Every now and then, a sad event happens. Then we have to tell Owen.

On Saturday, in between Owen's 2 Emergency adventures, I went to Trafalgar, 2 hrs east of Melbourne to a funeral. Lee stayed at home because of Owen's health. It was for the "Chocolate Pushers" Dad. This nickname belongs to my closest mate, Stu, who would frequently visit Owen in Hospital and offer him chocolate bars which O would use as a distraction during the early days when the finger pricks were too frequent and distressing. Owen was never given a full chocolate bar by us so this was a treat.



Stu's Dad was a wiry, fit, healthy 71 year old. As strong as they come and not slowing down. His life was full and there was still a lot to do. He was diagnosed with Leukaemia 6 weeks ago. He chose to take it on, by going through intense chemotherapy, and you would back his recovery with your house. This bloke is a born fighter. The Leukaemia took hold, destroying his ability to produce good cells and the chemo knocked him as well. In 4-5 weeks he was in ICU on life support as infections were ravaging his body and in 6 weeks, the machines were turned off with his loving family around him. I called it a car crash in slow motion. Devastating....

Owen met Stu's Dad by coincidence when he was released for 2 hours just before his chemo started. 2 fighters comparing Hickman lines. 71 years wise and 9 years young. When Owen inquired into why I was going to the country rather than stay at home, Lee gently broke the news to him. The moment she mentioned Stu's Dad, he burst into tears.. "No Mum......No, don't say it... No".
Reality check.... A heavy burden on a young mind, but we cannot hide such things.

Clown Doctor... No, just a clown...
Self portrait taken in Hospital with the Chocolate Pusher caught in the background, unmasked...