The loss of a loved one

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…

Six years have now passed since we lost a very dear friend, a sister, a daughter.

The Fawthrop Sisters...
The Fawthrop Sisters…Marion, Janet, Mary and Leah

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.

Millie Marion
Millie Marion

And still, there are those moments where the tears well in our eyes…

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.

 

Millie Marion
Millie Marion

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…

Temari Ball – Marion’s Artree

Marion's Artree
Temari Ball, Marion’s Artree

Temari is a Japanese art form that involves intricate weaving of fine threads and this wonderfully crafted example was offered for sale at Marion’s Artree.

 Recently, I wrote about the work that Janet and her sister Leah were undertaking to raise money for a research and support group for Meniere’s Disease and it culminated last week with a stall they ran in Leah’s hometown, Newcastle, a beautiful city the north of Sydney, at the Hunter Valley’s Art Society summer markets.

Meniere’s disease led to the premature death of Marion, Janet and Leah’s sister a few years ago.  She was much loved and had many friend’s in the art world…

Marion’s Artree Stall was the most popular of all the stalls on the day and they raised a substantial amount of money that will now be donated to the Research Foundation that is working towards a cure for this disease.

Tim Owen, Member of Parliament
Janet, Leah, and Tim Owen

The local member of State Parliament, Tim Owen, spent time helping out the girl’s on the stall, and the local TV Station took an interest, which gave them some prominence to highlight what they are endeavouring to achieve with Marion’s Artree.

And there were some lovely pieces of artwork that was donated by artists’ from all over Australia in support of this project.

Bravo to the girl’s, what a great success!

Meniere's Disease
To the Memory of Millie Marion
Photo: Baz, The Landy

The Pain of the loss of a loved one (Meniere’s disease)

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.

The Fawthrop Sisters...
The Fawthrop Sisters…Marion, Janet, Mary and Leah

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.

Millie Marion
Millie Marion

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.

Christmas Decorations
Christmas Decorations

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…

Millie Marion
Millie Marion

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…