Requiem
by Robert Louis Stevenson
UNDER the wide and starry sky
Dig the grave and let me lie:
Glad did I live and gladly die,
And I laid me down with a will.
This be the verse you grave for me:
Here he lies where he long'd to be;
Home is the sailor, home from sea,
And the hunter home from the hill.
My father died at just after six thirty this morning. Richard - my brother - and I were at the bedside. I held his hand whilst Richard - an army Padre - said the prayers for the dying. It was a very beautiful and spiritual moment, and it will take both of us a considerable time before we can put it all in perspective.
My brother and I would like to thank ALL the staff on the Intensive Care Unit at the North Devon District Hospital, especially Dad's alloted nurse Michelle, who was affectionate, kind beyond belief, and both compassionate and professional. Thank you my dear - we both owe you a debt that can never be repaid.
The funeral arrangements will be made in the next day or so and we shall post them here.
My brother and I want to thank everyone who has given us messages of support over the last weeks.
God Bless you all
Jon and Richard Downes