Mark had told me about Mike’s Parkinson’s. I’d totally forgotten until I caught a glance at his clasped hands – to disguise the shaking. It didn’t matter to me but it did to him. Such a very proud, dignified man.
Mark also told me that when Mike had been diagnosed with Parkinson’s rather than curl up and accept his fate he’d gone out and bought a computer, had lessons, researched all he could on the internet, learned exercise could slow its progression and joined the gym. If that doesn’t show a strength and determination of character I don’t know what does? A strength and determination which left him fighting to the bitter end.
There’s so many good things I’ll remember about Mike. The way no matter what the weather Oscar would always get his walks. His bowling green lawns. His beautiful garden. His appearance was always immaculate. He was a perfectionist. He had one of the sharpest minds I have ever encountered. He had a wicked dry sense of humour which would leave me chuckling for days after thinking about his comments.
When Morgan was born – I have never seen a more proud Grandad which is captured beautifully in the photographs the way he is staring down at him with pure adoration, joy and love. Looking at all the photographs of Mike and Morgan each one Mike is holding his hand like he never wants to let it go. He was always so very proud of his family.
Mike With Morgan a Day Old
Dawn, Mark's sister, Mark, Mike, Morgan & Pat For Mike's 71st Birthday last October
Mike Morgan & Pat
Mark and his Mam & Dad last Christmas
Mike was diagnosed with a brain tumour two years last October. They operated but weren’t able to remove it all. He basically had to learn to do everything again from walking and talking to basic social skills. He deteriorated quite rapidly since Christmas and its just short of a month ago that Mark got “the call.”
We live in North Wales. His parents live in Chesterfield and his sister lives in Warwick.
Mike fell at home in the morning. He went to a hospice once a week and they found him on the floor in the bathroom. In the afternoon he fell again and Pat called for an ambulance. They called for the paramedics who were able to stabilise him but whilst they agreed he should be in hospital they didn’t want to take him to A & E as they felt he should be taken to the local hospital which had no A E . A GP came out and agreed to get him admitted on Wednesday morning meanwhile he had another fall on Tuesday night and had to be admitted. Mark left here Wednesday morning. His Dad was transferred to the local hospital by ambulance.
He was suffering from the brain tumour, from Parkinson’s and from dangerously low blood pressure (75 over 33 at one stage).
People would ask ne how he was and my reply was
“He has good days when he knows what’s happening and responds – he’s like the old Mike. He has bad days when he’s completely oblivious to the outside world. The worst days though are when he knows what’s going on and can’t make himself understood.”
Always fiercely independent he tried to get up out of the chair last Monday and whether he stumbled or fainted we don’t know but the outcome was he cracked his head against the corner of the wall and fractured his skull.
He was taken to the Royal Chesterfield hospital. His condition deteriorated rapidly on Tuesday and he was given a matter of hours. His dogged fighting determination remained until the end. Whilst he remained unconscious he lost his battle for life at tea time on Friday.
Pat, has been very fortunate to have been married to such a wonderful man for almost 50 years it would have been their Golden wedding anniversary in September. No one can take away her memories. She has lost her husband, her soul mate and her best friend. Dawn and Mark have lost a wonderful Dad. Faye, Matt and Morgan have lost an amazing Grandad. The world has lost a truly dignified “gentle” man. My life has been enriched for knowing him. He will be sadly missed.
Pat doesn’t want his funeral to be a sombre affair. It was quite cathartic for me searching yesterday for Morcambe and Wise’s “Bring Me Sunshine.” One of the saddest things though is Pat will be 70 next Sunday.
BRING ME SUNSHINE
Willie Nelson
Bring me sunshine in your smile
Bring me laughter all the while
In this world where we live
There should be more happiness
So much joy you can give
To each brand new bright tomorrow
Make me happy through the years
Never bring me any tears
Let your arms be as warm as the sun from up above
Bring me fun, bring me sunshine, bring me love
Bring me sunshine in your smile
Bring me laughter all the while
In this world where we live
There should be more happiness
So much joy you can give
To each brand new bright tomorrow
Make me happy through the years
Never bring me any tears
Let your arms be as warm as the sun from up above
Bring me fun, bring me sunshine, bring me love
Bring me sunshine in your smile
Bring me laughter all the while
Let your arms be as warm as the sun from up above
Bring me fun, bring me sunshine, bring me love
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