A better day for MIke. This afternoon we felt really pleased when he seemed to come up a few higher levels of consciousness. I was reading him Lance Armstrong's second book . I wasn't sure if he was even listening until I came to a passage where Armstrong said that the cancer cured him of laziness. Mike's eyebrows suddenly rose with astonishment. I read on a bit and when I checked if he wanted me to keep reading, I got a couple of very strong 'yes' responses.
Then Mike's cycling friend Nicky came in, full of vim and vigour. She said to Mike that her first day in her new job had gone really well. Mike immediately gave her two thumbs up. Nix and I were so thrilled.
To TJ's disgust, by the time she got there, he was sound asleep, but the communication had definitely been there. Plus it must mean that there's a bit of recent memory there. He quite clearly knew who Nicky was, even though she is one of his more recent friends.
So tomorrow is our last day in Auckland for now. I fly down with Mike on Wednesday morning and it's on with the next stage of Mike's recovery.
I said a few days ago how much support all the Aucklanders have been. We feel that Mike's friends have become ours. We will never be able to repay you for your true friendship with Mike and your fantastic support for us all. You have been such a terrific support to Mike that it is hard to take him away from here. Your visits will mean a great deal tohim so do come down and visit. Mike has a large and lively extended family in Wellington. It is no problem to accommodate you on your own or in groups. We'd love to have you to stay. And of course you will be aware that Wellington had more sunshine hours than Auckland last year... or in February....or something like that!
Lee and Bryce
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22 comments:
Great news. That takes the yellow jersey!
Fleur and I are setting off on our grand tour next week, but we'll be checking in regularly.
Much love and all the very best for the re-location,
Deb
That's such fantastic news!!! I kept telling Mike "it's not about the bike" despite his recommedation that I should buy a new one!
Thinking of you Mike and family.
Take care.
Lou.
Hi Wilkinsons,
Thats great news Mike ... keep it up! It'll be great to have you down here in Wellington - and the sun is shining - I love wellington weather!!
See you soon ... Luv Katie xox
That's wonderful news. It must be so encouraging to have that sort of response. Mike, you should be in good shape for the demanding trip down. Hope its not too exhausting.
Lee and Bryce and whanau, we will catch up with you over Easter weekend.
That's great news. Sounds as though it's morning work and afternoon sleep. Keep up the swallowing and coughing practice Mikey or I'll be back to nag you.
Have found several of our photo diaries Lee. Am putting the Heaphy tramp one in the mail for you to read to him. That'll stir the brain cells and he'll enjoy remembering Ali and Phil's fart song. Thinking of you for the flight tomorrow. Much love
Lo'omatua Mary
Just wanted to say that I am thinking of you Mike and hoping for a speedy recovery, will definitely catch up in Wellington when I am next home,
Take care,
Louise Dunning
Way to Go Mike susi and Bill
Houston we have contact! ...wonderful news Lee Bryce, TJ and Phil.
Love and regards
Dave and Irena
Dear Wilkinsons,
Thinking of you all and hope the flight down to Wellington goes smoothly tomorrow morning. I'm looking forward to visiting Mike once he's settled in out in the Hutt (since I'm one of the few wellingtonians still here and not in Ackl!). Take care Mike.
Kate Gundersen
Hi everyone
So nice to read that Lance Armstrong - and Nicky, can get Mike's attention! Maybe the rest of us were just boring!
I just wanted to support Lee's many many thanks and huge regard for all Mike's Auckland friends. You have been a wonderful support for Mike & Lee & Bryce & the rest of his family. People often say they feel helpless at times like these - but you have all hung in there with Mike and it's made a huge difference, your friendship has carried everyone through the past few weeks.
So consider yourself accomodated if you come to visit Mike - or are just passing through. As Lee says, Mike has a large family - and we cover quite a range of holiday desitnations - including Wellington!
xxx Aunty Tracy
great work mike! that is excellent news!
hope the move down to Wellington goes well and am looking forward to coming down to visit when Mike is ready.
Thinking of you all
Anna.
Dear Wilkinsons,
That's great news that Mike had a good day. When he is up to it I'm looking forward to coming to visit him in Wellington. Hope the flight goes well.
Thinking of you all,
Dean Ford
Dearest Mike, You're coming home at last! It will mean so much to have you here and Tracy has said it all for me regarding your wonderful Auckland friends. There's always a bed in sunny Paraparaumu, either at the beach or (a necessary life experience!)in my Retirement Village. I'd love to meet you all.Lee, I'll be thinking of you tomorrow.And my dear T.J. and Andrew, I can't wait to hug you. As for Bryce and Phil ... what a tower of strength! Gran.
Dear Wilkisons
What an amazing tower of strength you have all been!
Mike, will be visiting you when you get back to Welly and all settled. Keep up the good work!
Best of luck for the flight.
Angela Morrison
Hi Mike
hoping you and lee have a good flight down tomorrow. I've not seen the weather forecast - let's hope you are not welcomed back with a bumpy northerly.
Natasha
We are so pleased to read the news.
Trust that the flight home is clear, sunny weather so that you can spend the trip telling Mike how good it is outside.
We will continue with you all in our thoughts and following Mike's progress on the "BLOG"!
It really is good to be able to keep up with the news this way without worrying about ringing at the wrong time. Especially as you all have so much on your plates at this time.
It just goes to show that a strong united family is its own blessing and will continue to be one of Mike's main strengths for the near future.
Our love to all
Kay & John
Hi All,
This news of Mike doing the thumbs up has just made my morning!!
Thanks so much for the blog site...it is so good for everyone to be able to keep tabs on Mikes progress.
I will be thinking of you all in your move back to Wellington. I guess it is only fair that the Jaffa's share Mike with the Wellintonians.
Lee it was lovely talking to you yesterday, I will call you next time, when I am back to civilisation again from the Milford Track.
Take care,
Kylie
Greetings to all (and Mike of course) from beyond the Pacific Ocean. Im sorry that I havent written sooner but life seems to be conspiring against my best efforts at email communication and sleep recently.
I have been reading the blog religiously as my constant source of updates (mother can be unreliable lol), and im really glad you guys update so frequently. Mike seems to be making awesome progress and ive been thinking of him alot. I hope the whole relocation goes well, and Mike i expect you to be ready when i get home for me to tell you all about when Lance Armstrong came here to Vail...
Lots of love and hugs,
Anna
A real update from my side of the world should be in your inboxes soon
We haven't met Mike but we feel we know him through our daughter, Kate Gundersen, and we just wanted you to know how supportive & fantastic you have all been - We have been reading the "Blog" website every day to obtain an update and we also think it is a fantastic idea - well done and your comments are so postive and well written. Bryan and I will be thinking of you all tomorrow with the shift and wishing you well for the trip down - as you say, the weather is awesome in Wgtn!! Look forward to meeting Mike eventually.
With our best wishes and a speedy recovery for Mike.
Jan and Bryan Gundersen
Lee and Bryce
You two are inspirational parents!
Reading the blog each day makes you realise where mike gets his positive and chipper outlook from.
I am looking forward to meeting you both and catching up with Mike once you hit wellington. You can be assured that the love and support you have received in Auckland will continue on in Wellington.
lots of love
liz marshall
thats such good news he's got that recognition and can communicate it too. best news yet after all these pages of solidarity and hope on this blog, to really know beyond a doubt its the old michael right there is, well i can only imagine. we feel so pleased for u guys, well dun it has sounded so tough for u and mike.
weve got a bunch of kids tapes to relieve u a bit lee (fantatsic mr fox and the like) and some cool posters for his room and looking fwd v much to seeing you all. hopefully ull finally get to read this, our fourth effort on this blog thingy. d+b+r+e+m
The news has been nothing but positive every time I read about Mike's progress and feel it can only continue to climb. All the very very best on your road to recovery Mike with all your support from a magnificent family.
Thinking of you all and keeping everything crossed.
Brenda
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