The enormity of losing a loved one, a friend, is only surpassed by the haplessness one feels that they did not hear or recognise those faint cries for help…
Five years have now passed since we lost a very dear friend, a sister, a daughter.

Marion, one of four Fawthrop girls and Janet’s sister, suffered greatly from a terrible affliction called Meniere’s disease. Tragically, just ahead of her 50th birthday the pain of Meniere’s, which had come and gone throughout her life, became far too much to bear any longer and she sought the refuge, the comfort of another world where she could be freed from the bondage of the pain it caused her.
In those early times following Marion’s passing we all shed many tears, and a day never passes where Marion isn’t still a part of our lives, a casual smile here, your mind’s eye seeing her dressed up in all her finery.
Marion loved to dress up, to party.

And still, there are those moments where the tears well in our eyes…
Marion was a great lover of the Arts and had many friends in the art world. And it is something that runs in the family, as Leah, the youngest of the girl’s is a wonderful artist, having studied artistic photography, among other things…
As a tribute to Marion, Leah came up with the idea of creating Marion’s Artree, where works of art with a Christmas theme, along with Christmas decorations are handmade by artists’, craft workers and designers.

People whom Marion touched, and others whom she never knew generously donating their time and works for sale, with proceeds going to advance Meniere’s Research.
Please take the time to understand the suffering that people afflicted with Meniere’s experience, and if you are able, please support either the Australian Meniere’s Research Foundation, or perhaps locate one in the country you live in.
Leah and Janet’s Facebook Page, Marion’s Artree, provides more detail…
And bravo, Leah and Janet, and mother, Clare, you have all shown tremendous courage these past few years. We can’t bring Millie-Marion back, but she is always with us, and what a great way to bring an awareness of Meniere’s disease and to help and support others who also suffer…

Personally, I take great comfort knowing that wherever Marion is, she will be dressed to the ‘nines, holding court, a small glass of champagne in one hand, and a packet of fags in the other. It wouldn’t be any other way – and crikey, ain’t that the truth…
Baz, The Landy…
Perfect way to honor a friend to continue living and having fun. Loved this story thanks for sharing.
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Thanks!
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🙂
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What a beautiful woman she going by your words and the photos here Baz. We should all keep alive the memories of those we miss. This is a wonderful way to do that.
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Wonderfully written tribute, Baz and the Artree is a wonderful idea.
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Beautiful tribute Baz.
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Thanks sweetie…(you got that big hat yet?)
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Baz!!! I literally just got my package! I was like a kid on Xmas day, tearing through the stuffing! I’m staring at my (MANY) packages of biscuits, the jar of Vegemite, and the fantastic hat!! Thank you so much! Special thanks for including that lovely note/photo of you, Janet and TomO. I can’t wait to start modeling my hat and, of course, taste the food stuffs. 🙂
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Wonderful, enjoy!
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Thanks again!
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My sympathies to your family. May the best things about her be the most remembered. May she continue to spread her good to those who loved her.
Peace…
(Your link to info about the disease needs a fix)
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And we have beautiful memories of Marion, thanks Jim… And thanks for highlighting the link (I thought I checked it,but all good now)…Baz
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a lovely tribute…
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Thank you…
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Lovely tribute and a beautiful idea. Let’s hope they find new and better ways to treat people with Menier’s in the future.
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Thanks Bronwyn…typically afflictions like this tend to “fly under the radar” for many people…
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beautiful tribute. love the artree.
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Thanks. the Artree is a wonderful tribute from Millie Marion’s sisters…
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