His laughter, his sensitivity, his magnanimity, wove a fabric of contentment around our inauspicious lives. We enjoyed simple pleasures. We were rich in the company of family, friends and neighbours. His generous concern for others, his loyalty in friendship, enriched the life of everyone he met. A very companionable spirit, ever true.
Cancer unpicked the threads of our life strand by strand. Slowly but surely we found ourselves naked and exposed in an unfamiliar and increasingly airless, claustrophobic space.
Though he was the one with terminal diagnosis, I too felt the catastrophic power of the ultimatum. Months, maybe two. Five, perhaps with treatment.
We had no idea what to expect. Every moment held the potential of being the last.Every symptom, every medical intervention, revealed the perverse behaviour of a disease that has no respect for courage or willpower to survive.
For the duration of his battle there were many obstacles that need not have been there.
For the duration of his battle, Macfarlane's uncomplaining nature, his bravery and stoicism were inspirational and utterly humbling.
His life has much to teach us, still, about the strength of the human spirit.
Remembering his smile heals the pain in this moment.
mailto:macdoodle5@btinternet.com
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