h2g2 The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy: Earth Edition

Thanks Ivan, wish them It is good to see they are not giving in to their misfortunes.

Websailor

Aww... Twin wheelchairs

Good to know they are still making the most of things


lil xx

Sally's also expressed the hope that the airlines will take pity and upgrade them to First Class or something. It might happen, especially considering Steve's oxygen requirements. Sally's so very practical.

I've just had an email from Sally, describing their trip so far. She reports that wheelchairs have been waiting at all airports on the long and convoluted route, along with airline staff to push them. Sally's been challenging them to go faster and faster and make a race of it... And 'why not?', I ask myself.

That is wonderful news. It is heartening to hear, after so much publicity about the way people with disabilities are treated these days.

Websailor

Wonderful!

Are they getting First Class treatment (literally)? When was in a wheelchair for a trip to and from UK, we were whisked into the First Class lounges at airports and plied with We were also wizzed through the Crew Passport / Customs control queues I reckon wheelchair travel is the way to go (Although don't do that out of the wheelchair: somebody might smell a rat.)

If someone smells a rat your luggage is bound to be searched quite thoroughly, I assume.

I'm not sure if they're getting the First Class experience; the email didn't specify. I'm sure I'll find out quite soon...

I wouldn't fancy wheelchair travel to the US. They will strip down a wheelchair completely, even with a blatantly obvious very disabled person on board and they are not very nice about it either

Websailor

These are the airline's wheelchairs, so that gets around that problem. Outside of the airports Sally and Steve have a hired car, a hired oxygen cylinder thing and a pair of crutches for Sally. She's doing the driving. This also creates interesting mental pictures.

It does rather Good thing about the wheelchairs. My subject has to have a special one.

Websailor

Steve died this morning in the hospice by the lake, peacefully and with dignity.

There will be no public funeral or memorial service, in accordance with Steve's wishes, only a small private ceremony in the presence of Sally, her family and Steve's daughter.

Sally's parents are driving up from Bendigo as I write, and her sister is making arrangements to come down from Mt Isa.

And then - Sally hasn't decided what to do next, but she's likely to leave town for a while so she can have room to think. She knew Steve would die, and she knows that he lasted a year longer than was expected, so to that extent every day has been a bonus day. Now she needs to resume her life, alone...

I'm on standby to provide moral support and a shoulder to lean or cry on, whenever Sally needs it. There are other people in this position too. Between us all we'll manage.

Peacefully and with dignity is good.

It was what we were all hoping for. I'm so glad it happened this way.

and here's to good memories

I'm glad it was peaceful. Here's wishing you all the strength to deal with the coming days and weeks...

You are a good friend, Ivan


Rest in Peace, Steve

Thank you for telling us Ivan. I am so glad it was a dignified end. I think that is more important than almost anything. What has happened is pretty much everyone's worst nightmare, but managed well it can bring peace and comfort to those left behind.

Give our to Sally. I am glad she has such a good friend in you.

Take care of yourself too,

Websailor