The generosity and pleasure of getting out enjoying the amazing Te Puna Sheep Speed Shearing Competition a month ago was so heart-warming. Thank you to the committee and everyone who came along that evening. Over $4000 was raised and this Memory Making Money has gone on to help fund the big trip to Auckland to see Lucy's beloved Florence in concert. Lucy had been nauseous for the week prior and the sickness had taken her back to the hospital, so it was with great big smiles and relief that the journey could be made. The delight and amazement from seeing her idol live, left Lucy buzzing for days. The treat of an accessible waterfront hotel and a splurge on official Florence merchandising was truly epic. Getting ready for the concert was just as much fun, as two youthful and beautiful young ladies spent a luxurious 2 hours applying make-up and trying out lipstick. We swept into the concert in cool late style, shortly before Florence made it energetically to the stage and thrilled the crowd on the last night of her world tour.
A special holiday was booked for the family to travel to Arrowtown in the South Island early February, however coping with the rapidly changing conditions of Lucy's physical abilities, meant that the Drakes decided to opt for mini holiday closer to home. Last week they got to Ohope Beach, setting up Lucy's hospital bed in the middle of the living room. From here she looked straight out onto the sea and sand and could hear mum's whooping in the waves, a really special time for the family to relax together.
And now it is coming to the crunch time, last weekend there were more discussions around Lucy's funeral and the big party she would like to have. Rick has been asked if he will make her coffin, she wants it to be covered in artwork which her talented sister Ella and friend Samara are getting involved in. She would love lots of flowers and everyone to bring food to share. Most of all Lucy would like a big party, in the heart of the community which has done so much for the family.
In the last few days Lucy has started to lose the use of her hands, understandably this would be the point of real frustration for Lulu, but when I popped in to see her last night the first thing she thought of was to check if I was ok and had I had chicken pox, as she has contracted shingles and doesn't want anyone else to catch it. I love Lucy and her continued cheekiness that had me laughing and giggling with much mirth while sitting at her bedside. I'm very lucky to know this beautiful person, who has many thoughts and ideas to improve her world and that of others. That's the hard bit right there, I adore talking to young people and hearing what they think. Soaking up the fresh, untarnished view of what wonders our world can be…
This week Meg has had to stop work, as Lucy is starting to need around the clock care. The support of her employees at The Garden early childhood centre has been beyond what Meg and the family could have asked for. Nick is still self-employed as a tiler, so will be taking days off to give Meg some respite. Lucy now needs help with brushing teeth, taking medication and feeding. While the cancer in her spine is affecting her physically, the cancer in her brain is affecting her short term memory and Lucy has come up with some gems. Especially amusing can be when her "inside voice" talks and it has her parents smiling and shaking their heads.
With an inability for Lucy to support her upper body, transferring into a car is now not an option so a Mobility Taxi is the only way to get Lulu's much-desired freedom from the house. Although as Nick found out yesterday the $190 return cost to town curtailed his idea for a spare of the moment plan to visit The Mount and a trip out will have to wait for another day.
Rick and I are still looking at ways to help this battling team out and we are running Cyberlink's Omokoroa Community Garage Sale and Car Boot at Freshchoice on Saturday 30 March. It's planned there will be a carwash and I think Benny, Lucy's brother, is going to make some of his delicious cinnamon rolls to add to a cake stall.
There is so much that people have done for the family – THANK YOU, THANK YOU, THANK YOU to all that have and continued to make meals for the Drakes, to those that have helped to raise funds and been there with cheerful encouragement, it has and continues to make the world of difference.
If you are able to spread the news of this give a little page, to lighten the financial burden in a time of reduced income, it is truly appreciated. As the family enjoys the time they have left with their lovely daughter & sister.
Aroha nui
Veronica & Rick Peers.
