writting once that said." no one is promised tomorrow"

I have 6 grown up "kids" I know it would shatter me...



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Happywanderer


The Master

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David, I hope all is going well on your trip north to Brisbane. Have a safe trip and all the best when you are with Reece again.

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Happy Wanderer    

Don't worry, Be Happy! 

Live! Like someone left the gate open

 

 

 
Travel Bug


Guru

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Posts: 1874
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David, I haven't posted here for a while either as I have been without internet because of flood evacuation and moving house.
I looked in today and was really saddened by your post.
I know that you said you don't want sympathy...and I understand and respect that.
I just want to tell you that I really feel for you and Reece and any time that you need to unload your thoughts or cares...this seems like the right place to do it as there are plenty of caring and supportive friends to listen.
David, you sound like a strong person so Reece comes from good stock and he is certainly in a good hospital. these things are important.
Hang in there mate and when you have the time, keep us posted.
Take care. Pam. (aka travel bug)

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 Cheers. Pam.

Safe and happy travels everyone.

 
Whistler


Member

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Gunadoo, you have my raised glass. Big job ahead.

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