Well how did we get here! Its 15 years since your parents both died, but what an amazing 15 years you have both made of the time. Look at what you have achieved! Des, married to the gorgeous Sharon and a practicing clinical psychologist. Jenna with the equally gorgoues James and finishing her pal care specialty. All in Melbourne keeping each other warm. Helen you'd have been 68 last Sunday - there would have been a trip to Melbourne for sure (if you weren't linving there!) and you'd have loved the Longhouse out at Daylesford.
Terry's given up the fags finally but then he had to so all good. He's done so well - 3 months and counting. You challenged me to put my foot down many years ago and I said he wouldn't take any notice (true) but I have said if I find any I'll drown them and him with them so yes, as I've never been really ardamant before he's been very respectful (so far). I will put them in water and they're so expensive now days. Was costing $1000/mth - I know.
Looking at your beautiful young women you can believe that you'd already laid the ground work before you had to leave. They've both been remarkable and are very loving, caring, considerate people whilst still being clear about their boundaries. You and Keith would be very proud, I think Keith particularly, as you already an unwavering belief in them both.
The girls still have the aunties - all available to be called upon any time which is a beautiful legacy you've given them. You knew people well and surrounded yourself with some top quality women. Love always K
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| Kathryn Harrison | 2023! | July 3, 2023 |
| Kathryn Harrison | its 2014 already! | July 1, 2014 |
Well today you'd have turned 59! And wouldn't you be proud of your two wonderful girls. In the face of what can only be described as adversity they have both weathered the challenges that being perantless so young brings with dignity and grace.
At the bank one day we were organising some funds for Jenn's study. Staff member "aren't you lucky having a trust fund" my friends' son is doing medicine and he has to work as well! Oh my you are lucky lucky lucky....... I turned to see both girls standing there hugging each other not feeling very lucky. We did the rest of the shop and I had to return to explain. We would probably be coming to this branch in future. I knew it was not intended but..... I was far more polite than I felt.
Anyway an aside. You would be proud Helen. Jenn finishes her medical degree this year!! She is currently in Mt Isa. You'd have visited I'm sure. Des, Terry me Shaz and Mal will be attending her graduation in Townsville in December and I know you will be there in spirit as will Keith. Des is doing her masters in literature, has done some semesters in creative writing and is now focusing more on the editing side. She thrashes me and Terry at scrabble. She's living in Melbourne and loving it, she's with Holly and another girl she met in Sydney.
Jenna is coming this Saturday night on her way to Adelaide. We're continuing the tradition established and making costumes, a sea goddess and a couple of dancing girls. AND she decided you'd be proud because she solved her "how to make 2 dancing girl skirts in 20mins" problem - I think it will work!
They're both well Helen and have a wonderful support network around them - your legacy to them. They both come to Straddie when they can which has been great. It was becoming the Helen Horswood Memorial weekend I think so I made an executive decision and moved house... or maybe it was me, when at Colours I would expect you to pop up in the kitchen or suggest a champers in the spa, or go dolphin spotting, or a cocktail up on the hill, the Gorge walk, or fishing, we did all of that the very first weekend there. Its become and annual event - there's me Shaz, Col (who you spoke highly of and we've all come to love), Loretto, the Jills, Cath, Lucy, Gaymaree and you badgered me to bring someone so now Tracey comes too. Along with the girls we're at max capacity of 12. We always feel you're around too. You've left all of us a wonderful legacy too.
Happy birthday baby!
At the bank one day we were organising some funds for Jenn's study. Staff member "aren't you lucky having a trust fund" my friends' son is doing medicine and he has to work as well! Oh my you are lucky lucky lucky....... I turned to see both girls standing there hugging each other not feeling very lucky. We did the rest of the shop and I had to return to explain. We would probably be coming to this branch in future. I knew it was not intended but..... I was far more polite than I felt.
Anyway an aside. You would be proud Helen. Jenn finishes her medical degree this year!! She is currently in Mt Isa. You'd have visited I'm sure. Des, Terry me Shaz and Mal will be attending her graduation in Townsville in December and I know you will be there in spirit as will Keith. Des is doing her masters in literature, has done some semesters in creative writing and is now focusing more on the editing side. She thrashes me and Terry at scrabble. She's living in Melbourne and loving it, she's with Holly and another girl she met in Sydney.
Jenna is coming this Saturday night on her way to Adelaide. We're continuing the tradition established and making costumes, a sea goddess and a couple of dancing girls. AND she decided you'd be proud because she solved her "how to make 2 dancing girl skirts in 20mins" problem - I think it will work!
They're both well Helen and have a wonderful support network around them - your legacy to them. They both come to Straddie when they can which has been great. It was becoming the Helen Horswood Memorial weekend I think so I made an executive decision and moved house... or maybe it was me, when at Colours I would expect you to pop up in the kitchen or suggest a champers in the spa, or go dolphin spotting, or a cocktail up on the hill, the Gorge walk, or fishing, we did all of that the very first weekend there. Its become and annual event - there's me Shaz, Col (who you spoke highly of and we've all come to love), Loretto, the Jills, Cath, Lucy, Gaymaree and you badgered me to bring someone so now Tracey comes too. Along with the girls we're at max capacity of 12. We always feel you're around too. You've left all of us a wonderful legacy too.
Happy birthday baby!
| Sharon Wall |
Taken from the archives of the wonderful site "I amthinkingofyou" that was set up for Helen to assist with her caring while she was unwell http://www.imthinkingofyou.com.au
I think the idea of getting together in about a month is a great idea. I would love to be involved and help in any way to organise it or spread the word.
from katie hangan
on 24 September 2008 at 2:24 PM
on 24 September 2008 at 2:24 PM
Story time: I was thinking of telling this at Helen's farewell. Downlands tuckshop - once a month we were rostered on together. One day we were a bit bored after the initial rush. Lad walks up with a mouthful of braces and requests 10 red skins. Helen looks at me points to her teeth and says "hmmm not sure Mum would be ok with that are you?" "Umm well no" said I. We exchganged further descriptions of the fallout 10 red skins could have on his braces. Lad looked askance. No sorry said Helen - he walked away quite bewildered. Then there was the 6 potato scallops and buddy of Coke - "aaahh no" said Helen "Do you know how fattening these are? You can have 2 and a small Coke" As you can imagine we just got worse (better). The tuckshop nazis were born. We had great fun until my 2 sons started getting feedback (I was quick to say she started it but that didn't cut the grade)and requested I never do tuckshop again. We also stopped getting rostered on - funny that.............
from Kathryn Harrison
on 24 September 2008 at 9:19 AM
on 24 September 2008 at 9:19 AM
Agree it is a Helen thing to do - she'd get a kick out of knowing she still keeps people connected. Have to thank Mark for the corned beef recipe (people must think I'm really sad in the kitchen....)this was actually fresh silverside, not corned but I've since learnt its best cooked in a moderate oven with stuffing - so there ya go!
I'll be back in Toowoomba next week probably.
cheers Kathryn
from Kathryn Harrison
on 24 September 2008 at 9:03 AM
on 24 September 2008 at 9:03 AM
What I have to say doesn't sound even remotely close to what I am thinking or feeling..but the idea of keeping in touch and sharing stories sounds fabulous, whether in person or email, very much a Helen idea! I'd say welcome to Helen's circle...xx
from rebecca riseley
on 23 September 2008 at 10:04 PM
on 23 September 2008 at 10:04 PM
I am writing to say that I have felt a sadness that is not easy to describe - it is like things are just not right in the universe but I can only think that Keith and Helen must be so proud of their two amazing daughters Jenna and Des and feel the love from their friends and family. I feel so privledged to have known Helen and by knowing her I have met such an amazing group of people and I can only think that Helen is looking down now and shaking her head and saying well come on move onto the next chapter! I would love to catch up with you all again at some stage and jill I am happy to catch up for coffee anytime - it is easier for us people in Toowoomba and I think we should do that soon. I am going away for a week at the end of this week but will be back then. Love to you all Liz
from liz nunan
on 23 September 2008 at 8:49 PM
on 23 September 2008 at 8:49 PM
Dear Everyone
Like Dan, Kathryn, Sharon, Susan , Lisette and many, many others I am adrift, bereft and a bit lonely. So it is lovely to hear from all of you and to know that Helen is there in all our hearts.
Lots of love to Des and Jen and to you all, Jill
ps I forgot to say the ideas about trips to the sea and trees are really nice ideas.
from jill lawrence
on 23 September 2008 at 2:57 PM
on 23 September 2008 at 2:57 PM
Hi all. I too have been struggling to find some words to post after Helen's moving wonderful love-filled send off. I miss her so much and looking across the road still can't quite believe that she's not there. In a funny way though, I feel her presence and almost hear her voice from time to time. Things like "Cheers" and "You get that". Lisette good idea - see what the girls think. I've been thinking it may be nice to plant something for Helen and Keith - say a street tree that will provide welcome shade as the summers get ever hotter. I could nurture a Godfrey Street tree while ever I'm living here.
from susan cullinan
on 23 September 2008 at 2:33 PM
on 23 September 2008 at 2:33 PM
Hi Lisette
Sounds like a good idea to me. I'd be happy to be involved.
Perhaps after the girls have had a break down the coast - would you like to suggest it to them? I'm sure they'd appreciate it. I think delayed reaction will be at work so the more support the better.
cheers Kathryn
from Kathryn Harrison
on 23 September 2008 at 1:01 PM
on 23 September 2008 at 1:01 PM
I was wondering when I read the additional thoughts that Kathryn, Sharon and Dan have so generously and openly shared with the rest of us - as part of a process that leaves us all so bewildered and 'out of sync' - that perhaps we can build on this special sharing by following-up with some kind of gathering a bit further down the track (a month?). I, for one, would like to meet and talk with some of the people who know and love (note present tense!) the beautiful Horswoods in a situation where feelings have had time to settle and re-organise a little. Of course, Helen and Keith's close friends will have their get-to-gethers anyway but I'm referring to something that also includes people who were so touched by the spirit of Helen's beautiful service, who may want to know and share more - and who perhaps may also want to be involved in on-going support in whatever ways Des and Jenna feel comfortable with.
Just a thought... what do others think?
Lisette Dillon
from lisette dillon
on 23 September 2008 at 12:44 PM
on 23 September 2008 at 12:44 PM
Unbelievable - we started posting to this site 8 weeks before Helen died. That MAC truck was travelling at speed Sharon...
take care Kathryn
from Kathryn Harrison
on 23 September 2008 at 10:43 AM
on 23 September 2008 at 10:43 AM
I'm still somewhere in March............I think it will take sometime before I realise the full impact of this year so I'm taking some time out to do that and recover some energy. Pottering around my home things come to mind like our water pressure of all things! Helen complained (yes thats what it was) - loved my home in Bris but couldn't get enough water to wash her hair. Well it was only 700ml per 1 minute and should be 4 litres as we know. We did the pipes while she was OS amd I sent her a text letting her know how it now literally gushed. She didn't get to test it out........thats' how I'm going at the moment. That and not being able to check how to cook fresh silverside (tip - do not slow bake in oven tough as boots)! I guess its gradual grieving which will continue for sometime. Gradual being I'm slowly getting my head round it that she's not here any more.
Keep thinking we'll get there - just not that sure where there is at the moment!!??
cheers Kathryn
from Kathryn Harrison
on 23 September 2008 at 10:39 AM
on 23 September 2008 at 10:39 AM
Guys - just realised that I can not actually capture your email adresses from this site. If you woud like to remain on an email list of further contact - could you please send your detials to my email which is; sharon@ageingbycaring.com.au and I will confirm with you x
from sharon wall
on 22 September 2008 at 12:35 PM
on 22 September 2008 at 12:35 PM
Thanks Dan - have been struggling all weekend to write up a message..expressing similar thoughts to yourself. I also am struggling and missing all of you...particlarly that generous and loving inner circle (including yourself) and of course the beautiful Jen and Des and their equally gorgeous friends. I guess it is now time to regenerate our physical,spiritual and psychological selves and get ready for the rest of the journey ahead (I - like I am sure many - feel like they have been hit by a MAC truck!!!) - in our individual worlds as well as the combined paths which we will all continue to walk with the girls. On that note - for those of you that have used this site - with your permission thought that we should put together an email list to keep you up to date with directions in the future and to continue to provide a fellowship of suport for the girls and all involved under the banner of Helen and Keith ...see Dan still pleny of "lists etc" - we still need you!!!! xx
from sharon wall
on 22 September 2008 at 11:39 AM
on 22 September 2008 at 11:39 AM
ADDIT
I've been approached by so many people that were at the funeral stating it was the best ceremony that they have ever attended!! At the end of each speaker, they would think that no-one could equal that, but each subsequent speaker did so.
In addition a number of people who had known Helen stated they wished that they had known her better, envious of those parts of Helen's life and friends that they hadn't experienced.
If anyone requires any of the cards prepared for Helen's funeral (or Keith's), there are a number left and are at the house. Leave a message on the home phone or speak to the girls and some will be posted to you.
Estimates were 450 at the funeral, which supports my view that about 30-50 cards (500 were printed) were left.
I'm unaware that the photos and/or video have been sighted by anyone yet.
Lucy did a wonderful job of the powerpoint presentation that was playing for all to see at the wake.
Cheers, Dan
from dan hagan
on 22 September 2008 at 11:10 AM
on 22 September 2008 at 11:10 AM
Hello everyone out there. It was a pleasure (despite the situation) to have put faces on names during the social event - wake. Didn't see the 'sunrise', well I didn't, when the police turned up at 30min past midnight (it was a school night afterall!), I took that as a sign. Just about all signs of the wake are gone, some platters and tables/chairs/vases/screen (Spiritus) are going today. I haven't seen the girls since the wake, even though I've been there the last few day very early in the morning. They haven't been awake by the time I've left at 9amish. Though Leigh did keep me company on two mornings. We also removed the bamboo curtain!!! Thanks to all who provided food, all and more was consumed by the end of the night
Already I'm missing the company of a number of you that were so close to Helen. I hadn't realised how much you all had occupied my thoughts and the day.
I hope that you all are doing well, comforted by those close to you, back in your own world. Dan Hagan
from dan hagan
on 22 September 2008 at 11:04 AM
on 22 September 2008 at 11:04 AM
To Des & Jen,
Our love and thoughts are with you for the days ahead. The love your Mum and Dad have for you both is everywhere amongst all the many people that their lives have touched.
Love you lots
Chris David Charni & Nat
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