Friends Indeed

I recently received this photograph of a gorgeous Crepe Myrtle in bloom, which was planted by our dear friends, Marv and Joan Borne, in memory of Russel, in the garden of The Oaks IV. I know that Russ would have absolutely loved this beautiful tree, especially the colour of the flowers.

Marv and Joan planted the Crepe Myrtle opposite their lanai, in place of the Loquat Tree which had once stood there. Our condo was the one directly above Marv and Joan’s so we had a good view of the tree that was there previously. I have many memories of watching squirrels, raccoons and red cardinals busy in the Loquat Tree. In fact, I think at one time we used to let our cat, Marmite, climb on the branches when we took him outside for a walk.

We would have had an ideal view of the Crepe Myrtle from our lanai and lounge window. Russ and I would both have enjoyed this lovely tree. It was so touching to me that our dear friends chose to honour Russel’s memory in this way. He loved the outdoors and nature, especially the gardens where we lived.

I am still in contact with a few of our friends from our old condo complex in America and it is wonderful to continue to remember Russ with them. The wonderful folk from The Oaks IV just loved Russel and they were heartbroken when they heard he had terminal cancer. Many of them rallied around offering assistance and support, and some even helped us with financial gifts. Still so grateful for the love we were shown by these amazing people.

Together with Marv and Joan, I still keep in touch with our friends Tom and Renee, Sharon and Paul, as well as Bettylou, all of whom we met in Port Charlotte, Florida. Just a handful of people I share memories with from the fourteen years Russ spent in the USA and the special folk who helped us the most when they heard about Russel’s illness.

Russel and I would never have coped with out the love and support of these folk when he got ill and we had to return to South Africa. Our Florida friends started the ball rolling with practical help and emotional encouragement. They were soon joined by other family and friends around the world. I am thinking here especially of my Mom and Dad, my sister, Deb and my dear cousin Di de Reuck and her husband, Al.

Mom just wanted to hop on a plane to be at my side. Deb was all set to come and fetch Russ in America if he took a turn for the worse. Dad wanted us to get home as soon as possible, and helped us tremendously with our financial burden. Di and Al so very kindly helped us bring Gucci back to South Africa.

Even though I do not have enough words to properly thank everyone who helped Russel and I during this dreadful time and in the days that followed until now, I would like to say that I am so incredibly grateful from the bottom of my heart for the love in action that we experienced. May God abundantly bless you all and multiply your gifts one-hundred-fold back to you all. Thank you. I love you.