Dad: all the thank you’s
Oktober 31, 2009 in Sonder kategorie
Johan Daniel Herselman 29-03-1926 to 31-10-2009
Ever the gentleman, he even waited until a decent hour to die (06h00 this morning). He was always worried about me having to go out when it’s dark. And he knew how much I like to sleep late on a Saturday morning, instead of sitting up, coughing with the birds…
A remarkable man indeed, one who yesterday still offered his hand for a handshake every time a dominee walked in (there were three at his bedside at different times yesterday).
One man that I have to really thank, is Willie Badenhorst, my schoolpal-dominee. On Monday night, he spent two hours with me in casualty while waiting for my dad to be admitted to a ward. He visited my dad every day, and came twice on yesterday. Last night, at about 18h00, a huge storm hit Gauteng, and by that time I was alone with my dad again after my brother Gerhard left.
It was comforting to have Willie sit with me watching my dad falling deeper and deeper into a peaceful sleep while we talked about this and that from days gone by.
I drew great comfort from his friendship this week. Thanks to his wife Andra who allows her husband to serve the Lord by being the kind of “involved”, community orientated people’s person he is.
Also thank you to Jackie and Ludi Birk and their daughters, Lare and especially Helet, for looking after my kids at the drop of a hat, even after Jackie (also a breast cancer survivor) had to undergo painful but extremely important tests on Thursday at the same hospital where Dad was. Thank you that nothing is ever too much trouble when it comes to the Salzwedels!
My other two friends, Cornelia Louw and Lynette Lourens (both breast cancer survivors) for coming to pray for Dad and for being there for all of us in different ways. Cornelia took the kids on Monday when the ambulance fetched Dad, and, as often in the past, she held my arms high.
To Martha Moroke, my domestic manager and soul sister, for keeping the household going, not only this week, but during the last 13 months since Oupa moved in. She was the one constant factor in my life the last eight years, through a stormy marriage, a painful divorce and the death of two parents.
To Dad’s carers Patricia and Busi, especially for the last few days before he was hospitalised, but also for all the love and care they bestowed on him over the last few months. Also Jane, who despite her own troubles, came to help with Dad on Thursdays.
For Sophia Kapp, soul-sister and friend, for all the SMS’s. Also, all my other colleagues and friends from all over the country, both in “real life” and in blogland. Thank you from the bottom of my heart and soul for being there in so many different ways this week.
And to the (patient) editors: I’m trying, I’m trying…
(I slept a solid seven hours today. The bronchitis still very much with me. Watched the rugby. Such a pity the Cheetahs had to play against Jonathan Kaplan and the other refs as well. Now, back to bed for me…)
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