Take Time To Smell The Roses.

| allysnotebook

I have an 87 year old friend that is learning how to use his new cell phone.

This morning he took a photo and sent it to me in the hope that it worked.

What a lovely surprise to receive these beautiful roses.

There is a history behind these roses.

Several years ago my friend decided to build a dam in a plot of land quite close to his house. Unfortunately the idea was a disaster, wouldn’t contain the water and left a soggy boggy mess which attracted mosquitoes big time.

He decided to refill the area without the expense of paying someone. He advertised for truck loads of waste land fill from building sites to be delivered free. After months of waiting he finally got the land fill rocks soil etc that he needed. Unfortunately the trucks couldn’t get access to the dam so he had to cart wheel barrow loads from where it was dumped.

At this stage of the saga I should tell you that this dear soul had been cleared of bladder cancer for two years. A few months ago he started peeing blood and getting clots. Finally went back for scans which showed the cancer had returned, still within the bladder. The medical team decided no chemo, no treatment only palliative care, in other words now not treatable 😢.

Back to filling the dam story. After many weeks of tedious back breaking hard work on his own the hole from the dam was finally filled.

My friend then decided to turn this vacant plot into a rose garden. In preparation he located a poultry farm nearby and managed to get trailer loads of manure.

The roses were finally planted and growing well. I haven’t been able to visit the rose garden and my friend because of the pandemic and also because he lives in Victoria and I live in Queensland .

This dear man lives alone and usually declines home help. A few months ago when the Covid-19 hit Australia he was offered Meals On Wheels for several weeks free, fortunately that has been extended.

The bladder cancer is not going away, the peeing of blood and clots continue. The palliative care nurse makes an occasional visit. He feels weak and exhausted, claims not to have any pain. Has been advised to visit the hospital if the blood clots block the urinary track system.

My friend is not giving up. He plays cards with friends a twice a week and also croquet. He loves telling stories like I do and is currently rewriting stories and putting them onto USB sticks to leave for his family.

Don’t give up.

Take time to smell the roses 🌹💐🙂

31 thoughts on “Take Time To Smell The Roses.”

  2. What an inspiration your friend is! And the message ‘Don’t Give Up’ is so important. I love the way you tell your stories too.

    Thank you.

    Joanna

    PS If you can,look up my post just published – at the end there is my garden and masses of roses.

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  3. Wow, what an inspiring story this is. He looks like a hero to my eyes, finding ways to be happy in this old age amidst his health issues. Pass on my love to him. 💞💞💞 And the photo is beautiful ❣️❣️❣️

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    1. Thank you for your kind comments. I definitely will pass on your love to him 💞💞💞 thanks.
      He is a hero. He is a kind, caring, generous man. Does numerous kind deeds for others in the community but yet is reluctant to accept help for himself. I have known him for more 30 years and he has never changed. I am sorry that I cannot be there in person to help him, he knows I am there in spirit ❤🙂

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    1. Anne I am so happy to learn that you survived the cancer 🙂. Life is precious 💕. Unfortunately the cancer returned with avengance, they said his days are numbered 😢. He plans to live life as fully as possible.

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    1. Thank you AOC. Unfortunately the bladder cancer is terminal. Geoff was in remission for two years , it then returned with avengance and now untreatable. Mentally Geoff is very strong , physically is becoming weaker and feeling tired every day. Geoff is doing his best now 88 to keep active.
      Thank you for the beautiful flowers. Sending kindness to you 🦋🍀☘🌻🌼🌻🌼🌺🥀🌹🍂

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      1. Our prayers are strong in numbers and may we send them up united! I have never witnessed so many illnesses and cries for prayer than in 2021. I believe that a lot of miraculous healings will occur soon, and all for the Glory of God. Have a blessed day!💓💓💓💓🍂🍮🍮🍮🍂

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