(2009) Mary: A Series of Health Bulletins

In July 2009 my wife Mary Easson popped into Concord Hospital in Sydney for what we thought would be a routine operation, keyhole surgery to remove small fragments of gallstones left behind from a previous operation. She drove herself there mid-morning with the intention of my picking her up late afternoon the same day. It would be six months later that Mary would be discharged from hospital, half of that time in intensive care. I sent ‘Bulletins’ to family and friends to update them and explain my absence from regular life. I kept vigil every day. The messages below convey part of the story.

21 July Bulletin: Mary

Please note that Mary is unwell and in Concord Hospital the next few days and likely to be out of action the rest of the week.

Today’s procedure to ‘look at’ potential bile duct blockage turned into an operation, stone removed; a consequence is severe pancreatitis, worse than Mary’s ever had. 

Hence the need to stay in hospital

With best regards to you and family.

22 July 2009 Bulletin: Mary Unwell

My apologies for the impersonal nature of this message.

Please note that, already hospitalised, this afternoon Mary was sent to intensive care at Concord Hospital.

Simple story is that yesterday Mary went into hospital for what we thought was a simple procedure to look into the bile ducts to see if any blockages; a stone was discovered so an operation taken to remove the stone of about 1cm in length.

Unfortunately, in 3-5% of these cases pancreatitis can be triggered by the operation, which is what has happened; this time the pancreatitis is extremely severe and affecting other organs.

Whereas Mary’s previous periods in hospital with pancreatitis had pain levels of 3/10, yesterday Mary described it as 10/10 and today 9/10. Over the past few days Mary has been infused with morphine. It’s still very painful.

Today the pancreatitis complications got worse; potential kidney problems. But Mary was stabilising as I left hospital this evening. She is under the best care.

Her specialist, however, says that it is a 50/50 chance that she will get worse or better. We will know in the next 24 to 48 hours.

Mary will be in hospital at least a week and probably longer.

Your prayers, friendship and love are much appreciated

27 July 2009 Bulletin: Mary’s Condition

Thank you for your messages of concern, friendship and love concerning Mary’s health. Apologies for not directing responding to all of them.

For the first time in a few days, I am beginning to become optimistic about Mary getting through this; but she continues to be in danger, in critical condition, in the Intensive Care Unit at Concord Hospital.

She needs to pull through.

So please excuse me for completely neglecting work matters. I am likely to be away for some time.

Mary entered hospital on Tuesday last week for what should have been a routine procedure – an endoscopy to evaluate why there were recurrences of mild pancreatitis, even after the removal of her gallstone a year ago. The specialist wanted to check the duct leading to gallstone; this duct connects to the duct leading to the pancreas, with the gallbladder and pancreas sharing a drainage duct. Gallstones that lodge in this duct can prevent the normal flow of pancreatic enzymes. It was a text book procedure: if a stone is detected then insert a small balloon up the duct, then drag down, taking the stone and removing it. That all went right. The stone was around 1cm in size. But, through this procedure in a tiny percentage of cases, there can be the spilling of enzymes from the pancreas duct back onto the pancreas, setting off pancreatitis. In rare cases, this can set off extreme pancreatitis, with the pancreas emitting more enzymes and acids, a chain reaction, effectively attacking other parts of the body.

On Tuesday Mary had her procedure, pancreatitis occurred, the extreme reactions began; even with morphine, Mary was in 10/10 pain. By Wednesday, the pain was 9/10; Mary was lucid, chatty, happy. It was the lull before the tsunami. During acute pancreatitis, enzymes that normally flow from the pancreas into the digestive tract leak out of the pancreas into the bloodstream. The pancreas’ digestive enzymes, required to break down food, can attack the body. One of the specialists told us on Wednesday afternoon of the risks and the potential for matters to get considerably worse. We imagined that such extreme complications are the stuff that happens to other, otherwise unhealthy, people.

On the Wednesday night Mary was in good spirits; but late that evening and into the early hours of Thursday, everything started to go wrong: Kidney failure; other organs experiencing severe strain and inflammation; massive release of toxic fluid from the pancreas; extreme inflammation of nearby organs; the consequent swelling putting pressure on the lungs. Mary went onto dialysis and a ventillator. The body was in severe shock. The doctors warned that we should prepare for all outcomes, including the worse. It was that sudden.

I was fearful that the kids, now organised on flights from Europe, might not make it by Saturday morning. The doctors counselled that Mary was the most critical of the patients in intensive care at Concord.

But Mary is a fighter. If anyone has the will to life, it’s Mary. She has been fighting hard. I believe that the girls seeing her on Saturday cheered her up. Close friends have turned up. We don’t know if Mary can hear us, but we want her to know we are cheering her on in this marathon.

The care at Concord is incredible. I’ve never had exposed to an intensive care unit before; the thorough, cheerful, teamwork of the specialists and nurses is superb. Mary has a nurse watching her fulltime. During the day, doctors regularly converse and decide on the right course of action to follow.

Yet Mary’s life remains in the balance.  In the past few days the doctors told us that Mary showed some signs of improvement; but she requires the dialysis, ventilator and many other forms of assistance. Mary is unconscious, now on anti-biotics and more pain-killers. Even if she were awake, she would be unable to speak, with tubes into her nose and throat and intravenous needles into her neck.

We have been advised that Mary’s likely period in intensive care would be for a month or longer; there are many complications, potential infections and a long path ahead.

But last week we were at Dunkirk. This week we’re hoping to find escape, safety and the beginning of Mary’s comeback.

Today there’s a comprehensive scan to see what damage has been done to Mary’s internal organs. Hopefully, there will be further good news.

I am hoping to put together something for Mary’s ‘convalescence book’: Something to read and think about, as she gets better. If there’s anything you want to contribute – memories, thoughts on this occasion or photos, please let me know. But don’t feel obliged to respond immediately. Take your time. She won’t be reading anything soon.

Finally, I want to thank everyone for your concern and prayers. Needed. Keep them coming. Your spirit can help Mary’s.

With heartfelt thanks.

29 July 2009 Bulletin: Mary Stable

It is eight days now since Mary entered Concord Hospital; seven days in intensive care.

Overnight, she was much more settled. Mary now wakes up more, therefore becoming alert, which is good. But you can tell, in the fog of sedation, she knows that this is something fearful. It’s in her eyes. But mostly, she is at rest.

The scan to tell the degree of internal damaged is delayed further. Needs to be a bit stronger to disconnect equipment to do that.

Overnight, the blood pressure went back to normal range – dialysis expelling more fluid to help. All a matter of checking, adjusting, of balance. The heart beats better. Mary still requires a lot of life support in intensive care.

Still grounds for optimism. Stable is a golden word.

30 July 2009 Bulletin:  Mary Much Improved

Mary still in intensive care with the complications of pancreatitis. Good news. There was twenty four hours of improvement in Mary’s condition. Optimism is turning to confidence.

Late yesterday afternoon, Mary suddenly became alert; even more so today, smiling at stories and brightening when seeing the faces of people visiting. All day, Mary followed every part of the conversation. It’s one-sided. Mary is physically unable to talk. There’s spaghetti of tubes in the way. After asking for pen and paper, Mary didn’t have the handpower to write.

Last night a coloured page of letters of the alphabet was quickly produced by the duty intensive care nurse. 

Mary pointed:

C

O

K

You guessed it: Coca Cola! It seems that intensive care goes better with coke… But of course, it was prohibited. Best to give the pancreas no work to do.

On the medical test front, all good despatches today: ultrasound test this afternoon showed no destruction of any of the pancreas or any cyst or abscess there. That was the doctors’ greatest worry; as discovery might have required drainage and, potentially, an operation. The pancreas – and other organs – are inflamed.  Severely. But the pancreas is now emitting normal secretions of enzymes and insulin. After near eight days on dialysis, Mary’s kidney functions began to slightly kick in today, but only slightly. It’s a start. The heart and lungs function within acceptable ranges. The ventillator, doing nearly 100% of Mary’s breathing last Friday, is now clocking 35%.

All terrific news. Could this be total turnaround? Professor Hollingshead, however, told me to expect good and bad days. And another four weeks in intensive care, Mary still requires a battery of life support. There is still great danger of infection and even loss of certain organs. That counsel temporarily fell on deaf ears. Tonight we’re celebrating.

Thanks for your supportive messages, thoughts, prayers and moral courage to keep us going.

Any close relatives and really close friends are welcome to visit: 12 noon to 8.00pm, every day, Level 2, Concord Hospital. No more than two visitors at a time. Let me know.

Please understand that Mary gets tired; there are lots of medical procedures and tests each day. The body needs movement to function best; something that’s presently highly restricted. So that accentuates the tiredness.

There’s still miles to travel. The path lies clearer. Mary heard your cheers. Giving up was never an option.

6 August 2009 Bulletin: Mary’s Battle

Wednesday fortnight ago was Mary’s first day in intensive care at Concord Hospital, where she still is and likely to remain for another two weeks or so. So this is the fifteenth day. Overnight, Mary slept well and was stable.

We were warned it would be a bumpy ride; in the past week, despite many ups and downs, Mary is slowly recovering.

Mary is alert; and despite the bandages on her face, she smiles!

In the last few days, there are some very positive signs. On Tuesday, a comprehensive x-ray scan revealed severe inflammation of the pancreas and nearby internal organs, but no signs of damage due to infection. From this scan, the kidneys look structually sound. A more revealing scan, with contrast, might have yielded more information; but as the die required can be slightly toxic to the kidneys, this was not contemplated at this time.

Mary’s white blood cell count is dropping, from the 30s all of last week (including three days of readings in the mid to low 40s) to a comparatively reasonable 18.4 yesterday. Let us hope the trend continues. (Even with infection, doctors prefer to see readings in the mid teens to much lower). Mary is on several anti-biotics; in the past few days, doctors changed the ‘lines’ into her body. Leaving the intraveneous drip, dialysis and other lines, in the one spot, too long can potentially introduce infection. So this risk is diminished.

In the past few days, really for the first time, Mary began to absorb some food fed by a drip to her lower intestine. But the diahorrea as well as reflux of most of the feed continues. But until yesterday, almost nothing was retained. So Mary continues to be fed intraveneously. This recent news suggests that the intestines are switching into action.

Late last week, after showing strong improvement mid week, the combination of fever, exhaustion and shock meant that Mary was feeling very unwell.

We’ve had a few episodes of sudden, dramatic changes in heart rate and blood pressure. It’s a reminder, despite growing confidence, why Mary remains in intensive care. There’s still a battle being fought.

The most optimistic scenario? Barring major complications, Mary might be in intensive care another fortnight, then begin rehabilitation.

The risks are the potential for infection. She is about 10kg heavier due to the fluid caused by the pancreas; this fluid has accumulated around her body. Hopefully this will drain off. Mary continues on dialysis – in the past few days on intermittent, rather than continuous dialysis. The kidneys have not worked for a fortnight. The dialysis, by removing fluids from the body, might cause the fluids on her tummy to diminish, putting less pressure on her diaphragm and therefore enabling Mary to breath more easily. Mary continues to require a medical ventilator. Her breathing has mostly been good this week. It is touch and go whether a tracheotomy is required. Mary’s body is feeling the effects of the prolonged period in bed; the muscles are weaker; if the breathing improves she might be able to begin to walk around again.

Your prayers and good wishes have been a lifeline. I have told Mary of many of your good wishes. A few have sent stories or news of some cheeky incident in the past. Humour is a great tonic.

Mary is wearing medical socks with a ‘breathing slit’ at the toes; sometimes they sneak through and you can see she has the prettiest red toenails in the intensive care unit. Today, Louise and Amanda plan to dab a fresh coat – red, bright, happy and confident.

10 August 2009 Bulletin: Mary: The Party Must Go On

Mary is still seriously sick.

It is day 20 in hospital – all but one day in intensive care. What a battle! Actually, we are in a war. Perhaps not every battle will be won. More than the daily fight, it’s the overall direction and progress that matters. The progress is slower than we would like, but the important news is that it’s mostly in the right direction.

The problem with this often deadly form of extreme pancreatitis is that the body is drenched with toxic substances. Body tissue is attacked. The digestive enzymes of the pancreas are turned on the body. There is severe inflammatory impact. Different organs are affected in different ways and recover at different paces. A full month is usually an exceptionally fast recovery time. This is no ordinary pancreatitis, which we’ve previously experienced.

The past three weeks can be summarised as: week one, survival; week two, recovery of vital organs and week three, repair of the body. Always, there is the intense danger of infection.

The kidneys are yet to start. But the jumpy heart rates have stabilised; tests, including an ultra sound, reveal no damage there. 

The prognosis is another two to three weeks in intensive care at Concord Hospital.

Each day, family and close friends are at her side. We want Mary to feel and know of our support, prayers, admiration and love. If only sickness to health was an old fashioned morality play: The threat of darkness, then victory, and sunshine. One of the no nonsense ‘character’ nurses says Mary is overwhelmed and possibly, temporarily, a bit depressed: who wouldn’t be after nearly three weeks of hearing sing song encouragement that she is ‘doing well’, yet being constantly jabbed, tested and drained, subject to dialysis, with ventilator support, vomiting and with daily diarrhea.

Last Friday, our youngest daughter, Amanda, had her (overdue) 21^st birthday party. A month ago, Mary and I chatted about the speeches we would give, the stories to tell. I told the party-goers that Mandy’s mum is fighting for her life, but that Mary’s attitude is that life is to be lived; the party must go on. Mary told Amanda not to cancel the event. Thankfully, the birthday was a happy occasion. I told Mary about it last Saturday morning.

Mandy’s facebook had a message urging someone to dig up some serious dirt to tell about her twenty-one years! On Friday night, I mentioned that time, flying across the Pacific, on our way to a family holiday in Disneyland, when our youngest sometimes used to wet her clothes a bit. Late at night, in the darkness of night, on the flight, nearly all the reading lights were off. I noticed the seat next to me was wet. I had a change of clothes ready. As silently as I could, I tried to change our sleeping daughter. Then, in her cute, innocent voice, loud as a foghorn, she shouted: “STOP PULLING MY PANTS OFF!” The lights went on all over the cabin!

It was one of the stories Mary and I hoped to tell – and chuckle about together.

The past weekend was relatively uneventful. Mary slept a lot. It must be so hard. Mary is alert, but unable to speak.

Mary’s breathing needed a bit more assistance. A totally healthy person lying in hospital for weeks at a time has a higher risk of lung complications. This morning, Mary had a tracheostomy, an operation to cut an opening into the windpipe (trachea) for a tube to assist breathing; naturally, beforehand, Mary looked worried. But wheeled into surgery you could tell she was calm, ready and brave. The operation was a success. The recovery continues.

15 August 2009 Bulletin: Mary Still Shines

For Mary it is Day 24 in intensive care due to pancreatitis and complications.

Yesterday was one of the more difficult days. There is a lot of bleeding. Tests showed liver, kidneys and stomach safe for now. A colonoscopy revealed significant colon damage, ulceration and bleeding away.

Surgeons were on standby last night, but extremely reluctant to intervene.

The doctors prescribed aggressive blood and plasma transfusion to keep up. It is hope against hope that the damage is just to the internal wall, burnt away by the raw juices of the pancreas, and not whole tracks of the colon.

The girls say they see mummy as like a sunflower: tall, happy, confident and strong. Lying in bed, blond tips, brownish base, Mary’s hair still shines.

Last night around 9:30pm Mary woke, opened her eyes, smiled and went back to sleep.

She looked really beautiful.

Please pray that it is a good day.

17 August 2009 Bulletin: Mary’s Operation

Yesterday we had a considerable setback: More bleeding late Sunday morning and into the early afternoon.

On Saturday night, blest with Mary’s indefatigable, fighting spirit, we had hoped all was under control. Then the blood and plasma transfusions were barely keeping up. There was a lot of pain. In two and a half days, Mary bled the equivalent of twice her blood. With Mary’s heart and lungs still in reasonable condition and with other good, vital signs, the surgeons decided to go in and operate. The plan was to remove a part of the colon that had been bleeding. Plus clean out any surrounding damage from the pancreas.

Colon, renal, pancreas and other specialists were called to the hospital. After four hours of emergency operations, they decided to give Mary time to recover and continue in 48 hours.

They discovered worse damage and more complications than expected. Professor Hollingshead said that he had not seen as much damage from one episode of pancreatitis. Almost the entire colon was removed. The rest of the job, including removing parts of the pancreas and surrounding tissue, lies ahead.

Listening through the explanations, we realised that it was already a miracle that Mary was not badly infected. We pray for another one that Mary will survive.

This morning, Mary was relatively stable, though there are so many complications ahead. I am off to Concord Hospital soon.

This journey has been cruel and demanding.  A week ago, Mary was momentarily sad. You could tell she was overwhelmed. Not unusual after so long in intensive care.  But Mary quickly re-gathered her determination. We had three really good days of improvement.  On Thursday, Mary looked bored and exasperated – several sure signs of determination to get well, get up and go out. The same day they noticed spots of bleeding.

Mary was conscious yesterday morning and into the afternoon. She knew what needed to be done. She looked incredibly calm, ready and in the best possible mood.  The kids and I said that when we took her home, we planned to celebrate with a cake designed in the shape of the new house. Mary smiled, radiant and happy. We prayed with her.

Every time you think Mary is on the make and look up and give fate a wink, you discover there is another test.  At the beginning, we were hopeful, then we became optimistic and for weeks we have been confident that life itself was no longer in the balance.  Now it is touch and go again.

For those who are believers, please continue to pray.  Your prayers have helped so much.  It is the most practical thing you can do.

To everyone, thank you for your messages of support, your goodwill and love, all of which I have conveyed to Mary.

We remain hopeful that we can look back on this week as the turning point in the war for life, with mighty Mary returning unvanquished into our arms.

19 August 2009 Bulletin: Mary Defies the Odds

Mary is defying the odds.  It is good to see smiling doctors again.  Yesterday’s emergency surgery was relatively short.  The least anticipated and best possible outcome occurred: not much to do.

The specialists cannot explain it.  They expected to find massive amounts of damaged tissue around the pancreas and from the pancreas.  This would be consistent with their work on Sunday night.  Instead, yesterday, in the search for necrotic tissue, there wasn’t much.

This is what they told us beforehand: Phase One was the discovery on Sunday night of dissolved and dead tissue near and of the colon and the removal of most of the colon. (During surgery, the very experienced colorectal surgeon rang outside specialist colleagues explaining that no one in the operating theatre had seen so much damage from pancreatitis).  As Mary was not doing well in Sunday’s operation, turning cold at one point, they abandoned further work and decided, if she was well enough, to attempt within 48 hours Phase Two: the completion of the colostomy, and the pancreas work.  After Mary rallying post surgery and in a reasonable state, on Tuesday (yesterday) the team of surgeons readied to spend at least the four hours sweated on Sunday night. 

We were counselled about the potential that Mary might not survive.  Should the operations be successful, the expectation was that the inflammation in the abdomen would be such that the swelling could prevent the surgeons from closing Mary up that day; and therefore, Phase Three would be attempted on Friday: the completion of surgery – assuming that by then the swelling had subsided.  In between time, as on Sunday night, Mary would be held together by temporary staples and what might be called the equivalent of industrial strength, medical glad wrap.

Yesterday, however, Phase Two and Three were combined. There’s now no need for an operation on Friday.  Last night, Mary bounced back:  heart, lungs and blood pressure readings were in the required ranges.  This morning she is relatively stable, though still some bleeding. Mary is highly sedated and sleeping.

I believe our dna, physical strength and robustness mostly determines good health and recovery from illness.  But prayers, love and positive energy can lift the spirits and fight off the worse.  I believe Mary has greatly benefited from this.

At around 8.00pm, I spoke to Professor Hollingshead who was clearly shocked by what he found – or, more accurately, the lack of work required earlier that day. “Thank God”, he said.  As the colon had been so badly soaked, digested and destroyed by the pancreas eruptions of nearly a month ago, logically there should be other significant damaged tissue behind and surrounding the pancreas.  It is a miracle otherwise.

Professor Hollingshead told me not to get my hopes up too high: the news is tremendous, but there is a long way to go.  It is a battle won, the war to finish.

Mary is still seriously ill from pancreatitis, in intensive care, recovering from two episodes of invasive surgery, on dialysis, presently with no kidney function, with significant digestive issues, on a respirator, dependent on ten drips and lines into her body and highly exposed to infection risk.  For four weeks Mary has been in intensive care at Concord Hospital. There is no quick return to a normal bed.

Yet there is now a trajectory of hope. For one brief, shining moment it’s tempting to ignore our worries and contemplate what seemed unimaginable on Sunday: the possibility of Mary living a close to normal life.

Miracle of miracles, Mary might escape the cauldron.  Our hopes are up.

25 August 2009 Bulletin: Mary’s Continual Improvement

It’s Day 33 in intensive care. Mary’s recovery looks assured.  We are now a long way from knocking on Heaven’s Door – which was where we were a week ago.

To recap, early last week the doctors performed a massive operation.  Mary was close to losing the war.  The pancreatitis did irreparable damage to the colon.  But not much else was damaged.  Although, there’s still inflamed tissue and various complications; for example, the kidneys still do not work. 

Since last Tuesday’s operation, however, it’s clear that Mary’s abdomen is healing from surgery.  The body is repairing itself.  The blood and other tests, as well as all the flashing lights above her bed indicate a beautiful set of numbers.  Given what Mary’s been through, the doctors say it’s all much better than expected, with a steady stream of continual improvement.

Yesterday, the nurses got Mary out of bed into a chair for an hour.  The same thing happened today.  The continuous dialysis is replaced with intermittent, 3-4 hour dialysis.  In the past 24 hours, 30 minute spells off the ventilator and into a breathing mask occurred.  Mary’s lung capacity is improving. This Wednesday, for the first time in over a month, the plan is to feed Mary through a tube to the stomach.  These are all baby steps to an eventual walk out of intensive care.

In all likelihood, however, such an intensive care leave pass is weeks off.  There are probably months of rehabilitation ahead; Mary’s muscles have atrophied due to lack of use.  She is too weak to write; she’ll need to learn to walk again.  She has been drugged for five weeks on pain-killers and other medicines.  This continues; it all takes its toll.

Due to the tracheostomy device, Mary is still unable to talk, but she rolls her eyes and smiles.  Our lip-reading skills are improving.  Hopefully the “trache” will be replaced with a less intrusive device in a week or so.  Then Mary could talk. 

What a distance we’ve travelled!  Our pep talks must have exhausted Mary before. Perhaps she felt like one of those isolated Japanese citizens at the end of World War II, listening to their radios and hearing of the glorious victories of the Japanese Imperial Army, whilst realising that each victory was getting disturbingly closer to home!

Perhaps that is the wrong analogy.  Mary’s victory, real and permanent, is in reach.  She is very keen to leave!  To while away some time, Louise and Amanda have recorded news podcasts and some happy music on an iPod for Mary to listen to: van Morrison, the Beatles and other favourites.

I am incredibly impressed by the Intensive Care Unit at Concord Hospital: good doctors and nurses, working as a team.  It’s the combination of medicine & that team, Mary’s never-say-die courage and your prayers and goodwill that have got us to here.

2 September 2009 Bulletin: Mary: A Splutter, Then a New Start

There’s further good news.  Mary’s kidneys are working; five weeks we were without them.  Then, late last week there was a splutter, then continued assistance, then nearly normal performance, a new start.  The dialysis machine is no longer required.

For several days now, a hospital milkshake is being fed to Mary’s stomach.  So the digestive system is beginning to work – for the first time since July 21^st, when a routine procedure provoked catastrophic, Chernobyl-like pancreatitis.

Recovery continues apace.  But we’re still in intensive care.  Not counting the first day here, it is Day 43 at Concord Hospital’s Intensive Care Unit.  You stay here while the risks require it.  Mary struggles to breathe without the ventilator.  Yesterday, Mary needed an operation to drain a litre of fluid from around her left lung.  This experience is like a roller coaster ride through burning loops: Seemingly gone this time!  But then, sudden escape! This is edgy drama.

Thank heavens Mary slept through the worse parts.  Every fragile victory is a step towards the light. Mary’s heart stays strong.  We are confident, no longer just optimistic.

After intensive care, more hospitalisation, learning to walk again and other steps – months from now – there’s a picture in my mind.  Mary will be trim, taut, and terrific; sunflower colours to her hair, looking healthy, vivacious and younger than ever.  People will spot her next to an old, fat guy, hand in hand, perhaps doing the Xmas shopping.  There will be knowing looks and nods to explain the unlikely match: “must be the second wife.  He must have money for her to put up with it.”

What looks and nods to look forward to!

16 September 2009 Bulletin: Mary Less Medically Interesting

As a general rule, it is best not to be in hospital and medically interesting.  Mary is less so, but still here, Day 57 in intensive care.  Perhaps we are now three quarters through the intensive care phase.

Over the past week a lot went right.  Physical and mental strength accelerated. Communication is less of a problem.  No longer are we just lip reading and guessing.  Mid last week, pen in hand, Mary began writing clearly, in confident strokes.  On Sunday, for the first extended period, Mary could breathe without the ventilator.  Thirty-six hours later, out wheeled the ventilator machine: gone for good.  But Mary still needs a mask, flooded with oxygen, over the trache.  Unlike before, however, Mary is pumping the air into her lungs and not needing a machine to do that.

Late yesterday morning, a new trache was inserted which allows Mary to talk; as expected after eight weeks voiceless, Mary could only whisper hoarsely.  This will improve in the coming days.  You cannot imagine how good it is to hear the sound of your own voice!  And for others to have no excuses for missing what you say!

Also on Tuesday Mary, with the help of a contraption built for the role, very briefly was able to stand.  Feet on the ground are good for posture, the lungs and confidence.  Walking is a foreseeable event.  But there are months of rehabilitation ahead before going anywhere unaided.

Mary’s kidneys are virtually back to normal.

So it is mainly along a certain path, “a series of small miracles” as one of the specialists told me today.

All this is an impressive recovery given all the damage that started when, like Krakatoa in 1883, the pancreas erupted and did massive damage.

With alertness and gathering recovery, the minutes, the hours, the days stretch longer.  It gets boring.  Since last Friday, Mary has had a television set.  At 6.30pm she likes to watch SBS news and that’s that.  It is hard to concentrate here. Jabs, daily consultations with various specialists, exercises – arms and legs are still weak and muscles are wasted, getting into a chair for posture (both lungs are partly collapsed) leave Mary tired.  Snatching some sleep is the priority.

A treat is a mouth swab dipped in cranberry or apple juice.  You’re not supposed to swallow.  But Mary likes me holding the swab, generously dripping in juice, as she sucks hard.

No one here looks like Kim Clijsters.  They do not prematurely discharge interesting patients.  There are still complications.  Late yesterday afternoon Mary required a general anaesthetic and an operation to remove infected material in the abdomen.  It is a constant game of checking for, anticipating and nipping problems before they get worse.  Infections in the lungs as well as in and near the pancreas are what they are watching for.  We’re not entirely out of danger, but there is success so far.

So the confidence continues.

29 September 2009 Bulletin: Mary: The Move We Wanted

It is the move we have been praying for: Yesterday afternoon saw Mary wheeled from the Intensive Care Unit to one floor below, Ward 1 North, on the first floor of Concord Hospital.  She is now an ordinary patient – recuperating, rehabilitating, getting better.

Ten days ago, recovery really accelerated.  The veto lifted: Mary was allowed to sip orange juice.  Day by day, improvement followed improvement.  Over the past week, the tubes to her tummy for feeding were removed, the intravenous ‘lines’ into her neck went out, the modified-for-speaking trache gone from her throat.

Mary’s voice is hoarse but detectably hers.  She is eating.  On the weekend my mushroom risotto was whisked into hospital and whisked down.  Clearly, the recuperative powers are amazing!

Once you would have imagined Mary in hospital surrounded by bouquets of flowers, in a crisply ironed nightie and that burgundy pink dressing gown – looking alert & glowing.

We have been a long way from that look over the past ten weeks, nearly all spent in intensive care. It has been non-stop attention, lights never out.  When is night, when is day?  The constant care, the attention to check for danger signs, is astonishingly thorough.  The sleep deprivation is a consequence. Think of Guantanamo Bay without the water boarding.

We will never forget the good doctoring, nursing, physio and other care.  There were tears when Mary bade them farewell. One ICU nurse said that not in forty years had she witnessed such a fight: “we’ve had a few here longer, but I can’t remember anyone here so long, with so many complications, with such an intense effort to keep her alive”.

I tell Mary there is another two to three months in hospital getting strength.  And thirty years of life after that!

Thank you for all your love and prayers.  We thank God.  We are humbly thankful.

30 September 2009 Bulletin: Mary: Back in Intensive Care

Unfortunately Mary returned to intensive care early last (Tuesday) evening, requiring oxygen and other support, following a turn.

Mary’s lungs were drained of a litre of fluid.  A drain remains in her lungs, which has been painful.  Other potential issues are being explored.  Further tests will be carried out later today (Wednesday).

This is a temporary setback.  We continue to give thanks for Mary’s recovery so far.

I will let you know how things go from here.

2 October 2009 Bulletin: Mary: Back to 1 North

Mary will soon be wheeled back to where we were a few days ago: 1 North at Concord Hospital, a normal ward.  Doctors and physiotherapists expect a stay for at least two more months.

On Tuesday night Mary needed to return to intensive care.  That evening a procedure, through the shoulder blades, drained one litre of fluid from around Mary’s left lung; in the days since, another couple of litres were taken.  No wonder her breathing was heavy.  Tests showed no clots or heart problems.

70 of the last 73 days have been in the Intensive Care Unit.  The service in intensive care (one nurse per patient) is much better than in a normal ward (one nurse per six to eight patients, with support staff), but you prefer the quieter wards.  We are hoping to even the mix.

Mary is fighting keen to get fit and wants no more scares.  She is weak.  Cup one hand over her thigh and you reach the other side.  Muscle waste is staggering.  But it comes back with months of exercise.  It does not happen quickly.

Sometimes it’s as if we are in that screaming Munch painting; but now we are in a different part of the gallery, like that Brett Whiteley bird gliding serenely over Lavender Bay.

Mary is coming home for Xmas.  No question about that.

Thanks for your prayers and messages.

29 October 2009 Bulletin: Mary: The First Hundred Days

We are evening the score.  It’s now 30 days of Mary in a normal ward, compared to 70 in intensive care.

Mary’s rehabilitation is good.  Most days recently, usually in the mornings, strongman nurse Frank hauls Mary out of bed, gets her to sit in a chair, then she gathers strength to attempt the big journey – a slow shuffle out of the room, then a little down the corridor, then back again. It’s exhausting.  It couldn’t be done without a lot of assistance.  Mary is learning to walk again, step by step.  Mary got cramps a few days ago. The muscles are returning to normal.

She still needs to build body mass and strength.  The doctors are hopeful that Mary will get out by Christmas.  “Six to eight weeks from now” is what we hear.

There have been setbacks.  Last week the samples from pockets of fluid in the abdomen came back: VRE.

The superbug vancomycin resistant enterococci (VRE) is resistant to commonly prescribed antibiotics.  Mega doses of antibiotics are now being intravenously dripped into the veins. A blood transfusion was needed last Friday. But it’s all broadly under control.

Sometimes Mary looks at us sympathetically thinking that if it helps to talk, it’s ok.  Mary, Louise, Amanda and I were chatting about the past hundred days.  It’s mostly a blur to Mary.  She asked: How long after going into hospital did the operations occur?  Did we know that in the first operation one of the doctors told her this week that they stopped, decided not to put in the bag, did CPR, put her back together?  It was like the curious inquiry of an interested third party.

Mary is thankful she didn’t know about all the dramas.  Or, if she did at the time, there’s little memory of it.

Actually, we are all looking forward to vaguely recollecting what we have been through, living life as normal.  That’s probably a few months away yet.

Where there’s a will, there’s a way.  With Mary, who can doubt that?

24 November 2009 Bulletin: Alwyn Rehabilitation Hospital

Just over an hour ago, Mary moved by ambulance from Concord Hospital to Alwyn Rehabilitation Hospital, 1 Emu Street, Strathfield 2135.  Mary is no longer medically challenging.  It is now a matter of getting fit, gradually walking, and then going home.

We are lucky that Mary is now a few minutes round the corner from where we live. Home cooking is a dash away.  But Mary seems convinced that the chef at this hospital picks herbs from the garden in doing the cooking.  We’re about to find out.

Thank you for all your support and help these past four months.  The truth was that we were mostly clueless in the first month or so.

Is a miracle an event that demonstrates faith?  It seems true.

We will always be grateful for those prayers, thoughts and wishes that converted to the miracle that is Mary, a short way from home.

It is our silver wedding anniversary today.  The news could not be better.

9 Dec 2009 Bulletin: Mary Home in Strathfield

Late this morning Mary returned home to Strathfield.  And so our story is finishing.  Did you guess that my final update for the year would end “and she returned home and lived happily…”?

The past week was a yo-yo of expectations. Near midnight on Saturday, Mary returned to Concord Hospital from Alwyn Rehabilitation Hospital.  A fever of 38.7 alarmed the nurses; but this quickly diminished on Sunday.  Scans, tests and monitoring revealed the situation back to normal.  So yesterday, with the 25-bed Alwyn Hospital having allocated Mary’s bed to another petitioner for their fine care, a decision had to be made.  The verdict: go home.  Home nursing care is available, family and friends are keen to help.  Mary is beginning to walk again.  So our bed was moved downstairs and for the first time in nearly five months, we will cuddle to sleep together tonight.

Really dedicated doctors, nurses and other staff did a fantastic job at Concord and Alwyn.  Before Mary left Concord, a few weeks ago, she thanked everyone she could in the Intensive Care Unit.  Their battle was not only to save Mary’s life, but also to minimise the damage – and to ensure that life out of danger could be as good as possible.  Their care and genius in meeting many challenges deserve recognition and thanks.

Thank you too everyone for your moral, spiritual and practical support.

Our Xmas tree needs nothing beneath.  We are blessed with the best possible present we could hope for.

Postscript (2018)

“The woman who would not die” is how the nurses at Concord Hospital described Mary. A few months after Mary’s discharge, a friend, Adrianne Anderson, took one of her sons there for a minor mishap. A nurse seemingly absent-mindedly asked if she had spent much time at Concord – probably preparatory to speaking about the changes over the years.  The sort of ‘matter of fact’ thing you say to pass the time with a concerned mother.  Adrienne mentioned her many visits to Concord. “Was that to see Mary Easson?”, the nurse asked. As if knowing immediately the answer the nurse offered her description of the woman who defied death.

I wrote these emails for three reasons. First, for the small number who first saw them, to explain why I would be absent from all other duties. Effectively, to say: “do not bother me”.

Second, to be a story to share with Mary after the ordeal was over. Third, to convey my love and plea to all to pray and will for Mary’s rapid recovery.

Of course, it was therapeutic to think and try to write something meaningful.

Prayers were said in churches, temples and mosques. Some diehard atheists were willing to hope faith might triumph.  I am sure their spiritual energy helped mightily. The Last Rites were administered at least twice. Masses and Church services were offered up across the land. One Jewish friend, Morris Milder, echoing a phrase of Menachem Begin to Jimmy Carter, said that he had offered prayers at synagogue and “for us, it is a local call”. The Dalai Lama and the Panchen Lama prayed we were told by competing adherents. 

Albert Dadon told me that he would ask Prime Minister Rudd to visit. I started getting text messages from him asking for news.

There were so many acts of kindness.

Anne-Maree Smithells, who knew Mary in secondary school flew to Sydney from Melbourne most weeks from the end of July to spend many days comforting and meditating over Mary.

Antonella Petrone, sometimes joined by husband Paul and daughter Theresa, were on vigil watch.

Bob and Helana Carr were touched by the situation, feeling compassionate about the girls. Bob took Louise and Amanda a few times to a restaurant within walking distance of the hospital, Olivetti’s, a fish, salads, and pasta restaurant with water views, floor-to-ceiling windows, serving modern Italian, on the edge of McIlwaine Park which sported a sign “a passive recreation area.”  (We wondered what the former local state MP, whom Bob & I knew, would think of that ‘subduing the fun’ sign.)

My business partners Shane and Adam Geha told me on day one to go home, forget work, and head to Concord and take however long it took. By Mary’s side was the only place to be. Adam visited often, praying hard, conveying intense spiritual energy. The family patriarch, Afif Geha, came and Mary still remembers him massaging her feet.  Indeed, a few of us attended to this practical need. There were fears for Mary’s muscles’ atrophied state. She sometimes, many times, got painful cramps as muscle wasted away.

A friend from Mary’s primary school, Therese Griffin, was so moved, she sent messages and over the six months, from Dubai, Europe and South Africa and Dubai again, and made Mary a magnificent quilt. This covered our bed as soon as we got home.

My children changed for the better. But the first task, early on, was to get them home. Mary and I discussed whether we should explain the risks, prior to Amanda’s birthday on July 22.  We did not want to spoil Mandy’s birthday celebration in Paris (where we had all been, before Mary & I returned home before them.)

It was heart-achingly difficult on 23 July to ring them both, arrange emergency flights home, and explain that mummy was suddenly in mortal danger.

Louise grew closer to her boyfriend who proved tough and loving and strong as we went through the cauldron. Matt Burke and Louise were engaged in 2010 and married on 30 April 2011.

Amanda grew immensely too.  We always felt optimistic, sometimes more hopeful than unvarnished optimistic. Amanda gave up her job and at home was Mary’s carer. Her mum was so sick, needing support, clearing up many messes as the body returned, fragile and gently, to health.  But that story lay ahead.

Back to the period of medical crisis.

One morning the house phone rang (back in the day when everyone had one). Malcolm Turnbull was put through. The Leader of the Opposition said that Lucy had passed on the emails. He thought Mary and I the closest combination on the Labor side to Lucy and he. Malcolm promised that “we will storm the heavens in prayer for Mary.”

Kevin Rudd texted frequently and sometimes called, asking if Mary would feel comfortable if he visited. There were so many dramas in hospital, I did not want him to get in the way or arrive as another medical emergency was in train or Mary was asleep, sedated, and unconscious. My emails did not always fully convey the nuances of what we were going through and the touch and go of some days.

Kevin’s office or he directly kept wanting updates.  At 9.00am one morning he called to say he would be going to a funeral in Melbourne soon, but that he could be in Sydney thereafter and probably at the hospital by around 4.00pm.

I thought this could be a morale rallying moment. I explained to Mary that Kevin would be visiting that afternoon and that he wanted to thank the doctors and nurses. She had just enough strength, speechless, to shake her head slightly and look distressed.  I instantly knew. Mary did not want the prime minister of Australia seeing her in this bloated shape, pricked and fed and drained by ten lines in and out of her body, looking like a drowned and exhausted, vulnerable person, far from a striking sunflower or the normal, vivacious Mary.

I did what any Australian would do in the circumstances. I texted the PM to say “not today, mate.”

Eventually, when Mary was clearly recovering and on the eve of leaving intensive care, Mr Rudd made new arrangements. This time he was visiting the Bernie Banton Centre and the Asbestos Diseases Research Institute at Concord Hospital and extended the trip to go to the Concord ICU. The girls and I were there. We kept a surprise. Kevin spent time with almost all the ICU nurses on shift, chatting to the doctors and other specialists, thanking one and all. There were no cameras, no announcements, no media. It was a fillip to all. He spoke to Mary in an easy, familiar way, conveying the prayers and warm thoughts of Thérèse and he. Mary could speak, she was no longer a near-inanimate person.  She was lively, smiling, and could see the joy in the eyes of some of her favourite nurses and rehab carers, as well as Dr Milliss and colleagues.

Kevin gave Mary a medal given to him by the Pope. He had one for the Australian Archives, one for himself and this one.  I could tell he was still shocked from his last visit to the Vatican, uneasy about the pomp and ceremony. I sensed an evangelical in my presence. I urged him to pray to Blessed Mary MacKillop (not yet a saint) and I produced a holy card. I asked him to pray for the intercession of Mary MacKillop and all the saints on behalf of my Mary. He held the card in his hand, promised he would pray and slipped the cardboard image into his pocket.

(I heard any number of unheralded acts by Rudd, seeing people in hospital, seeking no glory, following up, keeping in touch, as would a genuine person.)

After Mary recovered, went home, learnt to walk again, regained physical and mental strength, she drove to Canberra in May 2010.

Mary was in the public gallery overlooking the green leather of the House of Representatives. The Speaker, Dr Harry Jenkins, and Lindsay Tanner spotted her and the latter announced “I say how delighted I am to see Mary Easson in the chamber today, and I am sure I speak on behalf of many members in saying that” as both sides of the house burst into applause, some standing up.

(John Hewson rang to ask if I saw this.  He was watching the live parliamentary broadcast.)

Mary popped into the PM’s office to say that she wanted to thank him for visiting in hospital. And asked that her message be passed on.

(As a former MP, you get a lot of leeway in getting around the building, with an unaccompanied visitor pass.)

The PM’s assistant said Mr Rudd wanted to see her. Swept into his office, they chatted about health, God, politics, determination and the mysteries of life.

The PM asked how Mary thought the government was travelling, what were public perceptions, how he could do better. He asked if Mary could be an informal sounding board.

And then he said: “Mary, good you are here.  I have a major theological dilemma I want to share.”

“A theological dilemma?”, Mary replied.

“Yes.  Your husband asked me to pray to Mary MacKillop on your behalf. He gave me a holy card.  And I did.  But I do not really believe in praying to saints.”

“Oh.  You are one of those types of Anglicans nowadays?”

“I feel like it is a bit like going through the faction leaders rather than praying direct to God.

“But here is my dilemma. I did pray to Saint Mary MacKillop. [ He then produced a holy card from his wallet and gave this to Mary.]

“And here you are.  Recovered. It seemed to work. So that is my theological dilemma.”

They had a good chuckle.

Kevin lost his job the next month.

A week after that, I sent the ex-PM a text message explaining that Mary had a major theological dilemma.

“She was praying to St. Mary MacKillop last week to intercede on your behalf.  But it didn’t work,” I explained.

He replied that “when I gave back that holy card all my luck seemed to run out.”

That was the Rudd we knew: kind, thoughtful, whimsical, prayerful, considerate, and inspiring. There may be other Kevins.  Every one of us is complex, but that is the person we encountered.

Greg Sheridan in his book God is Good for You (2018) references the reaction of many people to Mary’s illness and the importance of faith in getting through and enjoying life.

There were many messages.

I tried to keep them all in the first month. But the volume and my capacity to keep up diminished considerably. What I kept is mainly what was conveyed over the first month…

Here’s that sample:

Some of the Messages

Wednesday, July 22nd

Julie Thorp – email
I’m glad the flowers cheered her up and we all hope that she recovers sooner rather than later.  All our love to Mary and to yourself we will be praying for her recovery. As I said before if you need anything please let me know.  Love Julie

Carlos Gonzalez – email
Thank you for keeping me posted.  I am sure that she is going to be all right as we have to finish the house of her dreams.  My thoughts and prayers are with you and the family

Michael Danby – email
May G-d preserve her + keep her.  Both Amanda + I will say Tehillim (Psalms) for her tonight.  Our love to you both.

Trevor Cook – email
Our thoughts and prayers are with both you.  Trevor and Julie

Fr John Fleming – email
I will be saying Mass tomorrow morning for Mary.  The Flemings will all pray for her recovery and for remission of pain and distress.  Best wishes in Christo.

David Hamill – email
We are distressed to hear of your news about Mary.  Please convey our thoughts and well wishes to her for a speedy recovery.  We are also thinking of you and the girls at what is a very anxious time.  Please keep in touch.  Our love to you all. David and Pat.

Thursday, July 23^rd

David (Concord) – telephone message
4.15am: Hello Mr Easson.  My name is David calling from the Intensive Care Unit of Concord Hospital.  Could you please ring the Intensive Care Unit when you have a moment?  Thank you.

Barry Batagol – email
We spoke to Mary early on the morning before she went in for her procedure and are very sorry to hear of the unexpected complications.  Please be assured that our prayers and best wishes are with her and you during this time, and both Ben and I look forward to a good outcome.  Best regards.  Ben and Barry

John Della Bosca – email
Our thoughts and prayers are with u and the girls and of course Mary.  Della and Belinda

Louise Easson – email
Lit a candle for her today in the church.  Burkey is picking me up from the airport on Saturday morning at 8am.  I will go straight to the hospital with him from there before heading in, to Conference.  I love you very much and am praying often.  Love Wease.

Peter Beattie – email
Heather and I send our love and prayers.  We are thinking of you.  Our best wishes, Peter and Heather Beattie.

Andre Haermeyer – email
Michael Danby has informed Tonya and I of the seriousness of the illness that has affected Mary.  I just wanted to send you a brief note to let you know that Tonya and I are thinking of you and your family at this difficult time and extend our hopes and wishes for her recovery.  Warm Regards, Andre

Professor John Zeleznikow – email
Your e-mail both surprised and concerned me, since I have not seen Mary for over thirty years (when she was Mary Alexander).  I am very sad to learn she was (and hopefully is no longer there) in intensive care.  We do hope her stay in hospital is short, that she makes a full recovery and that we see her soon.  Please give her our love.  John

Albert Dadon – text
The situation you describe saddens Debbie and I and the family and is of a great worry.  Yet, it is in these moments that we remember we believe in G-d and are grateful for life.  Our religion defines life as “that which attaches the body to the soul”.  Mary has always demonstrated an incredible determination and we hope that her will to survive will turn this around.  Her passion for life has always been infectious.  Debbie and I and Jerome and the girls are praying for her full recovery and we are with you dear Michael.  Call me anytime mate. I am here for you for anything.  With lots of love and affection.

Chrissie – email
Darling Michael Michael, Louisy pops and Mandy Katie, How very horrible.  I am so distressed at reading your email.  Mary mary is my bestest friend in the whole wide world and to hear that she is in such pain and so unwell breaks my heart.  I am so sorry.  Our thoughts, prayers and wishes for a speedy recovery go out to her.  Please send her my very special love and please please keep me up-dated.  With love and hugs to you all. Chrissie xoxoxoxoxoxoxox

Rob Whiddon – email
Have been thinking of your note all day.  Thank you for letting me know, and for making contact at such a worrying time for you all.  Please give Mary my love.  Am thinking and praying for her quick recovery, and for you and the family.  David Hamill rang me this afternoon after speaking with you, and has brought me up to date.  Needless to say, we are all extremely worried, but the Mary we know is the best fighter around when the going gets a bit tough.  Much love

Garth Head – email
Michael Danby passed on the news of Mary’s illness and hospitalisation.  Pass on to Mary our love. She, you and the girls are in our thoughts and prayers.  Highest regards, Garth and Rosemary

Steve Harker – email
Fark mate.  I will not stop thinking about mary until she is well.  Love you both.

Anna Booth – email
I am so very sorry to hear this.  I would think it would take quite a big dose of opiates to keep Mary quiet!  But seriously, we are coming to a time in our lives when more of us will fall pry to ailments – let’s hope and pray that as painful and distressing this is for you and the girls it is a bump in the road and Mary will overcome it.  She is an immensely strong woman and if anyone can endure a circumstance such as this it will be her.  If there is anything that Malcolm or I can do to help, please ask.

Lyndey Milan – email
Oh Michael, Our thoughts, love and wishes are with you.  Please let us know if we can do anything for you, your girls, or Mary.  Thank you for taking the time to let us know.  With love, Lyndey and john

John Della Bosca – email
I took the liberty of letting deb picone – dg of health know about Mary – u probably remember deb from the nurses fed (she thinks highly of us but I don’t think she was always onside) – she was the matron at concord while Mary was the fed member and is v fond of her says btw the hospital staff have a v high esteem for Mary for the loyalty she showed them during the transfer of the hospital from commonwealth to state (ironic perhaps n light of current debates – she will check in – says she’s v happy for u to call her direct any time if u need to talk or get help – same of course goes for me and belinda.
Della
Ps debs number 0xxxxxxx56; she always answers her page quickly if u don’t get through the first time leave a message–
Pps I know it’s tough but Keep ur chin up.

Jeremy Jones – email
Since reading your email this morning, I have been praying for Mary, for you and your family.  Mary (and you) are loved dearly, as well as admired, and I hope that the grace of G-d is with you at this trying time.

Greg Sheridan – email
Thank you for letting me know this news.  Jessie and I are devastated to hear it.  Please give Mary our deepest love.  She and all of your family are upper most in our prayers at the moment. I told the boys this morning and they too were very upset and wished to send Mary their very best wishes. In the event there’s anything I can possibly do to assist in any way please let me know…  Any time you can give us an update we’d be very keen to hear any news and when Mary is a bit better and can take phone calls at Concord Hospital, I’d love to be in touch with her.

Sandra Yates – email
I’m so sorry to hear Mary is unwell.  Please give her our love and best wishes, and we hope it’s not too long before she’s on the mend.

Mark Dreyfus – email
Deborah and I were very sorry to hear of Mary’s hospitalisation. We both hope for her speedy recovery and our thoughts are with you both.

Dr Michael Casey – email
Very sorry to hear this news.  Please be assured of prayers and good wishes from both Cardinal Pell and myself.  Please let Mary know we are thinking of her and praying for her.  Thinking of you and the family too at this time.  Please keep us updated.

Marie-Therese Gibson – email

Many thanks for letting me know about Mary.  I am so sorry that she is so ill.  Last night she was very much in my thoughts – I was even going to ring her but thought she may still be OS. Please give her my love. She is, as are you all, in my prayers each day.  Be assured that I am praying even more now.  I have just spoken with Father Frank and he said to tell you and Mary that he is also praying very much.  If you would like him to visit Mary, please let him know.  You could do this through me if you like.  Please let me know if there is anything you would like me to do. Please also keep me posted and let me know when it would be appropriate to pay her a visit.  I can appreciate that with all her pain her visitors would be restricted.  Warmest wishes Michael – count on our support!

Andrew Liston – email
Thanks for the news, unfortunate as it is. I know that Mary is a very sincere Catholic and has that anchor, however ill she may be.  Please give Mary my best wishes.  I am sure that you and the medicos are taking all practical steps.  If a visit would do any good, let me know.  Mary is one of my very oldest friends and it would be no trouble at all for me to fly to Sydney.  Also, I hope that you, Michael, are holding up OK.  As you may know, my first wife, Lisa, died in 1991 after a long illness. If I can be of any practical assistance to you, let me know.

Christian Gillies – email
Deeply concerned to hear.  Prayers are with Mary, you and the girls.  My very very best wishes for a quick improvement.

Gary Scarrabelotti – email
I will immediately go before the Blessed Sacrament and pray for Mary.  Tell her this.

Joe di Leo – email
We pray for an early recovery.  I saw Mary on Sunday morning and she was in great form.  Look forward to talking to you soon.

Martyn Evans – email
Very sorry to hear about Mary.  Please pass on our love and best wishes.

Tanya Costello – email
Peter passed onto me your email concerning Mary’s hospitalisation.  We are grateful to have been in the loop as we were both very happy to meet up again in Israel.  Our warmest regards to Mary herself, you and your daughters also.  We will pray for swift cessation of pain and a speedy return home.

Lyndey Milan – email
Thank you so much for letting us know.  Sending all love and positive thoughts your way.  Please let Mary know.  Can you advise when she is up to having visitors?  All our love.  Lyndey and John xxx

Julie Flynn – email
I was very sad to receive your message that Mary is so unwell.  Can you please pass on my best wishes for her speedy recovery.  She is in my thoughts and prayers.  Tell her that as soon as she is better we must catch up for a long natter – it’s well overdue.  Jonathan has also asked me to tell Mary he is thinking of her and hopes she is well soon.  She is a wonderful godmother and he is very fond of her.  Take care and do not hesitate to call if there’s anything we can do.  Warm regards

Rob Bladier – email
Our thoughts are with you and the girls.  Please pass on to Mary our love and best wishes.  This is obviously a most distressing time as you can do little but wait and pray.  Mary is in our hearts as we pray for the best.  Rob & Monica

John Murphy – email
I am very sorry to learn Mary is unwell.  She looked so well on Sunday when we spoke at the FEC meeting.  Please convey my best wishes and you can be sure that I will remember her in my prayers.  Yours sincerely, John. 
PS After receiving your e-mail, I rang what I thought was your mobile telephone no. this morning and I got Amanda in Paris at 2.00am Paris time!

Nicholas Whitlam – email
This is very disturbing.  Please give Mary all our love and support and tell her our thoughts are with her.  As they are with you and your girls.

Jay Bacik – email
mary is in our thoughts and prayers…for you and the girls as well…

Michael Danby – text
Went to Shule tonight to pray for Mary’s recovery.  Love + support to you both + girls from Amanda, me and all your many friends in Melbourne – across the world

Steve Harker – email
Mate our thoughts are with you all.  How soon is it ok to visit?  Best wishes buddy

Adrienne Anderson – text
Oh my goodness.  I will definitely be praying for her Michael.  Please send her my love and can you keep me informed of her progress.  Thank you. Xo

Mary Maher – email
I am SO sorry to hear this news.  What a terrible and unexpected turn of events from a simple procedure.  All of our thoughts and prayers are with you, Louise and Amanda and especially Mary.  We all hope things turn around soon.  With all our best wishes and love from Chicago, Mary, Michael, Leo and Thomas

Mark Sullivan (ACTEW) – email
Send her our love.  If there is anything we can do for either of you just say.

Albert Dadon – email
Michael, my dear friend, what an undeserving testing time.  I have the most respect and affection for Mary and yourself.  I am saddened and concerned by this news.  My hopes are that contemporary medicine will overcome this complication.  I had a lunch scheduled with Mary for next Tuesday.  I will be in Sydney anyway so perhaps I could meet you in the afternoon.  I hope you have some good news to report in 48 hours.  In the meantime, Michael, I will pray for a full recovery of Mary.  With my warmest wishes and love.  Albert

Trevor Byles (EG) – text
Thoughts, love and prayers are with u and your family, Trev

 Yosi Tal – email
My prayers friendship and love are all offered to Mary and you and the girls.

Shane Geha – text
God be with you both

Mark Watson – text
Just heard the news.  Athina and I are thinking of both Mary and you…

Alex Banzic – text
Is she breathing by herself or with a ventillator?  I’m sure she’ll pull through… She’s tough.  Many prayers are with her.

Carlos Gonzalez – text
Ricky has said a prayer for Mary and he told me that God always answers children’s prayers

Carlos Gonzalez Jnr – text
I have just been made aware that Mary is in hospital.  My family’s hopes and prayers are with you and your family…

Adrian Lee – text
Just heard the news about Mary.  Please send my love, and my thoughts and prayers are with Mary and your family.  I’m praying for Mary’s speedy recovery.

Michael Zelas – text
Hope that Mary is a little more comfortable today…

Alex Banzic – text
Poor Mary 🙁 I’m sure she will get better

Kati Haworth – text
Hoping that Mary has stabilized.  Will check later with catherine, but… I am thinking about you both and sending best wishes to Mary.

Michael Zelas – text
Anything my dad can do?  As ya know Concord was his second home.  Poor Mary

Carlos Gonzalez – text
I am very sorry to hear.  Our prayers are with you and your family…

Bob Carr – handwritten note
Dear Mary, All our thoughts with you in your battle.  We sense you’re one of the bravest people we know, and you’ll fight this off.  Thinking of you at this moment – knowing you’re aware of all the friends you have – give it all your legendary strength and determination and guts.  All our love, Bob and Helena

Marsha Thomson – email
Waking to the news that Mary is so ill was quite a shock.  Please send her my love and tell her that all my thoughts and prayers will be for her full recovery.  I know that she is unable to receive flowers while she is in ICU so will wait until she is feeling better.  Please let me know how she is going.  I will keep in touch with you if that is OK. Warmest regards

Adam Geha – text
I’m still in shock hearing this news.  I want to visit her today if that’s ok.

Amanda Easson – text
Daddy this is Amanda, we will be with you soon, we love you so much, stay strong.

Friday, July 24^th

John Hatzistergos – email
Our thoughts are with all of you at this difficult time.  John and Maria Hatzistergos and family

Sen. Michael Forshaw – text
I have just heard about Mary.  Jan and I send our best wishes and our prayers for a full recovery.

Barry Batagol – email
You are right as Mary is a fighter, so with the support of her family, (Bill told me that your daughters are arriving back from Paris tomorrow), and friends she will come through this.  Best regards.

Helen Cargill – text
Thanks.  Lots of prayers going her way.  If there is anything I can do please let me know.

Scott Gartrell – text
Just heard Mary is ill.  Thinking of you all.

Adrienne Anderson – text
Oh.  I am praying for her recovery.  My cousin Father Bob Hayes is going to get a priest to see her today if that’s ok with you.  Xo

Therese Griffin – email
Thank you for letting me know of Mary’s complications.  There is nothing worse than having a love one in pain, but I do believe hand holding helps.  I hope the Doctors can come up with a good solution and ease her pain quickly.  Mary is often in my thoughts and always in my prayers.  It is also very hard on the family to know how to help best and very tiring so look after yourselves.  Mick and I have just returned to Capetown.  Give Mary my best wishes and much love for a speedy recovery

Raja Jamal – email
I just wanted to let you know that Alicia, the girls and I are sending all our prayers and well wishing to Mary.  We are thinking of you and your girls.  We are looking forward to hearing some good news in the coming days.  God Bless, Raja and family

Garry Burns – email
Michael, Amanda and Louise, I felt so saddened when Mike Davis sent me the news Mary was unwell and in critical care.  Michael, I want you to know I am thinking of her, you and the girls.  I love Mary like my own family.  When Mary was a MP in the Keating government, we become buddies.  It was Mary who put me on a path with God.  Since this time my life has been amazing.  It is Mary Easson I have to thank for this.  I have and will continue to pray for Mary to get well.  Thinking of her through prayer

Prof. Doug Kirsner – text
Very best wishes for Mary’s recovery

Chrissie Chrissie – email
Darling Michael Michael, thanks for the up-date.  Our hearts are with you guys.  I am just so very very sad for my friend to have to go through all this.  Indeed, she is a fighter and I have every faith that she will pull through.  In the meantime, she is being cared for and hopefully out of pain.  Please, when she is awake, send her all my love.  Here’s wishing you strength during these days.  We must stay strong for Mary Mary.  Please also wish my Mandie Katie a very happy 21^st.   A small gift is en-route and I am sorry all this happens at the same time.  Sometimes life is very strange. With love you all.  Pls keep me posted.  Love and hugs Chrissie

Michael Kinnane – email
I am very sorry to hear about Mary’s problems at the moment, please be assured of my best wishes and that Mary is in my thoughts and prayers at this time.  With warm best wishes. 

Dr Michael Casey – email
Thank you, Michael for the update.  We’ll ramp up the prayers.  God bless and keep punching.  MC

Mary Decaria – email
Let me know if there is anything you want done.  Only too happy to help out.  Thinking of you and Mary and hopefully she will improve.  Mary

Marcela Banzic – text
Thinking of all the time of Mary, she has to get better soon, please give her our love.  She needs to pull strengths and energy from people staying with her.  Have always family and close friends around.  LOVE and STRENGTH for dear Mary from Marcela, Don and nana xxx

Dr Henry & Marcia Pinskier – text
Shocked and distressed to hear of Mary’s condition.  You are all in our thoughts and prayers.  Much love, Marcia and Henry

Alex Banzic – text
Sorry to keep bothering you… I am deeply worried.  How is Mary?

Morris Milder – text
Garth just told me the news.  My thoughts n prayers r with u n Mary

Alex Banzic – text
I’ll be in Sydney asap

Alan Jones – email
Thank you for the note and please accept my deepest concerns for the wellbeing of Mary.  You asked for prayers and friendship and love.  Please assure her they are coming in bountiful doses.  These are not easy times.  My thoughts are with you.  I hope the energy that is offered by your friends and hers will go a long way towards regenerating her own resources in order to bring her to the level of good health and comfort that she deserves.  My thoughts are with you both and your family.  Kindest regards.

John Murphy – email
Thanks for the feedback on Mary.  Will keep up the prayers for her. If there is anything you think I can do Michael, please do not hesitate to give me a call

Michael Zelas – text
Will ask my dad tonight and respond.  My prayers are with Mary.

Sean Fleming (EG) – text
It’s Sean from the office here, just want to let you know we’re thinking of you and mary and my prayers are with you, look after yourself mate.

Adam Geha – text
I’m loath to trouble you, but how is Mary this morning?  Did my prayers work?

Maree Simmonds – text
Hope mary’s improving will see you later today

Jim Service – email
Very sorry to get this news upon my return from Singapore this morning.  I hope that things are now improving.

Joe di Leo – email
Mary is a very strong person and I pray that there will be an early recovery. Joe

Tom Wang – email
I am so sorry to hear what happened to Mary.  I am currently in Tibet.  I have asked the Temple and Banchan lama arranged a special ceremony of pray for wish Mary get better.  I am back to Beijing on the 30^th, will soon come back to Sydney with Jojo to see Mary.  I have prayed in the Temple, Mary will getting better.  Love to Mary.  Tom and Jojo

Parish priest (Melbourne) – email
I am devastated to hear this appalling news.  Mary, yourself and the girls and in my payers.  I celebrated Rob Bladier’s mother’s funeral this morning, needless to say, we were all taking about Mary and our concern for her.  I didn’t have your phone number, only Mary’s so I rang there and left a message on voicemail.  I assume you’re checking her phone.  Go gently Michael.  God bless, Peter Hansen

Moira Brophy – text
Your family is in our prayers.  Please know you can call on us at any time.  Give Mary our love.  Hope the girls arrive back safely.  So hard to think of Mary with her joy and great love of life having to fight this battle.  Take care.

Alan Howe (Herald Sun) – text
I am praying for you both

Bruce Hawker – text
I just heard about Mary.  My thoughts are with you and Louise.  I know that Mary is a strong woman and that she will fight this illness and see it off.  Let me know if there is anything I can do.  Hang in there mate.

Yosi Tal – text
On the way to synagogue for Friday night service to pray for Mary’s recovery.  All our love and support.  Yosi and Derryn.

Warren Mundine – text
My prayers for Mary.  God bless.

Garry Burns – telephone message
Just received an email from Mike Davis that Mary is so unwell.  I just wanted to say thinking about her…

Laurence Freedman – email
Thinking of you all.  Best, Laurence & Kathy

Marsha Thompson – email
Am so sorry to hear that Mary is so sick.  Mary is a fighter as you say.  I will continue to think positive thoughts.  I know it is very hard on you and the girls to see her go through all of this.  Hopefully Mary won’t remember too much.  I can’t even consider anything other than Mary making a full recovery.  My thoughts are with you all.  If there is anything I can do to help let me know.  Contact me any time and feel free to ring.  I must say I feel pretty helpless and wish there was something meaningful I could do.  Take care, Marsha

Michael Darby – email
Dear Lord, Please place your loving hand on the shoulder of your daughter and faithful servant Mary Easson, a wonderful mother aptly named for the Mother of Jesus.  We pray that you will enhance the skills of her surgeons and maximize the caring talents of her nursing and support staff.  We pray that you will minimize the pain suffered by this loving mother, devoted wife and selfless worker for her community and a host of worthy causes.  We pray that you will soon restore Mary, a lady admired by all who know her, to the loving arms of her husband Michael and their daughters, so that the Easson family may continue to serve you unremittingly and may continue, united, in their Ministry of faith and beneficence.  And we pray that you will strengthen Mary’s noble husband Michael at this testing time, and bring him the only reward he seeks; the restoration of the health of his beloved wife.  In Jesus’ name.  Amen. Dear Michael, My prayers and thoughts are with you and I eagerly await good news.  Admiring regards

Greg Sheridan – email
Michael, Thanks for this further update.  I’ve never been a very good Catholic but please know that I am saying prayers for Mary every day.  Jessie and the boys and I would also like you to pass on our best to Louise and Amanda.  I can imagine it’s an extremely difficult time for the whole family.  You are all uppermost in our thoughts.  I won’t bother you at the hospital or anything, but any time you can update us we are of course keen to know how Mary progresses.  Best regards, Greg

Saturday, July 25^th

Garry Scarrabelotti – home telephone message
I hope there is progress

Adrienne Anderson – text
Any improvement is good news.  I am praying for her constantly and we are all thinking of her.

Marsha Thompson – text
I will continue to pray and I’m sure that everybody will be doing the same, I am sure we are all with her in spirit, if not in person, surrounding her with our strength to help her fight to get well.

Kevin Rudd – text
Done. K

Yosi Tal – text
We will keep praying

George Miltenyi – text
Thanks for the update.  You are all in our prayers.  Slight improvement is good mate, slight will become steady and soon you will have her back in your arms.  George and Mary.

Marcella and Don Banzic – text
Remember that the lord is with you, pray about everything, tell him your needs and don’t forget to thank him for his answers.  If you do this, you will experience God’s peace which is far more wonderful than the human mind can understand.  His peace will keep your thoughts and your heart quiet and at rest.  Be strong my friend, be strong.  Don

Moira Brophy – text
Thinking of you all and hoping there has been some improvement with Mary.  We have been storming the heavens with our prayers.  Have the girls arrived?  My love to you all.

Maurice Alexander – text
Please call Paul Alexander.

Kati Haworth – text
Hoping that Mary stabilized overnight.  Louise and Amanda reunited…

Marsha Thomson – text
Don’t want to disturb you but I was wondering if there had been any change in Mary’s condition?  How are you coping?  I know how hard this is for you and the girls.  I have been thinking of Mary and all you ever since your email.  Take care.

Antonella Petrone – text
Thanks for letting me know.  Still praying.

Virginia Judge – text
I am saying a prayer for her and all of you.  I’m in Venice at the moment.  Bk in Sydney on Wed.

Michael Danby – text
Both of us went to shule this morning.  Rabbis said a special blessing for Mary’s recovery (Misheberach).  Everyone willing her better.  Love from us two to you two.

Fr John Fleming – email
I have said two Masses for Mary and was wondering how she is progressing.  Could you let me know when you have time?  How about you?  This must be a very difficult time for you as well.  Anything I can do to assist please just let me know.

Joe Tripodi – email
I hope there is progress with Mary.  Our prayers are with her.  If you become unhappy with your doctor, I can talk to Dr Reg Lord at St Vincents if that helps.  He helped me and is considered one of the best in the country.  Good luck, Joe Tripodi.

Brian Alexander – home telephone message
It’s Brian and Cheryl in Melbourne.  Just thinking of you.  So worried for you, Louise and Amanda.  Maurice is keeping us informed.  The whole family up on the weekend.   We’ll all be praying for Mary.  We’ll keep in touch through Maurice.  Catch up with you later Michael

Kevin Rudd – telephone message
G’day Michael.  It’s Kevin Rudd here.  Just got the message about Mary.  Sorry to hear that.  Can you give to her, when you are able to, Therese and my best regards.  We will certainly bear her in mind in our despatches heavenly as well.  Please text me when you are able to talk.

Chrissie Chrissie – email
Hello Michael Michael, I am saddened to hear that.  However, that will hopefully mean she is getting the very bestest of care.  She is in my thoughts and prayers, non-stop and so are you all.  I hope today will be a better day for her.  Be strong. Love and hugs, Chrissie

Lyndey Milan – email
Sending love and thoughts today and every day. Lyndey and John xxx

Bill Shorten – telephone message
Michael, it’s Bill Shorten.  Just thinking of you and Mary and family at this very difficult time.  I’m sure you’ve got plenty of assistance from family and friends, but please call me on …. If there’s anything I can do.

Barrie Unsworth – email
Pauline and are concerned to hear of Mary’s illness and hospitalization.  We will pray for Mary and ask Claire, who is currently in Santiago de Compostela as it is the Feast Day of Saint James, to also pray for Mary whilst she is in the Cathedral. 

Michael Zelas – email
Just hauled up my dad to discuss.  He pulled out the text books he uses with med students to explain.  Coincidentally, today he was working with Dr. Krish, the intensive care specialist who attended to Mary on Thursday and, my dad understands, discussed her situation with you.  Dr. Krish commented on Mary’s condition to my dad.  This is the only background he has.  He knows Dr. Collishaw, however is not familiar with his level of expertise.  ERCP (endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography) is the procedure which Mary almost certainly underwent, for removal of the gallstone that was in the bile duct.  She developed a well recognised, albeit rare, complication of the procedure.  The text book diagrams, accompanied by verbal explanation, made the details of the procedure and complication easy to understand.  Would you like to chat on phone or catch up with my dad to discuss?  He’s made the offer and is out your way on daily basis.  His approach is warm, yet factual and evidence based.  Patients find him calming because he empowers them with clear information and the best bed side manner around.  My prayers and thoughts are with you.

Sunday, July 26^th

Adam Geha – text
Just arrived in Seoul, hope Mary has made some progress today, how is she?

Sam Crosby – text
I heard about Mary today and just wanted to let you know I’m praying for you both…

Julie Flynn – email
We have all been thinking about and praying for Mary.  How is she doing?  Please let us know if there is anything we can do.  Love and prayers, Julie, Trevor and Jonathan.

Alex Banzic – text
Got ipod here.

Angelo Candalepas – text
I just heard about Mary and wanted to say that my deepest prayers are with you and your family for a full and speedy recovery and I will call tomorrow to see how you are both going.

Garry Burns – email
Mike Davis sent me an email saying Mary is improving.  This is wonderful news.  I am so pleased to hear this.  If she is well enough when you next see her, please tell her that I adore her and love her with all my heart.  I have been praying like crazy for her to have a speedy and quick recovery.  Us Catholics might be a strange mob, but our GOD is loving and kind.  I knew he would help Mary.

Anthony Morched – text
My prayers are with you and your family Carlos is keeping me posted.  All the best for Mary.

Jeremy Spinak – text
Hope things are improving today.  Thinking about you and the family.

Sharon Leich – text
We are both very sad to hear of Mary being so ill.  We are praying for her and if you need anything please call us.  Love Sharon and John

Con Sciacca – text
Am overseas at the moment mate… Just heard about Mary… My thoughts and prayers are with you both… I do hope things turn out well… Love and every good wish.

Garth Head – email
Michael, We will continue to pray for Mary, and also you and the girls at this time of pain and great worry.  I have been in voice mail/sms contact with Lawrie and Michele Cox (they are in Rome at the International Swimming Championships) and they too have said Mary is in their prayers.  With much love, Garth and Rosemary

Monday, July 27^th

Ann-Maree and Richard Smithells – email
Dear Michael, We are both very distressed to hear the news of Mary and we offer all our love and support for her safe return and recovery from hospital.  Ann-Maree would, with your guidance, like to come and visit Mary and sit with her if at all possible.  Although Mary may not be conscious she may “hear” Ann-Maree’s voice of support and encouragement to fight on and pull through this trauma.  She would envisage being with her overnight if at all possible.  Ann- Maree knows that, with all the activities that must be occurring, that may not be possible and asks if she can text a daily message to be read to Mary each day on her behalf.  To do this Ann-Maree would like to know which mobile number that could be texted to?  We only have Mary’s mobile number and your home phone number so if you could advise a contact we would appreciate it at your earliest convenience.  Michael, you have our love and support and we are sure that this l trauma will pass and our best friend Mary will soon return with smiles and love for us all to enjoy.  Our love and support.

Brian Sherman – email
Thank you for sending Gene and I info on Mary’s condition.  We weren’t aware of the situation.  Michael, if there is anything we can do or help in any way please let me know.  Please give Mary our love [when she is hopefully more lucid] and please keep us informed of developments when you are able to do so.  If there is one characteristic applying to Mary it’s ‘full of life’.  Gene and I and our whole family are going thru major trauma with our daughter Ondine’s twin boys.  They have a very serious non treatable, very rare development condition which only 40 families in the world are inflicted with.  I have spent most of the past 18 months in travelling the world and communicating with medical researchers.  All our Love.

Winnie Wang – email
Me and Mr Liu Wei’s family are all shocked by Mary’s news.  We are sorry to hear that.  I feel so sad to think about the pain she’s suffering.  Your heart must be broken.  Mr Liu’s daughter – Linda will prepare some contribution for her later.  Mary In our memory is not only a loving wife and mum, but also an extraordinary woman.  She has strong mind and beliefs.  She has great courage.  As you say, she is a fighter.  She will never give up.  We believe she will be well recovered soon.  You will find this is only one small episode in her life.  It may be too late to say, that my brother in Beijing had gallstone removed early this year.  He has done it by taking conservative treatment – taking pills and using traditional chinese medicine.  He is all right now.  If you thinking about looking for chinese treatment later or any other help, we are more than happy to give you a hand.  Chinese herb may be helpful to enhance her health as well after she is out of hospital.  Please do let us know if you need anything.  I can imagine how sad and anxious you are.  But please do take care yourself.  You can only support Mary and your daughters when you stands well.  We hope we will have dinner in golden century with you and mary again soon!

David BinShi – email
I am sorry to hear all these and thank you for giving us such an account of what Mary and you and the family had gone through for the last week.  I am not good at the language of English, I just want you to know I wish the best for Mary.  I think with capable medical professionals and beloved family members and supportive friends, Mary is in the best hands.  Please try to keep yourself together, Mary and the family at this type of situation would need you the most.  Take care of yourself.  We love Mary and you, may god bless you.  I will look into my limited English readings and I think I may have something for her and you.

Patricia Boggs – email
My family and my friends send their prayers to you and your girls.  Love, Patsy Boggs. 

Cathy Harris – email
Bob Hampshire passed on your email about Mary – just wanted you to know that I’ll do the old decade of the Rosary as I drive around today!!  Lots of love to you all. Cathy

Albert Dadon – text
Thanks for the update!  This sounds like good news!… I pray for her full recovery.  I will come visit you tomorrow.

Andrew Bolt – email
I’ve heard of your news and am shocked by it.  I have known you only a short while, to my regret, but Mary struck me immediately as someone vital – so very alive.  She also left me convinced she is a very good person, and I can’t tell you how much I’m now hoping for good news from her bedside.  If my wishes make a difference… Michael Danby is keeping me up to date, so please do not respond to this email.  You have far more important things to be getting on with.

Matt Burke – text
We will keep praying – matt and burke family

Marsha Thompson
Thank you for keeping me up to date on Mary’s condition I am so grateful.  I know this is an incredibly stressful time for you and I certainly don’t want to add to your burden but the jewish mother in me really appreciates hearing how she is.  I am so glad to hear there is good news.  Will continue to pray and send her strength to fight.  It’s good that the girls are with you.  I hope you have plenty of friends and family around to help support you through this.  In some ways this is harder on you right now than it is on Mary.  Hopefully, when she recovers (and I do believe she will) she will remember very little, but you on the other hand, have to live through every long hour of every long day.  Please take care of yourself.  It is so easy not to but important that you do.  Thinking of you.

Moira Brophy – text
That is such wonderful news.  We hope and pray that her improvement continues.  Our love to all especially my god daughter…

Anthony Morched – text
Thank god.  Jesus works in mysterious ways.

Yosi Tal – email
This is an email we were all hoping to receive.  Hopefully the next one will be even better.  The other day I told you that my Father at the age of 52 which is 23 years ago had a heart attack with a resultant broken heart valve.  Only 1% of people survive this.  The doctors told us the chances of survival were minimal and for 11 days he was unconscious in critical care at st vincents.  He was then some more weeks in intensive care and then many months of rehabilitation.  But the man is a fighter and he got through.  Mary as you say is a fighter and I have witnessed one miracle in my life time and I am hoping that I will witness another one and that’s Mary’s survival.  I know we have not been there physically with you but in spirit thought and prayer we are with Mary at all times.  All our love and support.  Yosi and Derryn

Helen Cargill – text
Hang on in there!

Karyn Easson – text
We are all praying for her and you and the girls.  It is good to have some positive results

Kevin Rudd – text
Great to hear.  Let me know if and when I can visit.  Will keep her in despatches above.  KR

Ann Maree Smithells – text
Sorry to trouble you Michael would I be able to sit with Mary if I came up on tues evening or wed to sydney not a problem if I should wait.  I am worried and feel helpless but am of course praying.

John Zeleznikow – email
Thanks for your e-mail and today’s report.  Given current circumstances, I do not expect a reply.  I think Greg Sheridan is a great thinker and writer.  You are fortunate to know him well.  I lost contact with Mary once I went to USA in 1979, as an assistant professor.  Of course, I met many people at Cafe Scheherazade, so forgive me for not remembering you.  I do hope Mary will soon be out of Intensive Care and makes as good a recovery as possible.  Please give her our love. 

John Aquilina – text
Relieved to hear Mary’s improving.  Ann and I wish her all the best.  Please keep us posted.

Bernie Riordan – text
Keep your chin up.  Mary is a wonderful person whom I am sure will pull through.  The prayers of the Riordan family are with you.

Tim Clayton – text
I’m so sorry to hear that Mary is ill.  I know that she is a fighter and if anyone can get through it she can.  If there is anything…my thoughts are with you and the girls.

John Mackay – text
Am praying for both of you as we speak

Shane Geha – text
Great news.  Sid Londish sends his best

Charles Nakkour – text
My deepest thoughts and prayers are with Mary during this marathon.  May God’s divine intervention bring peace and comfort to Mary, along with a speedy recovery.  I will make a special visit to Blessed Mary MacKillop today to ask for her assistance. God Bless, Charbell

Matt Thistlethwaite – text
Great to hear… Our thoughts are with you.

Claud Chaaya – text
That’s great to hear.  Sounds like she’s on the road to recovery.  We dedicated mass for her yesterday, our prayers are with you…

Fr Paul Stenhouse – email
Thank you for sending me information about Mary.  I’m praying for her recovery.  Please God she will be all right.  Laurie mentioned to me that she was in hospital, and I’ve been concerned for all of you.  I’ll be remembering her at Mass, and will try to call and see her soon.  As ever

Simon Grenfell – email
I will say a rosary for her today.  With all my prayers

Scott Gartrell – email
My heartfelt best wishes… Can’t believe she is so unwell, but very heartened at her fight back.  Let me know if you need any help.  Best from us all

Ross Garnaut – email
Thank you for sharing this awful news.  My love to you both

Adrian Lee – text
Mary is a battler with a strong will and the soul of the great! … Mary and your family are in my prayers each and every night.  We’re behind Mary for a steady but strong recovery.  Love to Mary and your family.

Mark Watson – text
Strength to Michael 🙂

Frank Sartor – text
Glad things have stabilised.  Am feeling for you.  It must have been a real shock.  Take care.

Maurice Alexander – text
That is good news.  Bill is visiting tomorrow.  I hope to visit again on Wednesday

Mark Syke (EG) – text
Sorry to disturb you.  Just wanted to check how Mary is and whether she had improved over the weekend… Our thoughts are with you.

Tim Harcourt – email
Thankyou Michael, we all know and have faith in Mary’s fighting qualities as a true believer, our thoughts are with you all.  With best wishes. Tim, Jo and Yun Shi Harcourt xxxx

Jason Li – text
I have just read your message.  My thoughts and prayers are with Mary, you and your family. You are both fighters.  You have all our support.

John Murphy – email
Will keep the prayers going… Yours sincerely, John and Adriana

Greg Sheridan – email
Thanks for this update.  I also just got your telephone text message that Mary had a peaceful night and that all the readings are going the right way.  That is fantastic news.  We are all pulling for Mary so strongly and desperately hope that this is a good sign.  I won’t bother you by ringing directly but I really appreciate hearing this good news.  I know there’s still a long way to go of course but all of your and Mary’s friends all over the country are pulling for her.  It’s great that she’s doing a bit better.

John Fernon – email
We have not spoken for years – that’s the way life goes.  Please know that you and Mary and in our thoughts and prayers.  Good luck on a tough journey.

John Clarke – email
I am very sorry to hear of Mary’s condition.  Jenn and I send Mary, you and your family our very best wishes and hopes for a speedy recovery.

Joe Kalk – email
I have been thinking of Mary and trying to give her as much positive energy as I can.  I was talking to Mary last night and told her to be strong and fight this.  I wanted to come to the hospital to give my support but didn’t want to intrude.  I also know Mary is very strong and a fighter!  The more you are there speaking to her the more she will fight through this.  I pray that we get some positive news today.

If there is anything you need please Michael let me know.  I am happy to come and sit with you at the hospital.  I am here for you, Mary and the kids!  Anything just say the word and I will be there.  Did you want me to bring some food for you and the kids tonight?  I want to do all this, but I am afraid to intrude on your family.  I am sorry this email is all over the place, but I want to help.  The book is a great idea.  I will get something together later this week.

John Caldon – email
Thank you very much for taking the time to update us in such serious circumstances.  You are an absolute Trojan.  Lyndey and I (and indeed all our friends who have some knowledge of you) are thinking of Mary and desperately hoping that there will light at the end of the tunnel.  Keep well yourself and may Mary rejoin you in good health.  Very Best Wishes John

Michael Dwyer – email
I am shocked.  Thank you for telling me.  The Dwyer family are good “Prayers” and we will get to work straight away.  And we will pray for you too and your children.  You all need to be sustained during this time of trial.  I looked this up for Mary: 
“But those who hope in [wait upon] the LORD will renew their strength.  They will soar [mount up] on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be [grow] faint.” Isaiah 40:31

Virginia Westerson – email
I am in total shock at your email which I just received.  I have always assumed that Mary would be one of the ongoing “matriarchs” of the future, with the strength of her character, family support and personal make up.  How wrong can we be.  Life is a series of trials – each one in theory, sent to make us stronger and I have no doubt that by now you may feel like ‘Samson’.  Please accept my most sincere and heart-felt best wishes for Mary, together with you and your family for a full and healthy recovery, albeit a long road to travel.  My fondest memories of Mary are of her being so full of enthusiasm in everything she took on, with that beautiful broad smile and always in a rush to be somewhere, with things to be done.  Her persona alone was enough to make everyone look up and take notice – she really was and is, one of those characters who are larger than life!  She is strong-willed and I hope that strength will pull her through –maybe you could tell her you’re about to nominate for public office – that may bring her fighting spirit back on line quick enough!! Incidents like this do bring into perspective our own frailties and how precious life really is though.  I now have 5 grandsons and I love them all dearly (hanging for a granddaughter).  4 of them are now living in Queensland and I miss them horribly, wondering when I will see them next.  I’m counting down the years to retirement now and just want to play “nanna” to my boys to cherish the memories.  Michael, my prayers are with you and your family and I hope you will all spend some precious memories together in the coming weeks and months.  Please keep in touch and let me know how Mary is going.  Even though we live up here on Central Coast, I actually do travel to Concord regularly to visit my chiropractor there and can drop in to the hospital to see her when she is up to having visitors.  I’m about to leave for NZ again for a few weeks and will be back mid August, so will leave my home email as well for contact.  I’m also on Facebook.  I hope Mary continues to improve and maybe can see her soon.  Kind regards, Virginia xo

Steve Perryman – email
I am very sorry to hear this and feel the pain in your email.  My thoughts are with you both during this difficult time.

Helen O’Kane – email
Moss has forwarded to me your email with the latest on Mary.  My thoughts and prayers are so with you, Mary and the girls, as are those of the wider O’Kane family.  I’m not sure how you are coping with this – I can’t seem to stop the tears at this moment – very sooky I know but I want you to know that we are there for you and if there is anything at all we can do; please let us know. I will certainly put together some reminiscences – I go back a long way!  I know that I have a photo of Mary  in the snow at the age of around 6 and plenty of stories of her first love – Ricky Nelson (not sure if it was him or the song Mary Lou though!) and many happy times at 2 Chadstone Rd – a magical house with a magical mother – my favourite aunt! With my special love to Mary and to you all.  God Bless, H

Anne Henderson – email
Will be praying and thinking up a contribution to Mary’s “convalescence book”.

Dr Robert Hampshire – email
I was so saddened to hear of your families grief as you try and join Mary in private and personal fight for life.  For that’s what it is.  A monstrous fight for life.  One can think it’s in the lap of the gods but you know better.  Her wonderful spirit and goodliness, of which I have been so briefly exposed, must now stand beside her as she rallies all of her fighting spirit to battle end organ failure.  Even to in an induced coma you must believe that she and the gods are fighting their greatest fight.  I know a little of her battle.  My beloved brother Peter had a similar fight before he perished of ca Pancreas last year.  We watched his incredible fight to stay alive to the end, and grieved even more than he did, if that’s possible.  My thoughts and prayers are with you, your children and of course Mary.

Sid Londish – email
I am saddened to have just received your email just now regarding Mary’s condition.  As you say – Mary is a fighter and she will continue to fight.  Please accept our best wishes, prayers and thoughts for Mary for a speedy recovery and if there is anything you need, please do not hesitate to call.

Julian Beaumont – email
I am most distressed to read your email, and hasten to send you and Mary our very best wishes for her complete and rapid recovery.  It is a very worrying and difficult time for you, but I hope you will take comfort in the certainty that we are all thinking of you and backing Mary in what seems to be a huge struggle.  As you say she is a fighter and this will stand her in good stead.  All the very best to you both from Annie and me.  And please don’t feel the need to reply to this.

Michael McLeod – email
We are in Buenos Aires and were completely unaware.  Our shock and deep concern is tempered by your gracious and heartfelt note which makes clear the need for optimism and Mary’s special qualities (which you both share in abundance).  Our thoughts and love are with Mary, you and the family.  Michael and Eliana

Tom Harley – email
I am so sorry to hear of this thank you for letting us know.  Our thoughts and prayers are with you do give Mary our love.

Trevor Cook – email
Thank you for keeping us informed.  It’s such a shock.  My time is pretty flexible and if it would help at anytime I can come to the hospital or help with other errands and chores at anytime (and I mean at anytime) please let me know.  I don’t want to add to your burden by just turning up but let me know.

Yuval Rotem – email
I am speechless.  It took me a while to comprehend the content of your email.  I was completely unaware about Mary’s situation and I wish to share with you my prayers and good wishes for a speedy recovery for your spirited wife.  I hope you are staying strong for the rest of your family, and my thoughts are with you all.  A response is not necessary.

Peter Sams – email
Mark Lennon rang me on Friday to tell me of Mary’s illness.  I had no idea it was so serious.  You and the girls must be devastated.  I am thinking of you all at this time and Mary is in my prayers.  As you say she is a fighter and I can’t imagine how this must be affecting all the family.  Keep strong mate and if there is anything I can do please let me know.  Please give her my best wishes when you are able to.

Chris Bowen – email
Very sorry to hear, I was unaware.  My thoughts and best wishes are with Mary.  I feel sure she’ll pull through.

Kerrie Boylett – email
I am absolutely horrified to hear of your below news.  I have been overseas and I only heard on the weekend (through John Caldon) that Mary was ill, and still not knowing how serious she really is I am shocked to hear of the below.  How terrible for you and the family.  Last year my daughter spent a year in India and came back very ill and had to have her gall bladder removed (at Concord Hospital) and as you have said below, they are absolutely marvellous to say the least.  Since then she has been getting symptoms again of pain, like the one with the gall bladder – which our doctors has checked to see if it is a blocked duct from a stone that may have been caught.  To date they still do not know.  From the below, I am hoping that I can get it further checked.  My thoughts are with you Michael, if there is any, anything at all I can do for you please do not hesitate to contact

Andrew Lillicrap – email
I am deeply saddened to hear about Mary’s condition. I had no idea until seeing your email just now – as I’ve been working in China for the last 6 months and only just returned last week.  My thoughts and prayers are with you all and it goes without saying that if there is any way I can help, then I am more than happy to.  However, probably all that could be done is being done.  My mother went through a critical period a few years ago when she had a severe stroke.  We expected the worse, but she pulled through and gradually got better – to a point any way.  My point here is never to give up hope and rejoice even in small progress.  There is another point – that is to question what the doctors and nurses are doing.  They are very good and particularly so at Concord, but they make mistakes and overlook some things as they have with my mum and dad in the last few years.  You need to take it upon yourself to be her advocate at the hospital.  If you feel that something is not right, don’t be shy to ask questions and get some attention from the staff.  They understand that they need to defend, or explain their actions to close relatives, so don’t be reluctant to push for what is in Mary’s interests.  This doesn’t have to mean that you become her doctor or nurse – they still have better medical training than any of us.  But understand what they need to do, ask why, ask if there are other options and then make sure they do what they are supposed to do.  Once again, I am so sorry Michael.  I suspect you are being overwhelmed with phone calls and people wanting to visit.  I am happy to do that as well, but I suspect you need some space with Mary and the girls, so I will hang back for now.  My prayers and best wishes to all of you.

Andrew Kaldor – email
Thanks for the update.  What a shock to read your email.  We hadn’t heard.  I wish there was something more we could do to help, other than offer our support and best wishes.  You know all your friends will be thinking of Mary, you and the family.  If good wishes can influence destiny, Mary’s fate will be overwhelmed by the flood of encouragement.  I am reluctant to call you because I don’t want to add another call to the pressure but, if you can, please keep us informed.  Andrew and Renata

Michael Costello – email
I have not contacted you before because I felt it better to leave your phone uncluttered for more important calls, but we have been thinking of you and Mary and hoping.  I am sorry the remote chance of serious complications eventuated.  Devastating for Mary and so difficult for you who have to see here suffer with that feeling of terrible helplessness one has when you see someone you love in such pain.  Good that there are signs of hope.  We are thinking of you both and wishing in most heartfelt fashion that things continue to improve.

Robert Magid – email
This news comes as a complete shock almost too difficult to believe.  We just saw you and Mary a couple of weeks ago in Israel and Mary was her usual vital, enthusiastic and loveable self – exuding warmth for friends and taking in bucketfuls the experience of being in Israel with friends.  Reading your description below, not having had any warning, is almost unbelievable.  I am trying to reach Ruth to inform her, knowing how much she loves and admires Mary, I know what her reaction will be.  Our hearts go out to you, Michael and your family.  Please keep us informed.  I will only call if you feel like talking but will respect your need for privacy otherwise.  With all our love.  Bob and Ruth

Alan Batley – email
Jeanette and I were distressed to read of the dreadful battle that Mary has been fighting.  Our loving thoughts are with her, you and your family.

Lucy Turnbull – email
I am so sorry to hear about this.  What a horrible thing.  Our thoughts and prayers are with Mary, you and your children.  You are right – Mary does have a great abundance of physical mental and spiritual strength – all of which is so important now.  Warm regards

Pierre Esber – email
We are all praying for Mary that she will recover very soon to be back with you and the girls.  My family and I will be praying for a speedie recovery and tonight at home we will light a candle in her honour and pray for her well being.  Please send her all our love.  From myself and the Family, Pierre & Sabah Esber and family

Margaret Bermingham – email
We have been praying for Mary ever since we heard the news of her collapse last week.  On saturday afternoon i enlisted the help of a great friend, a sister of charity, to pray for Mary who I said was “fighting for her life.”  On Sunday night I went to 8pm mass at St Pats and offered it for mary.  I continue to pray for her and the great medical team who are there every step with her.  It’s one of those times where we say, “Thank God for modern medicine.”  There may be a long road ahead, but Mary has got through so far and we hope and pray she will continue.  All the Maher family, to whom she was so good, are thinking of her with love and also of yourself, Louise and Amanda.  Moira keeps me in touch with what is happening.  Love, Margaret and family

Athol Cairn – email
Hi Michael, Have had a copy of your general email from Michael Dwyer, with whom I am in regular contact.   Charlene and I are very distressed to hear of the problems facing Mary and all of you.  We recall with great pleasure that bright, bubbly vivacious and highly talented Mary Easson.  She was one of the better Victorian exports.  She was a great MP also.  We will think of her in our prayers and also of you and your daughters.  It is hard to believe that they are old enough to have been in Europe.  Charlene and I last saw one of your daughters at your farewell dinner when she was, we think 5-y—o, and it was a special night out for her.  Warmest regards and good wishes from Athol & Charlene Cairn, now of Cobargo, far south coast.

Tanya Plibersek – email
Mary is in my thoughts.  I am sending her – and you and your family – all my very best wishes and strong and positive thoughts.  Much love, Tanya

Dr Don Markwell – email
I was shocked to hear about Mary’s situation, and write immediately to say that I am thinking of her and of you, with very happy memories of years past, and with intense hope for a good recovery.  As you said, Mary is a fighter, and she is also a delightful and genuine person, and loved by so many.  Warmest good wishes to you all.  Don 

Jeremy Jones – email
I am very grateful that you have the strength to let your friends know about Mary’s situation.  Naomi and I continue to think of you in our prayers.  There is a special Jewish prayer said when a person is seriously ill, and I would like to specifically mention Mary by name when I next pray it.  In Jewsh tradition, we refer to both the person and their Mother, and the prayer requests Rachel (the wife of Jacob) to intervene.  If you have the opportunity to let me know Mary’s mother’s name, then I will include that in my prayer.  In friendship.

Sandra Nori – email
I first met Mary while you and Shane were still in the left!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!  Young Labor National Conference, Jan about 1976 or so.  Mary  and I were on the same flight a couple of months ago and I kept thinking, she really has not changed.  She is always instantly recogniseable.  You are right she is a fighter and yes she is in good hands.  I am sure you don’t need to be told, but the most important thing you can do is keep in good health, don’t exhaust yourself, keep a clear head, and in that way you can be the best dad you can be to the kids and husband to Mary as you get through this marathon.

In young labor ( Max Pearce, Anna Katzman) we had a nickname for Mary (not nasty)  but I am not going to tell you what it was until I can tell her personally, over  glass of wine and a nice lunch when this is all over.  Not sure what I can do but if there is, my numbers are below.  Keep well Michael.  Sandra x

Anthony Albanese – email
Thinking of you at this difficult time

Peter O’Connell – email
Michael, Thank you so much for taking the time to keep all so well informed.  Mary is an exceptional person and I have long admired both of you as a couple and individuals.  The O’Connell family will pray for her and for you and the children.  From my own limited experience, I can tell you that Mary will be aware of your presence and the warmth it can bring her is a source of strength.  God and love be with you all. Pete

Barry O’Farrell – email
I am sorry to hear about Mary’s condition and of course will keep her – and the whole family – in our prayers.  If there is any way I can be of assistance, don’t hesitate to call.

Elias Hallaj – email
G’day Michael, I heard today from Karl about Mary’s illness.  Our thoughts and prayers go to her, you and your family.  Mary is a fighter and I know her enthusiasm for life and everything it has to offer will pull her through this challenge and she will hopefully get much better soon. 

Peter Beattie – email
Thanks Michael for the update on Mary.  We know this is a difficult time for Mary, you and the girls.  Our prayers and thoughts are with you.  Peter and Heather Beattie.

Elizabeth Proust – email
Thanks for letting us know.  Brian and my prayers are with Mary and the whole family.  Please let me know if there is anything we can do.

Halina Best – email
I am so sorry and sad to hear this bit of news.  Thank you for sharing this with me.  I can feel the tears welling in my eyes as I type this message to you. I will pray for Mary and for you.  I know how close the two of you are and how committed and a loving partner you are to her.  Mary was always a highlight of my days when I was working with you.  She would often bring smiles to my face as I struggled to find you and get messages to you sometimes.  “Join the Club” she would say and then she would laugh.  I could feel the tension and stress then seeping out of me.  A wonderful woman with a big generous heart of gold.  Yes, I shall pray… and send her my love via the universe.  The universe that I truly believe in that gives us hope, courage and lessons.  All to be embraced and sometimes to wonder at as often the timing is all wrong.  Mary (and you) certainly have a zest for life.  My thoughts will be with both.  Even though I am sure you have a multitude of friends etc., please let me know if there is anything I can do. 

Greg Rudd – email
My love and prayers to Mary, kids and you – as a colleague said to me recently discussing health we are at a stage were life stops giving and starts taking – nothing romantic about that but a fate none of us can avoid – but I can only imagine the pain Mary went through and you don’t understand physical pain unless you have experienced it – my heart goes out to her.  Prayers and peace of mind to you all.

Yosi Tal – email
Michael this is an email we were all hoping to receive.  Hopefully the next one will be even better.  The other day I told you that my Father at the age of 52 which is 23 years ago had a heart attack with a resultant broken heart valve.  Only 1% of people survive this.  The doctors told us the chances of survival were minimal and for 11 days he was unconcious in critical care at st vincents.  He was then some more weeks in intensive care and then many months of rehabilitation.  But the man is a fighter and he got through.  Mary as you say is a fighter and I have witnessed one miracle in my life time and I am hoping that I will witness another one and that’s Mary’s survival.  I know we have not been there physically with you but in spirit thought and prayer we are with Mary at all times.  All our love and support, Yosi and Derryn

Helen Nugent – email
I am so concerned to hear about this.  My thoughts and prayers are with you.  Laurie Cox had a very similar issue.  I really believe it is worth your speaking to him.  I will send his number.

Bruce Hawker – email
That lady is a fighter – and that means so much, I know, when the body is in trouble. We will keep her in our thoughts and will her on.  I can hardly imagine how tough this must be for you and the kids.  Know that we are thinking of you all.

Helen Cargill – email
Michael, Thanks for the update.  It goes without saying that Mary is constantly in my thoughts and prayers.  Can I do anything for you and the girls?  Would you like me to come and sit with Mary while you have a rest?  Even if she can’t hear she can probably sense that someone is there.  Love and prayerful thoughts to you all. Helen

Ian Macara (ACTEW) – email
Oh Michael, I am so sad for you and for Mary, and your children, that this vivacious and charming woman is fighting such a tough battle.  When you and I did some insurance work in London together I had heard a lot of very positive things about Mary from people who knew her and who were extremely impressed by her intelligence and her warm personality.  When you two, Gino, Martin Colebrook and I had fun at the quiz in the London pub I got to know Mary a little and realised that the high praise had not been overstated, Mary is simply outstanding.  It was also obvious that you two are well matched, very much in love, and that together you make an impressive team.  I feel deeply for you and for Mary and I will be adding my prayers, to the many already being said for Mary and her family.  

Tuesday, July 28^th

John Brogden – email
Lucy and I send our best wishes.

Mary, you and the girls are in our prayers.  Tell Mary I’m sorry for tearing down her posters in the middle of the night whilst standing on top of my best mates’ father’s milk truck swinging a large stick when I was the President of Drummoyne Young Liberals back in the Lowe days!!!

Rita Freedman – email
Dear Michael, Joel and I are so sorry to hear about Mary’s medical condition.  We hope she is improving since you sent this.  Our hearts and prayers go out to her. When she wakes, please give her our love. Rita

Julie Curcija – email
Dear Michael, You are so right when you say that Mary has enormous fight in her.  Mary and your family are in my thoughts and prayers.  Julie

Itzik Rabinovitz – email
Mary hi, I don’t know when you will be able to read this email – I just wanted to let you and your family know that since I heard of your situation on Friday (Barry told me) you have become part of my daily prayers the “He” should grant you a speedy recovery.  You have given so much to so many and may these good deeds add witness and contribute to your full recovery.  You are not fighting alone – we are with you!  Praying for the best.

Ken Edwards – text
Our prayers and love are with Mary, you and family.  Don’t hesitate to let Connie and I know if we can do anything to help…

Jerome Dadon – text
Dad mentioned to me tonight that he had been in Sydney to visit yourself and Mary and that unfortunately Mary is unwell.  I pray for her speedy recovery and am sure both of you will see it through this hard time…

Helen Cargill – text
About to go and light candles at St Mary’s for Mary’s continued improvement.

Dr Paul Alexander – text
So glad to hear things are looking up michael.  Take care.  Don’t forget to get some rest.

Kevin Rudd – text
That is very good news.  I am back in syd tomorrow nite.  Let me know about visit thurs if poss.  KR

Deborah Costa – text
Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family and we wish for you all the greatest strength and courage whilst Mary is very sick from Michael and Deborah Costa

Leon Kempler – text
We are thinking of you and Mary and hope and pray that she will make a full recovery.  With all our love, Leon and Ilana

Gabrielle Schwartz (EG) – email
I am so sorry to hear the news about Mary. Whenever a family or friend is unwell, we always recite the Jewish prayer for the sick, ‘Mi-sheberak’: 
Mi-sheberak
“May the One who was a source of blessing for our ancestors, bring blessings of healing upon (insert names here), a healing of body and a healing of spirit.  May those in whose care they are entrusted be gifted with wisdom and skill, and those who surround them be gifted with love and trust, openness and support in their care.  And may they be healed along with all those who are in need.  Blessed are You, Source of healing.”
My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.  Wishing Mary a speedy recovery, With warm wishes, Gabi.

Joe Hockey – email
This is all a reminder of how fragile our lives are.  Mary – I am about to climb Africa’s tallest mountain to raise money for our hospitals.  You will be in my prayers as you climb your mountain.  Let’s meet at the summit and celebrate your strength of character and determination in the face of adversity.  Be strong sister.

Alan Jones – email
I’m in receipt of your note of Monday 27 July at 10.32am concerning Mary.  Suffice to say we are all concerned.  Thank you for sharing all this with us.  I really hope that the care and the prayers and the hope and the empathy that is moving towards her will strengthen her in what has become a very major and energy-sapping ordeal.  And this is difficult for you and the children as well.  Let me repeat what I’ve already said, Michael, my thoughts and those of many are with you.  All one can say at times such as this is the simple Godspeed.  May He speed her to a total recovery.  And I have a strong inner feeling that that will be the case.  My thoughts are with you, Michael.  With best wishes, Alan Jones AO

Greg Smith – email
Thank you for sharing your experiences and concerns so eloquently.  Juli and I and our family are praying for Mary’s recovery and will intensify our efforts.  We were stunned by the news and extent of her illness.  I miss her so much on the Campion Institute Board.  She brought wisdom, energy, practical experience, loyalty and a keen sense of humour, qualities which are much needed.  Please God she recovers.  We cannot afford to lose her and those qualities, but our loss would be so much less than yours and your childrens’.  Please let me know if we can assist in any way other than prayer.  Regards

Marie-Therese Gibson – email
Dear Michael, This is indeed good news!  We keep up the prayers for her and the doctors!  Many thanks

Wednesday, July 29^th

David Goss – email
Just a short note to find out how Mary is progressing.  We appreciate that your time must be fully taken up but want you to know of our continuing concern and very best wishes for a speedy and complete recovery for Mary!

Percy Allan – email
I heard through Pip of Mary’s severe illness.  I hope she pulls through and I wish you and your family all the best.

Therese Griffin – email
Dear Michael, Louise and Amanda, How is Mary?  Thank you for email spelling out how Mary’s condition got so serious, it must have been so frightening for you to see her so fragile.  I am hoping the organ scans were positive and there has been some improvement.  I am so glad the girls are with you to support you and Mary.  It is very difficult being so far away, but my love and prayers are doing double time on the airways to heaven.  Much love Therese

Yosi Tal – text
That is tremendous news.  Pls pass on our love Yosi and Derryn

Leon Kempler – text
Dear Mary and Michael Albert told me you have awoken with your radiant smile.  I am so happy with your incredible recovery.  Once is enough.  Very warm regards and love from Leon

Adrienne Anderson – text
What a relief thank god I am so happy give Mary my love and best wishes. xo

Marie-Therese Gibson – text
Great news!  The children have been playing and offering their play on the equipment – you both donated it – for Mary.  Lv to Mary and all.

Mark Syke – text
Great to hear Michael.  That’s the only kind of news we want to hear.  I also wanted to let you know that Eva and I discussed several times visiting the hospital, but we felt you probably wanted to restrict visitors to family and close family friends.  We did not want to intrude.  M

Carlos Gonzalez – text
Fantastic Mary is back Best news

Morris Milder – text
It looks like our prayers are being answered.  I am really happy about Mary’s progress and will rock into synagogue this Saturday.  Love

David McDermott – text
Hopefully you have received my emails of support for you and Mary.  Recent news appears to be good – hoping that this continues.  Virginia and I have been talking about you both daily and our thoughts and prayers are with you.

Frank Sartor – text
Well done.  Give her a big hug.

Steve Harker – text
Fantastic news!!!!  Love you all and our thoughts

Alex Banzic – text
Thank God 🙂 must have been abba 🙂

Joe Tripodi – text
Great news.  Pray it continues

Kati Haworth – text
Great news! Michael.  Cannot imagine how Mary is able to smile with all that tape holding all those tubes, but I am delighted that she is able to overcome these restraints and express positive emotions..

Albert Dadon – text
Man o man!!!!!!  You made my day, my week, my year!!!!!  Thank you G-d!

John Aquilina – text
Very relieved to hear Mary’s improving.  Our prayers are with you.  John and Ann

Morris Milder – text
Glad to hear that mary is continuing to fight.  I went to synagogue on saturday to pray for mary.  As u know for jews it’s a local call.

Tony and Anne Varrall – email
Really pleased to hear of Mary’s ever so small improvement.  Our thoughts, hopes and wishes are with you as you go through this terrible time.  Wish there was something we could do to help, but of course we just need to have faith in Mary’s strength and know that everyone is doing their absolute best at the hospital to get her through this battle.

Di Ford – email
We have met – I worked for Graham Richardson and then Laurie Brereton in Canberra.  Know Mary very well from those days.  I now work for David Campbell hence how I have heard about Mary.  I am thinking of you all at this time and praying that all goes well for Mary.  She is a strong person, a real fighter.  Warmest wishes.  Di

Thérèse Rein – email
Thank God…

Jim Nolan – email
Your email was the first idea I had that Mary was so ill – I hope by the time this reply reaches you she has improved.  I know that I can do nothing to help but if there is anything which I can do, please let me know – my thoughts are with you Mary and your family

Monica Hayes – email
What a tragic mishap – with the most straightforward procedures, we seldom have to confront the reality of the risks.  Mary has always been a person larger than life in my memories and delightful encounters with her, usually socially.  I was delighted to see her again last December when in Sydney, looking her radiant self and so unchanged by the passage of time.  I wondered about her claims on the fountain of youth!  Through the fog of the medical interventions, please give a healing message from Port arlington and her long time friends here – Take care of yourself in this difficult time.

Morris Milder – email
Hopefully Mary’s condition will continue to progress for the better.  I am continuing to hope and pray.  Lots of love.

Greg Sheridan – email
Thank you very much for the daily updates on Mary’s condition.  It is wonderful news to feel she has had a few relatively good nights and her condition is stabilising.  I know a lot of people who have been through terrible illness and regained their full health subsequently.  Each day I read your bulletin on Mary’s condition to the family.  Our oldest son, Ajay, came down today for a few days and he asked that he and Inu’s deepest regards and concern be conveyed as well.

Steven Thorp – email
Great to get some positive news.  Thinking of you all

John Tolley – email
Very sorry to hear about Mary, our prayers and best wishes are with her, you and the girls.  Unfortunately, my travel is greatly restricted but please give her a kiss for me.  We are sure that Mary will pull through as she has sooo much more to offer.

Patricia Staunton – email
I was devastated to read your email about Mary’s current condition.  My thoughts and prayers are with you all at this time but particularly Mary.  If there is anything I can do to assist you in any way please do not hesitate to ask.  In the meantime, I will continue to hope and pray.  I have no doubt she is in the best of hands clinically.  Take care.  With love and best wishes to you all.

Moira Brophy – email
Thank you for the update.  It is so good that there is finally some good news but the next few days will be critical; we must still keep up the prayers.  It is so hard to imagine Mary in such a vulnerable position.  I have always told her that she is the quintessential Pollyanna and I have no doubt that through all of this she will not have lost that gift.  Take care, our love to Mary and the girls

Helen O’Kane – email
Have just received Maurice’s latest update and you must be so relieved that Mary has woken today even though she is still heavily sedated.  For me and the wider O’Kane family the news is as a breath of fresh air!  As you say, stable is indeed a golden word!  You are all very much in our thoughts and prayers and our special prayer for tomorrow is that the planned tests bring positive results.  With our special love to Mary.  God Bless H

Andrew West – email
This is welcome, if cautious, news.  Please give Mary all my love.

Carlos Gonzalez – email
THANKS FOR THE UPDATE MATE.  I THINK OF MARY EVERYDAY (A MILLION TIMES A DAY) AND I AM VERY SAD ABOUT WHAT HAS HAPPENED AND I PRAY THAT SHE COMES BACK SOON.  IT LOOKS LIKE SHE IS GOING TO GET BETTER SLOWLY.  MICHAEL ANYTIME YOU FEEL ALONE OR NEED TO TALK TO SOMEONE YOU KNOW THAT I AM THERE.  YOU MUST BE GOING THROUGH A VERY HARD TIME.  CARLOS

Thursday, July 30^th

Tony Abbott – email
Michael – Greg Sheridan has let me know that Mary is very ill.  This is just to say how distressed I am to hear this awful news.  I gather she’s improved slightly which must be some encouragement.  Still, a dire time.  For what it’s worth you have my deep sympathy and inadequate prayers – cheers Tony Abbott

Bill O’Kane – email
Just a short note to let you know that we are thinking of you and the girls.  Pat and Edna are keeping me updated, but I am not sure of the veracity of the news after Maurice has talked to Helen who has talked to Edna who talked to Pat who has talked to me!!  Ed read out your email last night which seemed a lot more positive which is great news.  If it makes you feel any better, a close friend of mine had a similar experience (but with a bowel operation) and was in an induced coma for a long time.  I visited her and she was getting the same individual treatment Mary is getting.  I thought I had seen her for the last time – I have never seen a sicker person.  Lisa has made a full recovery (it took over 12 months) and is now heading up the Fairly leadership program and living a normal life.  Miracles can and do happen fortunately.  You are all very much in our thoughts and if I can be of any assistance just ask. Bill O’Kane, Marian Alannah and Bridget

Julie Kempthorne – email
I have heard of Mary’s illness.  I just wanted to tell you of my concern and hope for a full recovery for Mary.  Mary is such a positive and strong woman I cannot but believe she will overcome this.  I keep you, the girls and Mary in my prayers and thoughts.

Fran Windon – email
Dear Michael and girls, I have been kept up to date with Mary’s illness through Michael and unfortunately we can do nothing except to pray (and we have done plenty of that) and to let you know that our hearts go out to you and your family and can only try to imagine the pain you are all going through. 

I have told Sr. Judy (Sr. Judy was the principal at Santa and worked closely with Mary during the building of Mary Bailey House) and she sends her warmest regards and is praying for Mary and has put her on the prayer list of the Santa Sabina nuns.  I have also told Virginia Judge and spoke with her at length this morning and she would like to see Mary at the weekend if that is possible.  I told her that I would get back to her with regard visiting.  My Michael is devastated with Mary’s illness and is being very positive, but it is taking a lot of courage on his part.  I have never known a man and woman to have such a close relationship as them.  Michael, if there is anything, anything that I can do for you, no matter how small or large, please do not hesitate to ask.  You have probably received this same message from dozens of people, but I do sincerely mean it.  Peter also sends his regards and I keep him updated.  Hopefully you can go to him on the weekend and have the stuffing knocked out of you!  With our deepest concern and love, Frances, Steven and Patsy.

Toby Smith – email
We and our friends here are praying for Mary, you and your girls.  May you all get through this and back into the sunlight.  Take care.

Michael Kroger – email
I was shocked and saddened to receive your email.  My very best wishes and warmest regards to you and Mary.  My prayers and thoughts are with you both

Lindsay Tanner – email
I’m shocked and saddened to hear of Mary’s plight.  I’ll be thinking of you both – and hoping like hell she pulls through this terrible challenge.

Alan Jones – email
Thank you for the progress report.  Obviously, the prayers and the thoughts are working.  I’m delighted to read that there are “still grounds for optimism”.  Keep your spirits up.  With best wishes to you and the family.

George Newhouse – email
I am so sorry to hear your news about Mary.  I wish that there was something that I could do to assist.  Please feel free to ask if I can help in any way, otherwise please pass on my best to Mary and I will pray for a speedy recovery.

Virginia Gordon – email
Dear Michael, Yosi and Critto have been updating me on Mary’s progress.  She has been in my prayers, morning and night.  And I know there are so many more of your friends and colleagues and people who care for her who are doing the same.  Not just we Catholics 🙂  When someone is larger than life in personality and their embrace of life, with a passion and energy and joie de vivre on the scale the fabulous Mary has, to see them as vulnerable, and with the staggering challenges she has faced, the shock is greater than it might be for lesser mortals.  But she is surrounded by love, by a family who mean so much to her – always evident in every conversation I have had with her –and together you will conquer this, and she will continue day by day to move from Dunkirk to Bondi.  I shan’t keep you on the screen, as you need to have time for yourself.  YOU need looking after and to take the time you need to be able to continue to give her all she needs.  My father was sick for 10 years and I know what you are going through.  Learning when you might even think of yourself is hard, but you will because she will want you to and you can then do more for her.  Take care of yourself as you are of Mary.  A special wonderful human being, who will approach this awful challenge with the same determination she has approached everything in life.  My connection with Mary has as you know been small – but I have felt it was like being with an old school friend as we giggled and gossiped like naughty school girls.  I look forward to that laughter again.

Sharon Leich (telephone message)
Hullo Michael.  It’s Sharon Leich here. Just ringing to tell you how worried we are about Mary, that you are in our prayers.  I’ve gone over to Mother Mary McKillop for her.  So, hopefully, everything would be alright, and I hope you are feeling okay, the pressure and how hard it would be.  Hopefully we’ll be able to talk to you soon.  Look after yourself as well.

Marsha Thompson – email
Great news! Could you please give Mary my love.  I will wait impatiently for her to recover some more and will then come and visit.  And I agree tonight is a night to think only good thoughts and that Mary won’t accept anything less than a full recovery 🙂 🙂 🙂 Marsha

David Goss – email
GREAT NEWS!

Mordechai Kedar – email
Mary’s improvement proves that prayers help…  All the best and my hottest regards to her.

Helena McCarthy – email
Greetings from Valencia!  Thank you so much for your emails – I have only had access to the internet here and there, and your updates have really helped in my understanding of both Mary’s condition, and also how the family is.  Your spirits seem to be much higher today, and it’s extremely reassuring to read about Mary’s wonderful progress.  All the medical care, and prayers, are clearly paying off.  I am sure you are probably feeling so incredibly exhausted right now and your consideration to keep us all across what is happening at the moment is a tribute to your strength, and especially useful for people – like us – who can’t be with Mary at the moment.  Somehow with your help, we all feel a little less far-away.  Thank you again.  I am meeting Mum and Dad in Rome in a few days, and we arrive home on the night of August 5.  I’d like to place a really-close-friends request-to-visit-our-dear-friend for Mum, Dad and myself for the 6^th – if that suits, just let me know your preference for times and we’ll be there.  Continue to keep your spirits high, and we will continue our prayers.  Loads of love to you, the girls and to our darling little fighter.  Laney

Adrienne Anderson – text
That’s fantastic news we knew she is a fighter.  I am sure she will continue to improve now… Please pass on my love and best wishes 🙂

Antonella Petrone – text
Thanks for keeping in touch

Joe Kalk (EG) – text
Is there anything I can do to help?

Marsha Thomson – text
Am breathing a little easier hearing that Mary is improving. x

Maurice Alexander – text
I agree but we are so happy with the turnaround

Fr John Fleming – text
I am saying my Mass every day for Mary and will continue to do that until we are well assured of recovery.  Thanks for keeping me informed.

Bob Magid – text
Thank God.  When does Mary move out of intensive care?

Helen Cargill – text
Great to hear of Mary’s improved condition.  Is there anything I can do?  Please keep in touch

Michael Zelas – text
A lot further to go, but some positive news about the trend helps.

John Aquilina – text
Very much relieved to hear Mary’s improving. o

Mark Syke (EG) – email
Great news Michael.  Thanks for the update.  Hope tomorrow brings even better news. 

George Miltenti – email
Mary and I are soo soo happy for you guys.  Remain positive and strong.  Take care of yourself Michael

Richard Alcock – email
Wonderful.  Keep up the news. I was thinking of calling but email is less taxing for you.  As you say, there will be good and bad days ahead, but keep corresponding.  Best regards, Richard & Kathy

Stephen Vineburg – email
Our thoughts from London are with you and Mary.  Keep going.  I’ve made sure Leo is kept up to date as well.

Joe Kalk (EG) – email
🙂 I agree…  Giving up was never an option.  Thank you for the update.  I have been thinking of Mary and praying for the best!  We will all continue our prayers.  I would like to come to see Mary this sat but I’m not sure if it’s appropriate.  What has the doctor said that would be good for Mary?  Does she like any magazines??  I am here to help.  Anything you need let me know and I will help. 

John Evans – email
Great news for all.  Very best wishes at this time.

Stephen Smith – email
Been following Mary’s situation since you started your emails and had updates from Martyn as well in sydney tmrw avo and sat for conference is a visit to see her a prospect?  Regards Stephen

Rob Thorpe (QA) – email
Good news to hear.  We hope Mary continues to improve.

Kerrie Boylett – email
Yipee.  The best is yet to come.  The long road starts with one tiny step.  Thinking of you. Love kerrie

Percy Allan – email
That’s good news – our thoughts are with her in her struggle to recover.  Keep well.  Percy & Pip

Helen Nugent – email
This is great news Michael.  My thoughts and prayers are with you

Jim Dominguez – email
Thanks for this encouraging update.  Sue and I are with you and Mary every inch of the way.  Our prayers and thoughts are with you and all the family.

Laurence Freedman – email
Wonderful news.  Give her our love, Laurence and Kathy

Connie Klimko – email
Wonderful news!!!

Albert Dadon – email
Thanks for the news.  The Dadons are delighted!  We are also celebrating here. Here’s to Mary!  In good health.

Greg Rudd – email
Attitude is the essence of life.  Congratulations to both you and Mary.

John Mackay – email
We remain in your corner…cheering and hoping…your thoughts and updates raise our spirits…we are “paid up members” of Mary’s cheer squad…  John and Col

Julie Thorp – email
That is the best news I have heard I will come down on the weekend I havent been for the last few days as I thought I was coming down with something but that hasnt eventuated so I will be down to see her.  Give her all my love

Bruce Wolpe –email
Thrilled to hear this news.  Tell her we know she’s no quitter like Sarah Palin!  We are meeting today and tomorrow in the House Energy and Commerce Committee to pass health care reform.  What you have told me reinforces my determination to help effect the best possible bill, but I know that the best we do will not match what you have access to in Australia.  I’m so glad Mary has the benefits of the very best.  Love to you both and thanks for the report.

Margaret Bermingham – email
Thanks for giving us the good news.  We continue to pray every day for Mary.  I will not visit yet but may contact you next week.  I will contact the sisters of Charity who I asked to pray for Mary last saturday and give them the good news.  Love and blessings, Margaret and all the Mahers.

Yosi Tal – email
Great news!

Frank Lavin – email
Joyous news.  She is an indomitable woman.  Our prayers are with you.  all our love…Frank and Ann

Friday, July 31^st

Carol Peake (ACTEW) –  email
Wonderful News Michael, her smile was always worth bottling, I know you will see a lot more of it.  Bet the first thing she does is put on that bright red lipstick when she’s better, which she loves and looks gorgeous on her.  Fondest

Malcolm Irving – email
Thank you for informing me about Mary’s illness.  What a shock for all of you.  Be assured Mary and each of you are in our thoughts and prayers.

Paul Howes – email
Great to hear Michael, our prayers are with you.

Parish priest (Melbourne) – email
That’s great news Michael.  Please know that Mary is not only in my prayers, but in those of all our parishioners; even if they don’t know exactly who she is!

Rose Docwra (Unions NSW) – email
We have been reading your emails about Mary.  Thank you for the updates and we are particularly pleased with the latest news.  Would you please pass on Mark Lennon’s, along with her friends at Unions NSW, our best very wishes for a comfortable recovery.  Please continue to keep us posted.  

Ps: Mary O’Donoghue is on leave presently as her husband is unwell.  Sweet Regards

Ross Garnaut – email
Wonderful news.  My love to you both

Ron Dyer – email
Thank you for your email message.  We are very sorry to learn that Mary has been so ill.  We trust that Mary will soon recover and be restored to full health.  With kindest regards and best wishes to your family.  Ron and Dorothy Dyer

Ruth and Bob Magid – email
She is a real fighter.  Give her our love.  Our thoughts are with you.  Ruth and Bob

Toby Smith – email
Hallelujah!

Bruce Baird – email
That’s wonderful news!  We will continue to pray for Mary.  Regards, Bruce and Judy Baird

Gary Scarrabelotti – email
We are praying.

Darryl Kerry (Stadium Australia) – email
Not long ago I received a copy of an email that you distributed providing an update on Mary’s health.  I can’t begin to imagine what Mary is going through nor you and your family.  The thoughts and prayers of everyone at the Stadium are with you and Mary during this very difficult time.  Please don’t hesitate to let us know if we can do anything to help or be of any assistance.  She’s an extraordinary lady and I’m sure this will help get her through – hang in there mate.

Barry Batagol – email
Very glad to hear the great news about Mary and please pass on our very best regards.  We know you have the Catholic thing sorted out, but we want you both to know that we had the Jewish aspect working overtime as well.

Sandra Nori – email
Thanks for the update and glad she wanted cocacola, always a good sign when someone wants to eat junk!  No need to answer the following, they are merely prompts. what are you doing to make sure you are being healthy and not running yourself ragged?  What treats have you and the kids had/done to relieve anxiety and enjoy each other away from the hospital?  That restaurant near the hospital, whose name escapes me Italian there in the park on the water is really great, maybe have a bite there before or after a visit.  really GOOD food.  Keep well

Peter Woods – email
Dear Michael and Mary, Very pleased to hear the positive news.  Keep up the battle and don’t let the bastards grind you down!  Best wishes.

Jeremy Jones – email
I was so happy to read the latest email with more positive signs – even though I understand the terrible trials you are still going through.  I read it after completing a 24 1/2 hour total Fast, when we study the Book of Lamentations and think of the suffering of those who are in distress, ill-health and need.  It culminated three weeks of special prayers and nine days with Lent-like restrictions.  The prayer I was saying, at the time we make personal supplications, was:-

May the One who blessed our ancestors –
Patriarchs Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob,
Matriarchs Sarah, Rebecca, Rachel, and Leah –
bless and heal the one who is ill:
Mary daughter of Aileen.

May the Holy Blessed One
overflow with compassion upon her and her loved ones,
to restore her,
to heal her,
to strengthen her,
to enliven her.

The One will send her, speedily,
a complete healing –
healing of the soul and healing of the body –
along with all the ill,
among all humankind,
soon,
speedily,
without delay,
and let us all say:  Amen!

(I said it in Hebrew, but that is the translation, and we only use first names assuming the All-knowing knows who we mean).  May the weekend bring only more positive signs and growing strength for Mary, and some peace for you.  Warm regards.

Steve Piotrowski – email
I hope you don’t mind – I have been sharing your emails with my girlfriend Gill.  She sent this response to me this morning and I thought that you might like to know that your words are inspiring someone who you have never met:
That is great news.  I found Michael’s words “Giving up was never an option” very inspiring.  It also made me remember the time when Chelsea, who was premature & very tiny, developed a virus at 6 weeks of age & was critical in intensive care for a week.  I spent years blocking out these memories because they were too painful but now she is 7 & strong, I feel that I can reminisce about that time a little more easily.  Still tough & it brings tears to my eyes but worth celebrating again today. THANKS, Gill

Kevin Rudd (text)
That’s fine Michael.  We’ll keep in touch about a later visit.  K

Sandra Hale – email
Heart warming news, thank you.  You must keep these emails for Mary to read when she’s ready.  Steve was hoping he could visit Mary next Tuesday afternoon at say 3:30 or 4:00 pm.   Would that suit?  I’ll be the driver!  Please let us know when you can. Take care and lots of love.

Ian Macara – email
Wonderful news and deeply moving.  A long way to go I know, but this is a serious step in the right direction …  Warm good wishes.

Helen Cargill (text)
Got your email.  Sounds very positive.  I would like to visit.  Please let me know when.  Prayers still going up.  Helen

John McCarthy (text)
Great news about Mary. We continue to pray for her.  Love, John and Chris.

Garth Head (text)
It’s great to hear that each day brings some improvement in Mary’s condition.  It must be a relief for you and the girls.  Garth & Rosemary.

Morris Milder – email
Thanks for your email of yesterday evening.  Fantastic progress!  ASAP, I will try to get up to Sydney and visit Mary at Concord.  My thoughts and prayers continue with respect to Mary and you

Mark Cohen – email
Again … great news about progress … remember, lots of little steps … Mark

Nicole Royan – email
What a relief to read your email this morning.  I knew Mary would fight like a tiger! Heartfelt wishes of support to you and the girls also.

Michael Darby – email
Thank you so much for the bulletin.  May God bless you both

Sheridan Family (card)
Dear Mary, Get well soon!  Mary, we are all thinking of you and Michael and the girls and we’re all praying for you.  So just get better & look after yourself and read some relaxing books (and even newspapers!).  With all our love and best wishes, From Greg, Jessie, Lakhvinder and Jagdave in Melbourne, and Ajay and Inu in Sydney.

Frank Mossfield (card)
Sorry to hear about Mary’s illness.  Best wishes & prayers from Frank & Jan Mossfield

Christopher Pyne – email
That’s great news Michael – please give Mary my best.

Terry & Adrianne Hannan – email
Athol has been forwarding your epistles re- Mary’s health problems.  I am so pleased to read that she sems to be over the hump and is improving… after all if you want a Coke things must not be too bad.  Anyway, Adrianne and my prayers are with you and look forward to hearing that she will be restored to full health in due course.  Hope you are also bearing up under the stress of all of this. 

Loftus Harris – email
Heard from Rob Whiddon about the dreadful circumstances of Mary’s health.  I am so sorry that this has occurred and just wanted you to know that our thoughts are with you all at this very difficult time.  Mary is such a delightful and positive person, I am sure we all find it hard to imagine this happening to her.  At the same time, I’m sure she will be fighting hard with your support. With warmest regards, Loftus

John Kaldor – email
Great news that Mary is improving, keeping our fingers crossed for a full recovery.  Warm regards, Naomi and John

Jim Service – email
This is the very best e-mail that I have ever received.  I know that there is a long way to go and we will all keep up the prayers.

Chris Christodoulou – email
Just heard the news re Mary.  All of us at Unions NSW are thinking of Mary, you and your family.

Tom Harley – email
Wonderful to hear we will keep all fingers and toes crossed.

Dr Bob Hampshire – email
Well done.  Tell Mary to keep fighting.  Thinking of you both

Dr David Daintree – email
Lovely news.  We’ll keep up the prayers.

Garry Burns – email
This might cheer Mary up with a smile.  Toward the end of Sunday service, the Minister asked: “How many of you have forgiven your enemies?”  80% held up their hands.  The Minister then repeated his question.  All responded this time, except one small elderly lady.  “Mrs. Neely?”; “Are you not willing to forgive your enemies?”  “I don’t have any”, she replied, smiling sweetly.  “Mrs. Neely, that is very unusual.  How old are you?”  “Ninety-eight”, she replied.  “Oh, Mrs. Neely, would you please come down in front & tell us all how a person can live ninety-eight years & not have an enemy in the world?”  The little sweetheart of a lady tottered down the aisle, faced the congregation, and said: “I’ve outlived the bitches.”

Derek Volker – email
Splendid news.  Some of the cheers you can hear are from Canberra.  Strong support continuing from here.

Jennie George – email
Great to hear of the positive developments.  Jennie and Denis

Doug Wright – email
Good news.  Keep up your courage and eat well.

Mark Norville – email
Our thoughts and hopes are with you and Mary.  Anything else pales by comparison.

Anna Booth – email
Well this email is certainly better news than the last one.  You and she are truly inspirational in the way you have handled this.  Malcolm sends his love as well.  I saw Heather Ridout at a meeting this week and she was most concerned to hear about Mary so I’m sure she is thinking of you too.  In the exchange she told me that her husband peter has MS and is deteriorating.  I didn’t realise this – it’s amazing what people deal with in their lives.  Keep up the good fight.

Ruth Magid – email
This sounds much more encouraging – has she turned the corner?  We are there in our thoughts to help her make it.  With love – Ruth and Bob

Kerrie Magee – email
Delighted to hear of the improvements!

Jason Yat-sen Li – email
Good news.  The prayers continue.  All strength to you.

John MacBean – email
We are so pleased to read of Mary’s improving health keep the good news coming.  Regards John and Gail

Greg Sheridan – email
Thank you for this great news.  It is a fantastic development.  When Mary is even a little further along her recovery assure her that every day the Sheridan family prays for her and of course every day we discuss her condition.  I think she’s on the road back now.

Lyndey Milan – email
That is great news.  Please send her our love, and that of Pam Seaborn whom I have been keeping in the loop.  Is it possible to send flowers yet, or is Mary up to reading do you think?  Please let us know what is appropriate.  We will hold back and hopefully wait for her to be having a boring convalescence in a few weeks when she might need to see a couple of new faces.  Love to you all.

Alan Cadman – email
Wonderful, wonderful.  We will keep the prayers going – give her our love.

Jeremy Spinak – text
It is so great to hear Mary is improving so nicely.  She is such a strong woman –
truly amazing.  We are all thinking and praying for her and you every day.  You are both such a source of strength to those around you.

Moira Brophy – text
Hoping Mary has had a comfortable day.  Trust her to want coke!  Thinking of you all.  Take care.

Damoon – text
When is the earliest I can see her?

Bruce Hawker – email
Great news Michael.  You can tell Mary that she isn’t missing much at National Conference.  None of the old stoushes!  Kevin’s speech went down well and Qld continues to do its own thing!  We are thinking about her.

Sam Haddad – email
Good news.  Best of courage

Garry Burns – email
This is great news.  I am really happy about this.  When next with Mary please tell her I am thinking about her and wanting to give her a big hug.  I won’t come and visit her in hospital because I am not close family.  When she comes home I will come over to see her.  Thanks for the update.

Dominique Fisher – email
Alan has forwarded me your emails – I am still can’t believe what I am reading but now I am thrilled to hear that there is progress for Mary.  Please add me to the email list … give her all my love.  I was reflecting how many times we supported each other (and laughed) on the dreaded NRMA and IAG together and how we always managed to find a way forward … together.  I am sending her lots of love and prayers and willing her to get better … how funny about the Coke (she hasn’t changed J) trust you and the girls are holding up.  You are such a special close family I know she couldn’t want for love and support.  You may be interested to know that Alan and I are taking my two boys to New York for Xmas this year – because I recall Mary telling me with such love and excitement that you both and the girls loved doing this as your special family treat and how wonderful a time you always had.  I have never forgotten it and marked it in my ‘must dos’ with the boys before they are too much older (now 21 and 17).  Tell her she HAS to get better so she can tell me what we should do … I tried to reserve seats for us at Midnight Mass on Christmas Eve at St Patrick’s Cathedral only to be told I can ‘buy’ (!!) my tickets after September – only the Catholic church J .. and where for Christmas lunch?  and New Years Eve? … and she can’t spend her entire time using coloured letters to spell instructions out so instead she just has to get better ASAP so we can chat… really soon, Lots and lots of love and prayers Dominique and Alan

Bishop Peter Elliott – email
Thank you, Michael, for encouraging news of Mary.  I spoke with John McCarthy in UK and our prayers continue.  I asked the participants at the symposium on St Paul, at Mass, at the JP2 Institute in Melbourne to pray for her.  In Dno.  Most Rev Peter J Elliott

Helen O’Kane – email
Michael, What relief you must be feeling-we are with you all the way.  Please send out love to Mary.  There is no doubt she is a fighter and how typical the COKE.  Crates of it were always a fixture in the laundry at 2 Chadstone Rd. – we country kids thought it sheer luxury!  Big Bill (the purchaser-certainly not Aileen’s idea) has clearly left his mark on his daughter!  I have to be in Newcastle next Friday and could easily get there via Sydney on Thursday night if you though a short visit might be in order?  I know it is a long way away in ICU terms but thought I would flag my thoughts and you might let me know closer to the time if a fleeting visit would not be too tiring for Mary.  Do take care of yourself Michael – it has been such a challenging time for you and you have a long road ahead.  As you know we are here praying at least and ready to support in any other way.  God Bless, H

Chrissie, Chrissie – email
Wonderful wonderful news.  There is light at the end of the tunnel.  Weeping with tears of joy.  Good on you Mary.  You go girl….you can do it.  With tons of love to you all.

Monday, August 1^st

John Aquilina – text
Great news Michael.  We are t inking of you constantly.  John and Ann.

Ann Maree Smithells – text
Sounds great step by step slow but steady she will be good.

Adam Geha – text
We’ll take any improvement!  God willing, the kidneys will kick in tonight.  I’ll pray for that.

John Aquilina – text
We are still overseas; in fact in Palermo at the moment.  We are getting all the emails and text messages about Mary.  She is in our minds constantly.  In fact Ann and I are talking about her all the time… . She is in our minds constantly.  Our prayers are with you.  Sorry we can’t be closer to you at this time of the year…

Anne-Maree O’Kane – email
Dear Mary, Michael, Louise and Amanda, A brief note to say that we are thinking of you all and pray that Mary makes a full recovery.  Mary is such a beautiful person, whom we love dearly.  We are thinking of you and praying that her health improves quickly.  With all our love, Edna, Pat, Brian and Anne-Maree

Deirdre Burke – email
Dear Michael, Amanda & Belinda, Paul forwarded on your email and we are shocked to hear of Mary’s horrendous experience.  It must be so difficult for you all to understand why one person’s body should be subjected to this onslaught.  Our thoughts and prayers are with you all and may Mary’s recovery be fast and complete.  Fond regards.

Sunday, August 2^nd

Maurice Alexander – telephone message
Hope all going well. Sharon and Jane will be up Wednesday. Brian and Cheryl will be there, not this Friday, but the following Friday.  Darryl Watkins told me he has got your [email] messages and to tell you that he is thinking of Mary and the family.

Adam Geha – text
Sorry to keep bothering you, how is Mary doing now?  Will they be able to pull the respirator tube out on Monday?

Dr Robert Hampshire – email
In rooms.   Just back from a conf and full of optimism.  Sunday nights can be hard though Mike.  Keep the faith and give Mary my best wishes.

Tony Abbott – email
Michael – that’s great.  Let’s hope there’s better news coming – cheers Tony

Peter Ivany – email
Great news… keep it coming…

Beryl Ashe – email
I have just returned from 5 weeks in Queensland to emails from Michael Dwyer and Athol Cairn forwarding me your emails re Mary’s illness.  What a devastating thing to happen to her.  I trust and pray that she will fully recover without long term illnesses or disabilities caused by this horrific event.  You have all, and are continuing to have, a heartbreaking time and I can only express my deepest sympathy to you.  With all of the love surrounding her I am feeling confident that she will be ok. 

Monday, August 3^rd

Adrienne Anderson – email
Thank you so much for such an informative summary of Mary’s progress, she obviously is a very sick lady and it will take quite some time for her to recover.  She is constantly in my thoughts and prayers.  I would love to pay her a quick visit when you think she is up to it.  Can you email me your mobile phone no. and I will check with you first.  I hope you and the girls are ok also.

Jacqui Raynes – email
I’m Kathleen O’Kanes daughter.  You don’t know me but I have heard about Mary and her family all my life from mum.  I would just like you to know that I am following Mary’s progress with tears in my eyes and a lump in my throat and praying for a happy outcome.  I am currently in the Democratic Republic of Congo so you can tell Mary that people all over the world are wishing her well.  My thoughts are with you.  You are doing a wonderful job.  Love

Shane Easson – text
It’s got 2b so distressing…

Chrissie Chrissie – card + teddy
We love you Mary Mary, get well soon xxx 
Mary Mary, this comes with loads of love and best wishes for a speedy recovery. Something to cuddle.  With all our love, Chrissie Chrissie, Tom, Andy & Steve xxxx

Michael  Zelas – text
Fingers crossed that kidneys and lungs become the ballast over the new few days…

John McCarthy – text
Sunday evening here we offered our mass for mary hope her recovery continues love chris and john

Kate Clancy (Santa Sabina) card
I write on behalf of Santa Sabina College to let you know you are in our thoughts and prayers at this time.  Your contribution to the life of the College is remembered with gratitude.  We pray that God will bless you with a speedy return to good health.

Kevin McCann – email
Thank you for your bulletins on Mary’s recovery process.  It was wonderful news to hear that you are much more optimistic now that she is emerging from the acute stage of her illness.  It’s extraordinary how a misadventure can lead to such serious health issues.  I hope progress continues over the next few weeks.  Please keep me in the loop.  Deidre joins me in our prayers for Mary, you, Louise and Amanda.

Tanya Plibersek – email
Wonderful news.  We’re all thinking of Mary and you all.

Paul Nicolau – email
All the best for Mary and yourself.  I am praying for Mary’s health.  Take care.

Patricia Staunton – email
So very, very thrilled to hear of Mary’s improvement.  Will keep up the prayers and positive thoughts.  Take care.  Warmest regards to you all.

David Cragg – email
I’ve been sending up my prayers the past week, and I trust that Mary’s condition has stabilised.  As you know, Michael – if anyone’s strength of faith and joy of living will get her through Life’s trials, it is Mary’s.  I have always thought of Mary as being literally a wonderful person, and I know she will prove it this time.  But – in the meantime – my prayers are also with you & the girls, to sustain your faith and resolution through dark times.  All my love and comradeship, DKC

Patricia Rochford – email
This is very good news.  I hope Mary’s road to recovery has continued since your email.  The setbacks along this road are almost inevitable – it’s as if the body is double checking that the will really is strong and positive.  Mary, with your powerful love and support and that of her family and friends, will pass the tests with flying colours.  Take care of yourself; there will be many demands on your physical and emotional strength for a long while.  I’m in storm ridden NYC.  Yesterday was very pleasant – sunny and in the 80s, but today is thunder and very heavy rain.  I fly to LA tonight and on to Sydney tomorrow night.  Shall ring after I arrive.  My love to Mary, the girls and you.

Tuesday, August 4^th

Rodney Cavalier – email
I have been overseas.  The obvious statement avails itself – no words can convey my feelings for you and sense of hope that matters have turned for the better.  If there is anything I can do, please let me know.  My thoughts are with you.

Helen O’Kane – email
Glad to hear from Maurice that Mary continues to improve – I know it will be a long and challenging road to recovery but at least the road is there!  I am coming to Sydney on Thursday evening and I have planned to call in at Concord ICU for a few minutes (only) on my way to North Sydney but only if convenient and Mary is not too tired.  My plane is scheduled to arrive 6.10pm so I would come directly to Concord if OK with you.  I am totally flexible and will come only if you think it would be of some small benefit to Mary.  No doubt you are feeling very weary after two weeks of such tension.  I hope you are managing to get some sleep now!  Love to all and take care.

John Robertson – text
Hope everything is going well & Mary is continuing 2 improve.  We r thinking of you. John & Julie

Mary Decaria – text
Hope everything went well with the scan…

Shane Easson – text
Completely understood.  Let the 4.00am arrests begin.

Adam Geha – text
Ouch, a reminder that the journey is a long one… This episode is very harrowing, both for Mary and all those who love her.  Hope tomorrow is a good news day, keep going Mary, we love you!!

Sandra Hale – text
Positive news.  Please let us know when its visit time.  In the meantime, it’s a big squeeze and big X to you and Mary. Xoxo

David Hamill – text
Pat and I have been out of range in central Australia for the last few days.  We were anxious to hear of news of Mary…

Joe Kalk (EG) – text
I hope Mary is showing more signs of recovery.  My prayers and thoughts are with Mary.

Karyn Easson – text
Thank you for your message.  It goes without saying Mary and you and the girls are constantly on my mind.  I hope Mary’s vomiting eases soon…

George Miltenyi – text
How’s Mary, mate?  Please let us know!

Sharon Alexander – text
Jane and I expect to arrive at hospital 12.30ish.  We r praying this mini emergency hasn’t set her back.  Hope to see you tomorrow…

John Easson – text
Keeping fingers crossed.  Catherine and John

Shane Easson – text
1 flag up 1 down then…

Adam Geha – phone message
…on my way to the airport & got your message and very happy and excited [by the x-ray scan results].  Does this mean that the kidneys are not permanently damaged? …Anything about the lower intestine?  Is that likely to come back?  My mum is with me.  She is lighting a candle at church tonight.  We are all praying.  Hope that is making…  God willing it will be good news shortly.

Shane Easson – text
Fantastic news was fearing much worse…

Warren Adcock (Asset Super) – card
I have just been informed by Michael Dwyer of the sudden serious illness of your wife Mary.  There’s no doubt that with the tremendous support and expert attention she is receiving a sustained recovery will be hers.  The thoughts of my wife Margaret and myself are with you and your family at this worrying time.  Although our paths never cross these days & we were on opposite sides of the fence, I always admired your integrity & common sense when representing the union movement.  Sincere personal regards.

Therese Griffin – email
So pleased Mary has some improvement and that tests are positive.  Thank you for the reports.  You are all in my thoughts.  Hugs to all, especially Mary.

Anne Keane (for Stephen Smith MP) – email
Stephen has asked me to let you know he regrets he wasn’t able to get to the hospital to see Mary on Saturday.  It was his day to present to the Conference and a number of meetings had been arranged for him.  He has asked me to pass on his love and best wishes to Mary.  Please also pass on my love to Mary.

Tony Stuart (NRMA) – email
I was shocked and disturbed to hear of Mary’s incredible health set back.  I can’t begin to imagine how distressing it must be for you and the family.  Our thoughts are with you in this difficult time.  Please let me know if there is anything that we might be able to assist with.

Julie Flynn – email
Michael, Trevor and I are delighted to hear that Mary is much improved.  I was at the ALP national conference last week and many of your friends were very concerned about her health and worried about the stress on you.  I hope things are continuing to progress well and look forward to hearing when Mary is up to visitors.  Take care and we will keep you both in our prayers and thoughts.

Liam Nillon– email
I have just been speaking to Mr McCarthy who sends his greetings from Rome.  He asked me to inquire as to whether there have been any developments with Mrs Easson’s condition and to assure you that he and all the McCarthy’s as well as all here at 5 Wentworth have her in our thoughts and prayers.  Mr McCarthy can be contacted via text message and I am happy to pass on any messages you might have for him this way.  Mr McCarthy, along with Mrs McCarthy and Helena, is currently scheduled to arrive back in Sydney this Wednesday evening at 10pm.  He is, of course, anxious to see Mrs Easson and was wondering whether it would be appropriate to see her on either Thursday or Friday depending on her availability.

Dan Curtin – email
Pardon my delayed response.  I’m so sorry to hear of this dreadful chain of events.  Please convey my best for an end to this madness and a speedy recovery.  Her high spirit and wonderful outlook on life will help bring her around.  Stay strong. 

Wednesday, August 5^th

Max Mawhinney – email
I trust Mary is still making progress with her recovery.  Pancreatic disorders can be tricky.  I have attached a link (see below) to an article that, whilst it may not be the light reading Mary is looking for, may provide considerable food for thought for the road to recovery.  As you know I have a strong interest in Bio-Technology and read widely on topics such as the link attached.  I found this article (even though it is an info-commercial), particularly interesting.  Best wishes to Mary, you and the family, Jenny and Max.
The message is ready to be sent with the following file or link attachments: Shortcut to: http://www.nutri-tech.com.au/blog/?p=647

Neil Eisenstadt – email
Thank you so much for updating me on Mary’s condition.  I hope she is in a much recovered state since your last email.  Please let me know if there is anything I can do.  I have been praying for her welfare and hope that she is out of danger at this point.  I wish you comfort and only good health for a complete recovery.

Kim Beazley – email
I was terribly shocked to read your email detailing Mary’s parlous situation.  I had no idea that you both faced such an appalling crisis.  Suzie’s and my prayers are with you.  There can be nothing more horrible for a husband to contemplate than his wife in Mary’s situation.  It sent me thinking a lot about Mary.  She was such a good colleague in her short parliamentary career.  Too short a career, really, for someone of her immense heart and abilities.  She had a great deal to give the nation but was not given the fullest opportunity.  One can’t help feeling that the nation was the poorer for this, though yours and Mary’s life probably the richer.  Mary was such a breath of fresh air in Caucus, a cheerful, dominating and unquiet personality, but in the best possible way.  She always struck me as a person of immense internal resources.  That attribute would be stretched to the limit now.  I quite understand how you would want now some peace and quiet as you go through the process of adjusting life to care for Mary.  As I said earlier, I do pray for progress and good news.

Simon Crean – telephone message
I am in Sydney.  Have a lunch.  Could do later this afternoon before a speech to the Sydney Institute.  Let me know.

Maurice Alexander – text
Great news still not out of the woods yet

Adam Geha – text
Great news! … Does the scan result mean that none of her internal organs were permanently damaged?  Any news re kidney function, lower intestine and when respirator tube will be pulled out?  Our intense prayers are with the entire Easson family.

Arthur Apted – telephone message
Ringing up to wish and hope everything goes well with Mary.  Got your email; one of those things that comes completely out of the blue… Been thinking of you guys… Hopefully things are going okay.  Look after yourself and family…

Peter Worland – email
Just back from overseas heard Mary is not well.  Our thoughts and prayers are with u both and the girls.

Peter Khalil – email

This is encouraging.  How is she doing in the last few days?  Also, I hope Louise is ok I understand she flew back from Paris.  I would like to visit Mary but understand if it is too crowded let me know if it is Ok.  Since I met Mary, she has become a wonderful close and trusted friend – more than anyone she has made me feel welcome in Sydney and has been so generous with her time and counsel.  I would like to visit and say a quick hello – but respect your wishes if there are too many people coming through, I can wait.

Thursday, August 6^th

Damoon – text
She’s still improving though, right?

Robert Goot – email

Our hearts and prayers are with you all.  Last Thursday I spoke at an ALP Conference Fringe Event.  And opened with thoughts for Mary.  The speech is attached.

Robyn Worland – email

I was shocked to read this email, having no idea Mary has been so desperately unwell.  As Axis has liquidated Peter hasn’t received any emails to there, so we’re sorry not to have been in touch before this.  I’m not sure what precipitated Mary’s illness, but it’s obviously been extremely serious, and we send you all our prayers and hopes for a full and speedy recovery for her.  Please pass on our warm thoughts to Mary, and we hope to hear good news soon.  I’m pleased to hear the girls are keeping those toes looking good!  Fond regards from us all.

Helena McCarthy – text
…Thanks so much for letting us see Mary today.  She has always been an inspiration and today was no exception. Xo

Damoon – text
Have they taken the tubes out of Mary’s mouth yet?

Donna McKenna – card
I just returned from Hong Kong to hear the news about your illness.  Just a card, with my best wishes to you on your road to recovery.  Warmest regards.

Ann Maree Smithells – text

Was there some good news in doctor’s report last night I am optimistic but worried for Mary.

Adrianne & Terry Hannan – email

Delighted to hear of Mary’s progress, even if it is slow and torturous.  The strain on you all must be tremendous.  Thank you for keeping us informed of developments.  There may be some merit in Coca Cola therapy after all.

Saxon Griese – email

Thank you so much for your news of Mary and for letting us be a part of this time.  My thoughts and so many prayers go to you, Mary and your family.  I know that she will come through this.  “He will not allow your foot to be moved; He who keeps you will not slumber.”  (Psalm 121:3).  God bless

Bill O’Kane – email

Dear Michael, Louise and Amanda, Thank you for your email.  It is wonderful to hear of Mary’s positive progress.  This stuff is not for the faint hearted and our thoughts and prayers are with you.  Bill, Marian, Alannah and Bridget O’Kane

Yvonne Molloy (PLC) – email

Here at PLC we are receiving from Julie Thorp copies of your emails about Mary – I’m not sure if would you remember me, but I was Bill McKeith’s Secretary for 25 years and have recently moved to more part time work at PLC.  I remember meeting you, and Mary, on occasions at school and I am just writing to let you know that you and Mary are in my prayers – this is an extraordinary thing to have happened.  Very hard for you and the family also.

Robert Hampshire – email

What a fight

Ian Macara – email

Your messages and Mary’s struggle back towards restored health are very moving.  My thoughts and prayers are with Mary and her family.

Joe Kalk – email

Thanks for the update Michael.  Great to hear Mary is recovering and smilingJ that is the best thing for her – good spirits, smiling and laughter!  Can she watch DVD’s from her bed?  If so, do you think it’s a good idea to bring some DVD’s for Mary to watch?  Let me know and I would love to bring some of my DVD collection along.  Some comedy movies will do the trick J  The whole office is wanting Mary to get better soon!  Our prayers and wishes are with her to recover soon.

Carol Peake – email

Get that red lippy ready Michael she will be wanting it soon – starts with the toenails and work up, she’s a rare cracker!  Think of you all and sending the best positive waves.

Barry Egan – email

Prayers are ongoing I am on my way to 12 pm Mass.  I am sure Mary will make it.

Yosi Tal – email

As you say day by day but at least its heading in the right direction.  Please let me know when it’s suitable for me to visit.  In the meantime, please give Mary our love and support.

Michael Casey – email

What at time it’s been for Mary and you and the family.  Keeping you all in our thoughts and prayers

Don Dyer – email

We are very glad to learn of some improvement in Mary’s condition and trust that this will continue.  Kind regards, Ron and Dorothy

David Goss – email

A day does not go by without Mary and your Family coming to mind.  It is so good to hear that Mary continues her valiant fight and that while the war is not over yet, battles are being won!  Mary’s indomitable spirit coupled with your own deep belief as well as the prayers and wishes of your many many friends and family will continue to move the battles forward to a complete recovery of body and soul.  As you may know, the shortest prayer in the old testament was uttered by Moses when he prayed to G-d to heal his sister Miriam who was struck with leprosy.  The prayer, roughly translated was simply “Oh Lord, I pray you, heal her”.  But because of Moses’ deep belief and sincerity that was all it took!  I know the sincere prayers and wishes of so many for Mary will be answered.  Kindest Regards, David & Karin.

Bob Officer – email

I greatly appreciate your correspondance – I have some feeling and a great deal of compassion for what you and the family are going through.  I am confident with Mary’s outlook, constitution, family and friends support that it will be a good outcome – I pray for such.  Warmest of regards.

Ruth Magid – email

We continue to be apalled at the severity of Mary’s illness and the terrible risks that are still threatening her.  CAN WE SEND HER FLOWERS?  Previously we were told that the unit would not permit them.  Prayers for you all, Love, Ruth and Bob

Tony Abbott – email

Thanks for your update.  This sounds like it will be a hard road.  Mary is very lucky to have such support

Frank Sartor – email

Thanks for your update.  More strength to your arm.  Have courage, she will come through.  Feeling for Mary, you and your children. 

Richard Alcock – email

Wonderful to hear of progress.  I saw Kevin McCann yesterday and was asking him for an update.

Jennie George – email

Thank you for the update much more encouraging news.  Mary remains in our thoughts and we hope along with so many other friends that each day sees further improvement in her condition.  Pass on our heartfelt best wishes.  Thinking of you all Jennie George and Denis

John Kaldor – email

Thank you for keeping us up to date.  You are quite incredible in how you are handing this terrible situation.  Please give Mary Naomi and my best wishes and we hope for a continuing steady recovery.

Greg Sheridan – email

I’m glad to hear Mary is rallying and hope her kidneys recover OK.  Please give her my love.

George Miltenyi – email

Thanks for the update.  Humour had escaped me, we were more overcome with desperation than anything else.  I am attaching you a note that you now MUST read to Mary.  Her comprehension and recall will be tested at the first opportunity.  Your degree in Medicine will be posted soon.

Greg Bunbury – email

I have just heard from Michael Dwyer about Mary and the aftermath of what should have been routine surgery.  I feel for you both and shall remember you in my prayers, praying for Mary’s complete recovery

Greg Rudd – email

Thank you for keeping me informed – a long hard battle but you, Mary, family and friends are obviously doing all you can to achieve a positive outcome under the circumstances.  Keep up the fight and the happy thoughts.

Nahum Eisenstadt – email

Thanks so much for the update.  It sounds like Mary is a strong and overcoming the obstacles.  Thanks so much for taking time to respond.  Mary’s health in on my heart and I never spare an opportunity to mention her name in private and public prayer.  Last Saturday was the first of 7 Sabbaths of consolation after remembering the destruction of both Temples in a fast day called Tisha B’’Av. 

I see that it coincided with Mary’s improved situation.  So, it is my hope that at the end of these 7 Sabbaths she will be upright, off the machinery, breathing, eating and walking and readjusting to her routine.  What initially caused this deterioration?  The last time you were here with her she was so healthy and strong.  I am sure that your devotion to her and your family is also helping for her rapid recovery.

Bruce Baird – email

Still praying for you and Mary.  Bruce and Judy

Peter Worland – email

This is terrible.  In Laos at meeting each person grasps hands and bows and says… the god in you… May Mary feel the common spirit of all of us who wish the god in her to battle on…we are shocked to hear your news.  Hope is the most noble human emotion… May it be in you in spades.  The worlands.

Bernie Riordan – email

Our thoughts and prayers remain with Mary and your family.

Maurice Alexander – email

Thank you for update.  Have sent your email onto family members and O’Kane side of family.  I was talking with Peter O’Kane in Perth yesterday who was wishing the best for Mary.  Keep looking after yourself Michael

Yuval Rotem – email

Shalom. The spirit that you convey through the emails about this extraordinary battle is really outstanding.  I pray that for Mary and yourself, that it will only get better.   Our prayers are with you.

Trevor Byles – email

We appreciate the update, I’ve been out of the office so haven’t had the benefit of verbal updates.  I’m sure Mary is so grateful for your love, strength and dedication.  She is a very lucky person!!

Monica Hayes – email

Speaking of toes, the only way to get “blood out of a stone” like me, is the wiggling of toes.  (Blood Bank advice) My toes don’t sound a par on Mary’s however.  I need the foot care from Louise and Amanda.  Best wishes to Mary and I will keep wriggling my toes to connect with her during this time. Helps circulation enormously!  My love and best wishes.

Conrad McKenzie – email

Your updates are as ever the most readable emails I receive.  Trusting for a speedy return to good health for the whole family (being mindful of the stresses and strains this places on the whole family)

Jerome Dadon – email

So great to hear that everything is moving in a positive direction… Fingers crossed for further improvement 🙂

Gary Scarrabelotti – email

I can be in Sydney Sunday afternoon, if you think Mary is up to a visit: I would like to call on her on behalf of both Marian and I.  But, if I would just be adding to the traffic, then please don’t be reluctant to say so.  Meantime, the real business is prayer.  Marian, I know, is praying continuously for Mary.  God bless

Mary Decaria – email

Thank you for your update and am praying hard for Mary.  I would like to pop in and say ‘hello’ in the next couple of days if that is ok.  I also wanted to let you know that a few people have called/emailed me that they would like to send flowers to Mary.  I said that I would let them know when Mary was better and in a ward.  I didn’t think they allowed flowers in Intensive Care Unit.  

Michael Darby – email

Thank you, Michael for the welcome bulletin.  I continue to pray for Mary’s total and rapid recovery.  Blessings to you both

Barry Smorgon – email

Some encouraging signs.  From my own personal experience one of the important things for a patient is to see the spouse be optimistic, you have to be strong for her.  Our prayers are with you.

Sandra Hale – email

We’ll be checking those toes out tomorrow xoxox

Rita Harding – email

Our candles will continue to burn and our prayers will remain strong.

Gabrielle Trainor – email

Thanks so much for the encouraging update and here’s to the prettiest red toenails being able to dance again very soon.  Love and continuing prayers for you all.

Tanya Costello – email

What a battle: thank you for keeping me up to date.  What a delightful, happy endnote: the red toe nails!!  A touch of grace and charm – pure Mary.

Tony Shepherd – email

It is good to get some moderately better news.  Love to Mary.

Michael Zelas – email

Glad to hear the latest – heading in the right direction which is encouraging.  Prayers are with Mary and with you, to remain strong.

Connie Klimko – email

Wonderful news that she is improving…let’s hope that the bumpy ride evens out! When my mother fell and broke her neck a couple of years ago, we daughters came in and gave her manicures, pedicures etc… just as your daughters are doing.  It will really help Mary feel loved and cared for.  Kind regards, Connie and Ken

Michael Dwyer – email

The Dwyer family are keeping Mary and yourself and family in prayer daily.  Keep strong.

Marie-Therese Gibson – email

Many thanks for this update.  Many people are asking after Mary, so it is good to have some news.  I continue to tell them to keep praying very much!  Please give her my love and tell her that I am many times a day beside her bed in my imagination as I accompany her with my prayers.  Tell her she is doing more good for this dear country of ours as she offers her suffering than when she was a Federal member – and she did so much good then!  I’m pleased the toe-nail polish is looking good!  Please give my love to Louise and Mandy too.

Nick Whitlam – email

Thanks for your update this morning.  Judy and I were just discussing Mary over breakfast.  I know you cannot communicate this to Mary, but please be assured that she is very much in our thoughts.  She certainly is a fighter!  With best wishes to you and the girls.

Percy Allan – email

Our thoughts and hopes continue to be with Mary.  Her progress is very heartening.  Also, our best wishes to you and your family during this ordeal. Regards, Percy & Pip

Troy Smithells – email

Thanks for sending these updates through.  As well as the rest of the family, Kerri & I are keeping our prayers up and our spirits high for a good recovery.  Mary is a tough fighter and we are keeping our fingers crossed for a shortened recovery.  The painted toe nails sound great – have to keep those feet in shape for a dance at the wedding!!

Rob Thorpe – email

Good to hear of the improvement Michael.  Trust you are bearing up well too, as I know you need to be for Mary, but by the same token I know it must be hard on you.

Sid Londish – email

Please take heart that Mary is a fighter and she will come back from this disastrous episode in her life.  I hope that you Michael will also take good care of yourself because Mary needs you as you need her.  May god look after both of you. Sincere wishes, Sid & Linda

Steve Wheat (EG) – email

Thanks for the update… Fantastic news that Mary is recovering.  We continue to pray and hope.

John Evans – email

Thanks for the update and very pleased Mary is progressing

Laurence Freedman – email

Many thanks for the update Michael, heartening to receive — and for you to be able to send.  Love from us both. Laurence and Kathy

Friday, August 7^th

John & Adriana Murphy – card
Our prayers and Masses are with you.  We wish you a speedy recovery and a return to your bright, bubbly self.  All our love.

Bruce Wolpe – email

Please tell Mary that unless she gets better, she will be visited by US Republicans to interrogate her on what’s wrong with government-run health systems.  We are quietly encouraged with the report and hope so much she continues to progress.  Our best to you from Lesley and me.

Margaret Bermingham – email

Great to hear of Mary’s continued progress.  I keep saying the “Memorare” prayer for her every day, it’s a winner!  I hope to get to see her next week.  I will let you know beforehand to see if that is OK.  Even if I can have a coffee with you and/or the girls over there, that would be good.  Michael is now living at St Mary’s Villa in Concord and being very well looked after.  I am there twice a day; he sends Mary his love.  It has been an enormous adjustment but has gone well.  Love

Anna Booth – email

Great news Michael, thanks for keeping us up to date.  I heartily endorse the uplifting effect of nicely painted nails – used to get me in trouble in the union movement if you recall!  Please give Mary Malcolm’s and my love.

Peter and Bozana O’Kane – email

Just to let you know that we are praying Mary will get well soon.  We are Peter and Bozana O’Kane ex Numurkah and now Perth.  My father was Aileen’s older brother Maurice.  Helen O’Kane has kindly forwarded on to us your reports on Mary’s progress.  You noted friends were recalling to you humorous things Mary has said or done.  I thought spelling out coke was pretty good considering the Alexander family introduced me to coke 50 years ago and I am still addicted.  There are many of us O’Kanes following Mary’s travails as I have noticed the emails and phone calls pulling us all together.  So i hope you Louise and Amanda know you are not alone.  Love from Peter and Bozana.

Mark O’Reilly – email

I’m so sorry to hear Mary is unwell – it’s an insidious disease and one that seems to be so very unfair.

The last time we spoke we were 36,000 feet in the air somewhere across the Pacific on the way back to Sydney from LAX and Giselle was operating as the CSM on the QF Flight.  Unfortunately, Giselle too has been diagnosed with a stage 4 Cancer, is on her second round of chemo before an operation that may include the removal of her right lung.  As her Oncologist says, at least one of you will have their hair grow back… On a slightly more serious note, we’ll be keeping both of you in our thoughts and prayers. All the very best.  Thanks, Giselle and Mark

Adrienne Anderson – text
When you’re really ill ICU is the best place for one on one care.  Platelets rise with infection, fall when infection improves.  Normal range is 150 to 500.

Adrienne Anderson – text
Doctors have no option because of potential damage to larynx.  Trache is the least worse option for continued ventilation.  I am still praying for her.  Give her our love and best wishes.

Sid Londish – email

I sincerely hope that Mary is continuing to recover.  I keep thinking of her and you.  My sincerest wishes for you both.

Sharon Leich – email

Thank you for being so honest with all of us about Mary.  It is very hard to imagine her being so ill.  Our prayers are constant for her and knowing that she has your strength and love to help her will make all the difference.  My sister-in-law Virginia, who is a darling and lives in Fitzroy in Melbourne and who Mary has met and formed a link on the basis of her staunch support and membership of the Collingwood Football Club has asked me to convey to you that Mary is in her prayers each day and she is being prayed for at the Clifton Hill Parish Church.  She thought that you might like to whisper in Mary’s ears, “that the pies are doing very well, that they beat the Brisbane Lions last Saturday by a large margin and as the club song goes “side by side we stick together”, as her close family and friends are undoubtedly doing for her. I also have a little prayer chain going for her and this will help her get through this.  Adrienne and I don’t want to interfere too much but if you think it safe we would like to visit her next week for a short time and let her know we are waiting for her to recover.  Let us know if this is possible.

Andre Haermeyer – email

Whilst obviously there are still some serious hurdles ahead, we are very heartened to hear that Mary is making steady progress towards her recovery.  Please send her our love and tell her that Tonya and I look forward to showing you and her some German hospitality when she is well enough to travel.

John and Ann Aquilina – email

Dear Michael, Louise and Amanda,

Ann and I are so happy and relieved to hear of Mary’s continued progress.  Please be assured that we are sharing the moments with you and that she, and all of you, are constantly in our thoughts and prayers.  Mary’s improvement is a source of great joy for us.  May our good Lord and the Blessed Virgin continue to watch over her and protect her.

Steve Harker – text 

Great to see Mary… Thinking of you all. Xxxx

Marian Scarrabelotti – card

Dearest Mary, Michael, Louise and Amanda, Thanks to Michael’s regular and detailed emails, we have been able to follow your progress closely, and benefit from your brave cheerfulness as well.  Mary, it has been my greatest joy to be praying for you on many, many occasions throughout the days and evenings since we received the initial news 2 weeks ago of your extraordinary trial.  God has clearly ’specially chosen you to be His very close companion in immense suffering for His purposes.  We are supporting you as best we can and will never tire of begging Him to cure you swiftly and completely of all physical illness, pain, weakness and of any other discomfort or adversity.

For my part, He has found me a selective radiotherapy treatment for my liver metastasis [Selective Internal Radiotherapy Treatment or SIRT], which I will have as an overnight admission at John James Private Hospital in Canberra on 19 August 09.  That does not deal with the chest/lung metastasis, but they are few and growing very slowly.  The SIRT treatment of the liver metastasis will give me many more months!  Then, as required, I still have chemotherapy for other metastasis.

Gary is hoping it may be suitable to visit you very briefly, even this Sunday 9^th August, but will of course only do that if Michael consider it timely and appropriate.  Rest is critical, so you must have that, and time with Michael and your gorgeous girls as your priority.

This card may not reach you until mid of the week of Monday 10^th August, as it is posted from the sleepy hollow of Point Lansdale in Victoria – I am staying for a week or so with my parents here, prior to my SIRT liver treatment back in Canberra on 19^th August.  It is a wonderful opportunity for me to be with my parents and also for Gary to have a small break from his 24hr care of this demanding lady!

Very, very warm and lasting love and prayers to all the Easson and Alexander family members – Mary especially.  Marion and Gary

Michael Forshaw – text

…just heard about Mary.  Jan & I send our best wishes and our prayers for a full recovery.

Paul Solomon – text

So sorry to hear what has occurred.  Wishing you and the family all the very best and Mary a speedy recovery.  Our thoughts are with you.

Adam Geha – text

Wishing Mandy a happy 21^st!  Will try to do my bit to keep Mary’s spirits as high as possible, this weekend may prove to be the most important yet, go Mary!

Maurice Alexander – telephone message

Got your message.  Always plenty of hurdles for Mary, aren’t there?  Helen O’Kane saw her yesterday or last night.  She was up for Newcastle for some hospital she is involved in… Didn’t think she looked that well and that there’s a long road ahead of her.  You have to keep on holding on, hope it improves.  Like you said, it’s ups and downs, day by day.

Adrienne Anderson – text

I have been thinking about her all day.  I have nearly worn out my red rosary beads.  I know Mary will fight and do what it takes to get well she is a very strong lady.  Did she have the trachy done today? Xo

Toby Smith – email

We wish you all the strength in the world and pray that Mary’s ordeal ends as soon as possible.  Thank you for keeping us informed.  Toby and Chris

Alan Cadman – email

Red toe nails are the very, very best!!!

Lindsay Tanner – email

Great to hear things are improving.  Still thinking of you both, and hoping improvement continues.

Adam Geha – text
Hope blood test went well this morning?

Alex Banzic – text

No, she is fighting… Her body is working hard so she appears tired 🙂 The signs point in the right direction.

Jay Bacik – card + Healthy Harold toy
Our prayers & thoughts are with you every day!  Keep reaching up!  Love, Jay, Harold and the Life Ed team

Saturday, August 8^th

Virginia Judge – text

She will get there.  I talked to her about the light on the hill and she nodded twice! X 

Marsha Thompson – text  

Am so sorry to hear how bad Mary’s week has been.  My heart goes out to her and to you and the girls.  I will hope and pray that this is a better week.  I will keep in touch if it isn’t too much for you.  I know that this is hard for you too.  By now you must be quite exhausted emotionally and physically.  Please pass on my love to Mary.

Adrian Lee – text

Spot on… Mary is a fighter and will win this battle.  A strong will and loving support is key and Mary has both in spades.  Love to Mary and you too.  I feel helpless down here but please let me know if there is anything u need or if I can assist in any way… I’m praying.

Arienne Anderson – text

How is Mary today?  I am constantly thinking about her & praying for her.

Shane Easson – text

So glad.  Hope Mandy’s 21^st went well.

Bob Carr – text

Thanks for the positive news.  Give her our best – and unstinted admiration for her bravery.  Will see her soon.  Bob and H

Louise Easson – text

Aww… Good.  Mandy is bringing in part of the cake to show her too I think.

Virginia Judge – text

Sry to miss u too!  I was shocked!  Poor her!  Anyway, I had a brief chat and she nodded several times.  It’s awful and I’m praying for her and all of u!  And let me know if there is anything I can do! Xo

Rob Bladier – text

Again, our love and prayers

Sunday, August 9^th

Roger Price – email

Just a short note to say hopes and prayers are with you and Mary

Carlos Gonzalez – text

How is Mary? 

Marie-Therese Gibson – text 

Thanks for your message yesterday… I must have missed you by a fraction.  I had been at the hospital seeing someone else and I took the chance there. was visiting someone else at the hospital.  I was just there one minute. I prayed a hail mary, told her we loved her, we’re all praying for her.  I put some holy water on her forehead, which I had on me.  This has made me pray even more.  Anyway, we keep on with a lot of faith, that all we can do…

Monday, August 10^th

Rita Freedman – email

Thanks so much for your updates.  You’ve all been in our thoughts.  Tell Mary I’m awaiting her e-mail telling me another young Aussie is coming to visit DC and needs a place to stay.  Rita and Joel

Patricia Rochford – email

As I read your email, my heart goes out to you and Mary, and your daughters.  Your (collective) determination is inspiring.  This is such a long, hard battle – and one with few, if any, breaks.  I think of you and pray for you and Mary every day.  I know how difficult these times are for you, and how mystifying.  Just one month ago you were happily planning an important birthday celebration; yet for the past three weeks Mary’s body has been fighting a major internal battle for survival.  May God give you both the strength you need. With love, Patricia

Frank Sartor – email

I am very touched by your current struggle.  Your clarity in explaining the situation is very impressive.  You should have been a brain surgeon.  I hadn’t realised that Mary is unable to speak.  Has that been the case since the beginning?  Do they have any idea how soon she may be able to speak again?  How sad she couldn’t be at Mandy’s 21^st.  Mate, hang in there.  We will keep thinking of you both and praying for a speedy recovery.  Fond regards.  Frank.  PS.  Doesn’t it put my current preoccupations into perspective!!

Rob Ferguson – email

Many hurdles jumped many to go but the life impulse fills me with awe.

Paul Isherwood – email

Suz. & I are so grateful to be receiving these messages from you.  We continue to think of & pray for Mary`s recovery… I only wish that we could do something “constructive” to assist… Having you in her corner is the most powerful piece of assistance that Mary could possibly wish for.  With our best personal regards

Ross Garnaut – email

Glad to know the trajectory continues upwards

Percy Allan – email

Good to hear she is still progressing, though very slowly.  Keep well.  Percy & Pip

George Miltenyi – email

I haven’t prayed like this for who knows how long.  I am leaving for Mt Blanc next week for a month.  I would love to come by and see Mary.  I am equally mindful that visitors can be more hindrance than help.  I relay on judgement.  If you think it would be alright Mary and I would love to drop in for a quick visit.  Take care and keep strong, George.  P.S. If I will be called on to give evidence in court I will swear that at no time did I ever see you pull any young or come to that matter old girls pants off.  Rest easy mate.

Wayne Swan – email

Sorry to hear about Mary’s illness.  Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.  Kind regards, Wayne and Kim

Tony Abbott – email

Sounds like those prayers are still needed

Steve Piotrowski – email

Many thanks for the update.  It is good to hear that Mary is making progress and I hope she continues to improve on a daily basis.

Maurice Alexander – email

I will come to SYD on Thursday to visit Mary.  I should be there around midday.

Laurence Freedman

Thanks… Love to you all, L&K

Chrissie – email

My very dear Michael, Many thanks for your up-dates.  Our thoughts are with you constantly and our prayers and well wishes with darling Mary Mary.  She is the bravest person I know.   She will do this.  I am pleased Mandy had her party, I hope she was able to enjoy it.  It is a very special age.  Please send her my love.  I am also glad they are looking after Mary’s “appearance”.  Mary always looks so well groomed.  The toenails must be polished.!  I am glad the girls are seeing to this.  Q.  How did the elephant hide in the strawberry patch?  A.  He painted his toenails red.  Please send Mary Mary all our love.  Love and hugs Chrissie xoxoxoxox

Yosi Tal – email

Please let me know when I can visit.  All our love, Yosi and Derryn

Fr John Fleming – email

Thank you so much for keeping us so well informed as to Mary’s progress.  Each day I continue to offer the Mass for Mary and for your family.  In Christo

Frank Lavin – email

Admiration is the right word.  In fact, if she had any more resolve I’d be a bit afraid.  Hugs to all from Hong Kong. 

Gabrielle Trainor – email

As the party went on, so too do our prayers and thoughts.  Your messages are quite wonderful in their tone and spirit, with a level of detail which makes us all feel we are on the journey with you, the girls and Mary.  The happy destination looks more and more hopeful and certain, albeit still distant.

Julie Kempthorne – email

Thank you for the updates on Mary’s health.  I like so many others are praying for her and thinking positive thoughts.  Mary has too much to live for to succumb to this horrible illness and I know that despite whatever hardships she will pull through.  Please give her our family’s love.  Also, my congratulations to Amanda on her 21^st birthday.  I have an amusing story regarding Amanda.  When I worked for Mary in her electorate office Amanda was cross at me for asking her to come inside out of the cold air (she was having far too much fun to worry about the cold).  I insisted and she turned to me and declared that “I was an evil spirit!”  We were all a bit nonplussed and Mary said she would “deal with this tonight”.  The next day Amanda came into my office and apologised.  It ended with Amanda on my lap and a cuddle.  To this day my girls, Regan 27 and Linden 25 still will call me “an evil spirit” when I don’t please them.  Obviously, Amanda had very acute character analysis!  Our prayers and best wishes for Mary and you and the girls.  Julie and Peter

Shane Geha – email

Heart wrenching but beautiful.  God bless you both

Adrianne & Terry Hannan – email

Thank you for the update……who was it who said, there is no gain without pain.  Mary must be ready for some extra gain by now.

Angelo Candalepas – email

I have not stopped praying with the deepest of love and commitment in my heart, I wish her a slow and steady recovery so that one day she too can read the wonderful Eliot poetry in ‘Four Quartets’ I am presently enjoying.  With many prayers.

Sid Londish – email

I am so very very happy for you and Mary I hope the recovery is forward no matter how long so long, it’s the right way.  My thoughts and prayers are for you both.

Moira Brophy – text

We have just been enjoying watching Kerry O’Brien interview a very uncomfortable Turnbull.  Glad the procedure went well today.  Poor darling, she must be so tired of it all.  I was wondering if it would not be an imposition if I were to visit her this week.  I hope Mandy had a good birthday party… 

Gary Gray – telephone message  

It’s Gary Gray calling.  John Murphy told us this morning that Mary is in hospital. Whatever my hopes and prayers are helpful there you have them.  You have all of our love.  We’ll be thinking of you mate. 

Ann-Maree Smithells – text 

I believe this right way to go so vocal cords can be protected thanks for communicating to me.

Adrienne Anderson – text

It is the best option in present circumstances it’s the first step to recovery thank heavens she has come thru it.  Give her my love xo

Catherine Harding – telephone message

I know the trachesomy today…  Hopefully all that gone well.  Please call and let me know how things have gone today.

Anne Maree Smithells – text

Sounds good she knows we are all cheering her on…

Maurice Alexander – text

Thanks… I shall visit Mary lunch time Thursday

Patricia Rochford – telephone message

Hope Mary is well.

Frank Sartor – telephone message

Just seeing how you are going; how Mary is.  Hope all looks good. \

Michael Costa – telephone message  

I’ve been away for the last couple weeks overseas.  But I’ve been kept abreast about Mary.  I’m ringing up to find out how she was.  Hopefully things are going well… 

Adam Geha – text 

I’m doing the practical thing, praying for her 🙂 May this be another small step towards her full recovery.  Go Mary The Brave! 

Shane Geha – text 

God give you both strength. 

Maree Simmonds  – text

Wish her my love, hopefully her spirits will lift after the op.

Ruth Magid – email

Please be sure to tell Mary that we think she is wonderful, a real fighting spirit, and that we love her.  Ruth and Bob

Dominique Fisher – email

I feel like I am reading a script for some extreme reality health show … you couldn’t make it up if you tried – the series would be accused of exaggeration – ie real life couldn’t possibly be this bad??  But sadly, it is, and my prayers are with you both and the girls.  My John turned 21 in March and it was a thrill to be with him and see him speak at his party and for me to speak about all those embarrassing moments in his life too with love and laughter – so grown up with his whole life ahead of him surrounded by his best friends.  I roared about the story on the plane … too funny and I can just see Mary with her laugh and her perfect red lipstick lips, bright sparkling eyes and blonde hair roaring laughing too …  Poor darling Mary – to be denied this as a mother must have been worse than all the physical pain she is suffering.  Give her my love and thoughts Michael … also don’t know if she is up to listening to audio books but I am loving them at the moment listening to them in the car.  You can get them at any good book shop … she would love Tim Winton’s Breath … in fact all of the Tim Winton books and a million others … if you think she would like them I will send you some I have loved … let me know just reply ‘yes’ to this email and its done. xxx

Helen O’Kane – email

So glad to hear that the tracheostomy was a success and wonderful also that the heart beat has stabilised.  Please tell Mary that she is rarely far from my thoughts and at the top of my prayer list!  My main prayer is that the kidneys kick in very soon.  I was so pleased to see her last Thursday and hope I didn’t tire her too much.  I thought she looked very worried then – I can imagine her worry before theatre!  Is she breathing more easily now?  I do hope so.  Friday night must have been a bitter sweet night for you especially.  When Mary is well again you might have a “rerun” perhaps sans the cake though – in deference to the GFC?  Maurice gave me a heads up on the Chanel look alike!!  Keep on keeping on Michael and take care. H

Julie Flynn – email

What a battle!  My aunt Rita fought a very similar battle 16 years ago to save my uncle George.  He nearly died five times from pancreatitis and lost nearly 50 pounds in weight.  He later told me that it was very hard to come back the last time.  But Rita was determined that he could not go now (they have a large family – they had ten children lost two and adopted one!)  George finally made it back to good health and today shows no signs of that dreadful time.  In fact, they travel a lot visiting their growing number of grand children including four who live in North Africa with their parents who are missionaries.  I’m sure Mary is benefiting from your love and devotion just as George hung in for Rita.  So, keep focused on the good times you have already shared and the many more that lie in store in the years ahead.  I’m sure your strong faith will also stand you both in good stead.  And your payers and hopes are being reinforced by your very large group of friends who are willing Mary back to good health.  Take care

Mark Griese – email

Yvonne and I so appreciate your updates about Mary’s incredible battle.  We can’t begin to know what you’re going through.  We are praying that there will be no infection and that the kidneys begin to function soon and that she continues to move forward.  Kind regards Mark and Yvonne

George Newhouse – email

My heart goes out to you.  I dont suppose there is anything that I could do?  Do you want visitors?

Gary Scarrabelotti – email

Marian and I continue the prayers.  As suggested in my last email, I had planned to come up Sunday afternoon (yesterday) to see Mary.  But not hearing from you about the matter, I assumed that you were (a) snowed under and (b) that Mary was already crowded with visitors.  So, I thought I would not presume to arrive without a specific clearance from you.  God bless … Marian is sending further cards to Mary

Jeremy Spinak – email

I am so glad you were still able to have Amanda’s party on Friday.  Her mum must be an inspiration to her.  It is amazing how every client, consultant, and government official asks after both you and mary all the time.  You are both so admired.

Kerrie Boylett – email

I am sitting here with tears running down my eyes.  What a beautiful e-mail.  Thank you so much for the updates.  Although Mary doesn’t know me as a close friend, she is in my prayers daily and I feel as though I know her through you.  Thank you, and as I mentioned if there is anything I can do let me know.  Warmest Kerrie x 

Winnie Wang – email

We heard that Mary wake up already.  It’s a fantastic news!  Mr Liu Wei’s daughter -Linda and I would like to pay a visit.  I don’t know if it’s permitted or not.  If it’s OK, when is the best time to go to the Concord Hospital?  Is this week OK?

Rodney Cavalier – email

I am dreading memos from you though I welcome always any word from you.  Your ability to separate your emotions from the need to report accurately amounts to writing of the highest order.  I have two other friends whose lives, as I write, are also in the balance.  It is our age and our Age.  My thoughts are with you.

Tuesday, August 11^th

Albert Dadon – email

I will be in Sydney next week and I will come and visit.  It will probably be Thursday.  I hope that by then Mary will be have recovered and that I will be assisting at her going home.  You know that this coming Saturday is the 15^th of August and we had a date in the calendar as both of you were invited to come to the AALD dinner in Melbourne.  This is the second time in two weeks that Mary has let me down, can you please let her know that i am not at all upset and I am looking very much forward for her to assist at our own Gala dinner on December 3 for the Australia Israel Leadership Forum in Sydney with PM Olmert and PM Rudd.  She cannot miss that!  I hope you are feeling strong my dear friend.  I think of you, I am with you.  I will be with you physically next Thursday.

Debbie Dadon – email

I asked Albert to copy me in to your latest email so that I could send you a reply myself.  It’s been so distressing hearing of Mary’s illness.  My heart has gone out to you, Amanda and Louise.  It’s hard to believe that only a few weeks ago Mary was so dynamic during the forum in Israel and we loved catching up with all your family for the dinner in Paris.  Reading again today your message I am overcome with sadness that your wonderful wife is going thru such a trauma.  I am sure that having you, Amanda and Louise with her is such a great support for her.  I have a wonderful meditation cd that I would like to send you for Mary, I find it so relaxing and calming.  Is she listening to music on a cd player or an ipod?  Please let me know so I can send it.  Albert joins me in sending our love and thoughts to you and Mary as well as to Amanda and Louise.  With love

Therese Griffin – email

Dear Mary, Michael, Louise, Amanda.  Michael, I do thank you for your continual reports on my dear friend, you are doing a great job of support to Mary and us who are so concerned with her well being.  I was in tears reading your last email, so glad Mary is putting up such a valiant fight in this long journey

It would have been a night of mixed emotions for you Michael at Amanda’s 21^st and laughter is good medicine and your choice of story was very good.  Belated Happy Birthday Amanda.  Our life in South Africa is coming to an end and we are just in the throes of working out where to next.  It has been an amazing 8 months and we have made the most of all free time.  In seeing as much as possible, I liken it to Aus landscape but with plenty of water.  Last weekend we drove 1000km along the garden route, the landscape changed from massive mountains to rolling plains splashed with the paint brush from heaven that is spring.  Large areas of canola were a wash with yellow and the roadside was covered in red hotpokers and white lilies.  We stopped to change drivers and the ground was covered in freesias.  Our route took us as far as Lake Pleasant and the name says it all, it was a picture of clapperbord houses straight from The Hamptons in USA pale grays and blues and jetties into the lake.  Saturday arvo we walked the deserted beach, the surf, grey and boiling, howling up from Antartica, not a spot for swimming but supposedly good for beach fishing.  The beach was incredibly flat and not a spot to be caught at the change of tide.  For on one side you had water and the other, towering sand cliffs that have been carved by the wind and undermined by the surf, a magic spot.  Mick insisted all weekend we would see the whales at Harmarnas {the season has not started jet way to early]and so on the return journey we detoured down toward there and took a look at a beach 10kms out, and guess what he was right! and there in front of us were 4 groups of whales playing around.  It was just great.  Such a finish to the weekend.  Enough rambling.  As they say in Africa – keep struggling.  My heart is with you.  Much love.  Therese and Mick

John Kaldor – email

Thank you for the update, must be very difficult for you.  Look after yourself, Mary will need you.

Sandra Nori – email

You are really in the wars.  I am glad you were able to have your daughter’s 21^st, you need some normality amongst all this stress and so does Mary.  Your travel story was really quite funny, one of those really funny moments that are both hilarious and excruciating.  off the record and not for publication!!!!  My similar moment was on the Liverpool by-election day for peter anderson circa 1989 I think.  In a car, outside a major shopping centre and tightly parked between 2 cars, (in other words there was no quick escape), with a colleague from state parliament with a hand held battery operated megaphone.  You know the sort you put out the window press the on button and start spruiking, today is election day make sure you cast your vote    etc    etc   I started a few times and it was not working, the person next to me grabbed the microphone, pressed buttons shook it etc it still would not work and then they yelled “ooh what’s wrong with the F…..iing thing!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!”    the bloody thing worked!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!  Do you know how long it can take to extricate yourself from between 2 cars when you are tightly parked.  I literally sank into the front seat, choking with laughter, crimson with embarrassment….. I still laugh my head off when i think of it.

Patricia Staunton – email

Your latest email detailing Mary’s progress lays out graphically the challenges before her but, at the same time, the positive steps she has made – may it continue.  By all accounts she is in the very best of hands.  My thoughts, prayers and best wishes continue for her and for you and the girls.  Take care.

Marie-Therese Gibson – email

Many thanks for this.  Please let Mary know that the Tangara family continues to pray so very much for her.  I have you, Louise and Mandy very much in my prayers too-it is so very hard to watch someone you love battling as Mary is.  God certainly has some great plan here, and he wants us to go on hoping and praying with great faith.  Every small gain is great progress in the scheme of things.  I am pleased that Mandy’s celebration went well.  Mary will have enjoyed the recount of events!  My love to Mary and all of you, MT

Deirdre Burke – email

Thank you for keeping us up to date with Mary’s progress.  One cannot imagine what she is going through.  And for you and the girls, just being observers, is horrendous.  I’ve been forwarding your emails on to my children and we all send our thoughts and prayers to you three and of course to Mary.  

Not sure if you knew that David and I sold our unit at Elizabeth Bay a year ago and bought a house at Pretty Beach (Killcare Peninsula) the renovations of which are now completed.  Anna lives nearby at Empire Bay with her five year old and Rebecca is at Umina with her two pre-schoolers.  Paul and Sarah have made successful lives in Melbourne and Sophie, my youngest is at Manly.  Please God, by 2010 you can look back at this nightmare with disbelief and start to look forward again.

Joe Kalk – email

Thanks for the update.  Don’t forget what you said in the last email – giving up was never an option.  I know you and your family are doing this everyday but make sure at all times you give Mary the positive energy and support she needs.  All the doctors and machines will help he get better but you need to give her that love and positive energy.  Share stories with Mary that will make her smileJ exactly like the below… that is a good one JSmiling and laughter is the best medicine.  Can she watch DVDs? If so I will love to bring a couple of dvds to her.  I know you are doing all of this mate so keep it up.  I know it hard work but it will be all worth it!  I believe Mary is a strong person and very brave.  If there is anything I can do to help just say the word.

Morris Milder – email

Thank you for your latest email.  It’s really good to hear that Mary is making some progress.  It certainly looks like Mary is going to pull through.  What a relief.  I know that Mary is not out of the woods yet and I will continue to hope and pray for Mary and you.  Once again, Mary has proved that she is a fighter. 

Nicole Royan –email

I cried when I read your story re Amanda’s clothing change on the plane – firstly because Amanda must have only been eight or nine when Mary shared our offices all those years ago and here she is turning 21.  Secondly because I always loved Mary’s sense of humour and her cheekiness, and thirdly because she missed Amanda’s big celebration.  I now have 3 children of my own so my maternal radar is finely tuned to the plight of others – particularly mothers.  I think of Mary every day and continue to send healthy, happy thoughts her way.

Bernie O’Kane – email

I am one of Mary’s more obscure first cousins but I am in the O’Kane loop.  I am following your struggle and my prayers are with you.  I have two enduring memories of Mary and her manner.  The first is that way back in the 1980s I was doing some commuting from Melbourne to Sydney for a project.  Mary must have spotted me in a taxi queue and came up and we had a lovely chat.  Prior to that we had only seen each other as children.  I was amazed that she would even recognise me.  The second was chatting to her at Anthony O’Kane’s funeral.  She is just so easy to relate too.  Keep your and Mary’s spirits up as you fighters know, it is all in the mind.

Andrew Liston – email

How is Mary doing?  I am going overseas for 3 weeks on Friday 14^th.  If there is any benefit, or any urgency, I could come to Sydney on Thursday 13^th.  Let me know if you would like this.  My best wishes (and prayers) to yourself and your family.

Sam Haddad – email

Best of courage.  Hope all is turning for the best.

Scott Gartrell – email

Great to hear of Mary’s progress Mike and I love that 21^st story!  A lovely family celebration for you all.  Please pass on my regards to Mary.  Clare’s and my thoughts are with you all.

Pat Evatt – email

David has passed on all your emails and so we have all been able to share this terrible journey with you.  Of all people Mary is one who I would never have imagined to be in this position.  She is so bigger than life, full of sunshine and happiness, living every minute to the fullest.  It is hard to imagine her staying put long enough to lie in a hospital bed for 3 weeks.  The detail and descriptions within your emails are very moving we can feel your pain, optimism, worry and love.  Mary it’s truly fortunate to have such a wonderful family surrounding her at this time, but then I don’t believe these things are fate, you build your relationships and you reap your rewards with the love you receive from those you have given it to.  

Your last email has hit me very hard as we prepare for your youngest, Matthew’s 21^st next week.  It is one of those times you have waited a lifetime for and for Mary to miss such an occasion and for you, Mandy and Louise not to have had her there, to share it with you all, is heartbreaking.  David and I talk with our boys about what you are going through almost daily.  I want you to know that we are all praying very hard for Mary but also just as much for you and the girls.  I really admire and appreciate that you can take the time and be composed enough to keep everyone so well informed when you must be feeling like just focusing on Mary and your own family and forgetting the rest of the world.  Give Mary a big hug for us and we all look forward to sharing a lovely lunch in some sunny place again very soon.

Gary Best – email

Thanks for your update.  Must be very difficult but really touched by your positive spirit.  Halina and I continue to keep Mary in our prayers and thoughts.

Anna Booth – email

Keep giving her our messages of support Michael.  She is showing amazing courage.  Love and best wishes.  Anna and Malcolm.

Joe Hockey – email

Hang in there team Easson

Mordechai Kedar – email

Please find a way to convey to Mary the message that her friends in Israel, and especially Mordechai Kedar, pray for her daily.  We all hope to see her again as energetic as she always is.  All the best and fast recovery.

Wednesday, August 12^th

David Hamill – email

Michael and Mary, Pat and I are thinking constantly of you and are encouraged by every bit of positive news.  We were thinking of the many good times we have had with you over the years such as karaoke singing in a Viennese beer cellar and in response to your call for stories, two spring to mind.  Both stories have a culinary flavour.  The first was Pat’s recollection of Mary’s care and kindness.  We were visiting Mary in her apartment at Drummoyne where she offered to babysit Joseph, who must have been about six or seven at the time.  Mary asked whether he liked pizza.  Rather than sending out for take away, nothing was too much trouble for her – right down to the preparation of the base with yeast of course.  The same indulgence was extended to the New York baked cheesecake which I think included about a dozen eggs and was twice baked.  Joseph had never had it so good!

The other story was from my time in the UK when Mary came to visit me in Oxford and we travelled down to Cornwall and the West Country.  Mary had been in Paris where she had undertaken a French Cooking course.  Needless to say, after her Parisian experience, she found English cuisine somewhat wanting.  Anyhow, it was Easter and the off-season when we arrived at a B&B at Marazion down on the south-west coast.  It was a miserable cold and wet night so we thought we would dine in.  Mary’s spirits raised somewhat when she perused the menu and discovered it contained duck (l’orange)!  Full of expectation, we both ordered this fine dish.  All of Mary’s forebodings about English cooking were realized when the dish was presented.  Clearly the duck had long languished in the freezer and it appeared that in shades of Fawlty Towers, chef/cook was on holidays so the other staff had stepped up to prepare the meal.  Rather than the delicate orange sauce that her French Cooking School would have prescribed, the long deceased and unfortunate bird was smeared with what can only have been the orange breakfast marmalade.  A rare treat indeed!  We didn’t smile at the time, but thirty years on the thought of it raises a chuckle.  Thinking of you.  With love from David and Pat

Pru Goward – email

Thank you for your updates.  I trust she is getting stronger now.  I am praying hard, hope the children are coping and you are being comforted as well as strong.

Peter Woods – email

I’m in Korea at the moment (South not the Peoples’ Republic this time.)  You tell Mary to pull through or who else will take the women’s part in the Red Flag choir outside her political opponent’s house at midnight!  Thinking of you both.

Anne Henderson – card

Mary.  We are all with you in spirit and in our prayers.  It is many years since the election night 1993 when our older daughter Elizabeth (now corporate lawyer & mother of 3) appeared at our bedroom door sometime after midnight after working on YOUR Lowe campaign (all day and scrutineering) to say to her sleepy parents –  “WE WON!!”  Go Mary, you have to win again.  Anne.  PS: This is from the Hendersons

Tanya Costello – email

Many thanks for this.  And for the news of Amanda’s 21^st birthday party.  Our Maddy turned 21 in April and I know how central 21sts can be in the story of life.  Your Mary is the sort of person who might enjoy (?) this Irving Berlin songline that I have from time to time found very helpful:  

The snow is snowing, the winds are blowing

but

I can weather the storm… 

It is a love song – but a life song too.

Doug Wright – email

I’ve picked up the ’phone a couple of times to ring you and didn’t.  I know how difficult it is looking after your wife, yourself, your business and all the other things one has to do.  Another ’phone call probably on message bank another call to make is something you don’t need.  You know I’m thinking about you and projecting positive thoughts towards Mary.  It is so hard for both of you.  In these situations where the patient is in the care of the experts who cares for the partner?  So, I think about how you are coping and hope you are making sure you care for yourself.

Thursday, August 13^th

Terry Sheahan – email

The other Michaels, Egan and Marx, have been keeping me posted on Mary’s battle, and I haven’t sought to clog up your life with any emails.  However, I am leaving this weekend for a month overseas and will be off email from tonight until 12 September, and before I go, I wanted to send you, Mary and the girls my loving and prayerful good wishes at this difficult time.  We all go back such a long time, and it is horrible to contemplate such a vibrant person being so ill.  Please add me to your email distribution list.  I hope that when I review any emails on my return the story will be a lot happier.

Edna OKane – email

Dear Michael, Mary, Louise and Amanda, Lovely to get reports of your progress, Mary.  You are a great fighter.  Keep your chin up.  Michael, you are doing a terrific job of communicating with us all.

Congratulations, Amanda, on your 21^st birthday.  I hope your night went well.  Louise, I am sure you helped her celebrate in the style of our darling Mary.  Anne-Maree and Bren are cycling around Ireland.  They will be home next week.  We celebrated Patrick John’s first birthday on the 19^th.  Family and friends gathered in Caulfield for the occasion.  Brian and Chel were very proud of their little son.

Uncle Pat is well and we both send our love. 

Paul Espie – email

I’ve been away and offline; tried to call you this week and hope to hear of better news soon.  Call when you have a moment and I wish you our very best wishes meanwhile.

Sandra Hale – email

Without a doubt she’ll pull through this especially with all the lovely kisses you keep giving her on the forehead.  I know when she pulls through she won’t remember any of this which is a blessing and a half.  You better reminder her about the butterfly kisses though.  I’m sorry I got a bit teary last Friday.  There’s me thinking I would have to look after Steve!  Take care.  We’re thinking of you and Mary and your girls all the time.  Xoxo

Friday, August 14^th

Greg Sheridan – email

Thank you for this and subsequent messages.  They were very encouraging.  Jessie and I are very sorry to hear of the colon complications today.  Please send Mary our love.  There is not an hour goes by we don’t think of her.  Best regards, Greg and Jessie.

Sharon Morley – email

Each day we await news of Mary’s condition.  Each day we pray for a miracle or at the very least, a sign that Mary is progressing in the right direction.  Thank you for keeping us so up-to-date.  I can’t imagine what this must be like for you!  When I came to visit, my focus was, of course, Mary.  However, as I emerged from the ‘crash scene’ that is Intensive Care, I realised your strength and depth of courage.  Who better to take charge and lead your family through this cruel war?  Amanda seemed well, considering the immediate crisis, and I’m sure this was largely due to you.  I was most impressed by how deftly you stepped into Mary’s shoes and dealt with the ‘Birthday Cake’ issue.  Mary would have been proud.  Thank you for taking such good care of Mary.  We continue to urge Mary on, constantly hoping and praying for her return to good health.

Jeremy Jones – email

I hope that you only see positive signs over the weekend. May you continue to show the strength and compassion which have sustained you in recent weeks.

Saturday, August 15^th

Sunday, August 16^th

Maurice Alexander – text
Such bad news. I hope Mary has no pain.  My thoughts are with Mary, you and the girls.

Paul Alexander – text
Our prayers are with you and the girls.

Moira Brophy – text
Have just heard Mary is to be operated on.  We are with you all in thought and prayer.  Her will to be with those she loves is amazingly strong.

Adriene Anderson – text
Please give Mary my love and best wishes.  Be assured of our continued prayers for a good recovery.  Lots of love and kisses.

John McCarthy – text
Okay, we are all praying for her and we all offered our masses for her this morning.  We will keep in touch.  All our love.

Carlos Gonzalez – text
Thanks for keeping me informed.  I will be praying for her.

John McCarthy – text
Thank you for letting us know.  We are all concerned…

John Mackay – text

And we are still praying for all of you.

Steve Harker – text

We are thinking of you all

Maurice Alexander – text

My thoughts are with you both.

Monday, August 17^th

Tuesday, August 18^th

Wednesday, August 19^th

Tom Parry – email

Have been travelling through berlin and warsaw/krakow with my Mary; now back in London before returning home next week.  Our thoughts and prayers have been with you during this very difficult time – and still are.

David Goss – email

What an amazing and inspiring saga!  Mary’s courage and strength are quite epic.  You and the Girls defy description in your love and dedication.  The prayers and good wishes of all must be adding to the overall wave of love and hope that must resonate up to the heavens.  We continue to pray and send our very best wishes!  Love, Karin, David & Natasha

Joel Fitzgibbon – email

Thanks for the update Michael, we’re all thinking of you both.

Catherine Lynch – email

Thank you for this update!  I’m glad to hear things are looking up and will keep you both in my prayers.  I will also look forward optimistically to seeing you at another PPI meeting – perhaps in early 2010.  All the best to you both.

Michael Egan – email

That’s encouraging news.  Kindest Regards

Robyn Worland – email

It is so good to read this news.  We were very distressed after reading your email of Monday morning and felt helpless and hopeless.  To read of your renewed hope and of such amazing resilience on Mary’s part is very heartening.  Our thoughts and prayers are ongoing.

Chrissie Miklosvary – email

Hello Michael Michael, Many thanks for the up-dates.  Our love and prayers are with you all, you, Louisy-pops and Mandy Katy and especially with darling Mary Mary.  We are thinking of you and praying with you every day.    Mary Mary is just soooo amazing.  Always has been and I know always will be.  Stay strong and believe.  Our love is with you all.  Big big hugs to Mary Mary – thinking of her all day long.  It is a strange world we live in and I am so pleased that Mary is in control.  With love and hugs to you all.  Chrissie.  Very special hugs to Mary Mary. Xoxoxox

John Howard – email

I read your email of 4 August with real anxiety for Mary.  I had only just heard of her severe illness.  Our thoughts and prayers are with you both for a full recovery.  We are thinking of you both.

James Burkitt – email

It is wonderful that some positive signs are appearing.  All your friends are praying for Mary to get through this.  It would also be an enormous strain on you in the support by her bedside.  Please let me know if we can provide any assistance.  Our love goes out to you both at this time.

Jeffery Phillips – email

My sister Adrienne Anderson has told that Mary has been quite unwell.  I am very sorry to hear that.  My thoughts and prayers are with her, you and the family.  It must be a very difficult time but be comforted by the fact of the many diverse friends who are thinking of and praying for, the best for her.

Suiwah Leung – email

Glad to hear from you but very sad to learn that Mary is so ill.  Ron and I have you and your family in our thoughts and prayers.

Russel Lansbury – email

I am very glad to read this positive news but very sorry to learn of Mary’s condition.  I hope that there will be better news to come.

Gino Jacovelli – email

Gladden to hear that Mary is fighting through.  My thoughts and prays are with Mary and with you and your family.  I pray that God is by Mary’s side and will guide her through this time.

Paul Easson – email

I just want you to know that you, your beautiful family and especially Mary are very much in our thoughts.  It’s hard to believe that somebody as dynamic and vital as Mary can be bought so low by this terrible condition and we are all hoping for a really positive outcome to such a hard fought battle.  Thinking of you all.  Lots of love. Paul, Deirdre, Anna, Sarah, Rebecca and Sophie

Bruce Solomon – email

Barbara’s and my thoughts continue to be with you and the family….a good person like Mary will have all the karma on her side.  The very best.  Cheers from Bruce 

Linda Rubinstein – email

And our hopes are with yours.

Ivan Slavich – email

I have been aware of the tough times that you and Mary are going through.  This note has given me such joy to a tough day, I am so happy for Mary, miracles do happen.  I hope that the good fortunes continue, thank god.

Adrianne and Terry Hannan – email

We hope the Doctors continue to smile.  This must be very exhausting for your whole family.

Bob Officer – email

Your news has been uplifting.  I must confess I was fearing the worst after the previous email.  We are all battling for Mary and you.

Morris Milder – email

Thanks for your email of this morning.  Thank God the signs are now positive.  Please keep me posted when convenient. 

Pru Goward – email

This is sounding a little better the prayers must be working.  I hope u and children not too exhausted.  Mary is in good hands. 

Kevin Aitchinson – email

Our best wishes are with you.  Keep positive.

Percy Allen – email

That’s a great relief.

Shahen Mekertichian – email

Thank you for letting me know all this / my thoughts and best wishes are being channelled to mary’s recovery / huge fingers crossed and lots of good vibes coming her way / please keep me posted and let me know if there is anything i can do to help out / shahen  x

Jacinta Collins – email

Thanks for the good news and I am praying it continues.  Best wishes to yourself and family.

Max Moore-Wilton – email

Encouraging news.  The combination of Mary/s courage, gifted Doctors, and a loving family improves the odds.  You are in our thoughts.  Max MW.

Mark Cohen – email

What can one say … never lose hope …stay strong…

Vic Grant – email

We are so sorry to hear of Mary’s problems, which of course are being shared by all her family and friends.  Colleen and I are praying to Mary MacKillop for that miracle you all need.  Please keep us informed of Mary’s progress.  God bless all your family Michael.  Regards, Colleen & Vic

Bennet Alexander – email

Over the last few days it’s been very hard to read your emails, as it seemed Mary’s battle was only worsening.  Today though it is so comforting to hear some miraculous news, it is truly amazing the minds ability to never give up and keep fighting on.  Our prayers have been with Mary day and night and will continue until she has returned home.  Lots of love

Jeff Bradkte – email

Thank you, Michael for sharing such a beautiful and moving message.  Jeff & Kelly Bradtke send our prayers & warmest regards

Milton Morris – email

It was very kind of you to send an email to your friends Wednesday 19^th August 2009

under the subject ‘Mary Defies the Odds’.  I had no knowledge of the dramatic experience which Mary and you have endured, but the ray of hope in your email is certainly heartening.  You have been a good friend to me and to Hunter Valley Training Company over the years and I shall certainly be interested in Mary’s progress, she is such a good woman.  In the meantime, be assured of my prayers too and very best wishes.

John Sutton – email

I am very sorry to hear about this horrible illness being suffered by Mary.  I have spoken to my good friend Helen Cargill who is of course a good friend of Mary – Helen has told me of the ordeal Mary and you have been through.  One hopes with the latest surgery that things have taken a turn for the better.  

I’m sure the thoughts of many people throughout the whole labour movement are with you and Mary at this time.  Stay strong and best wishes.

Geraldine Doogue – email

Thanks so much for sending this to me.  Maxine McKew just told me last week of Mary’s travails .I had no idea.  I’m terribly, terribly pleased that you are getting this moment-of-breakthrough.  Let’s hope and pray that it’s just the advance guard of a lot more.  My thoughts are with you.

Sharan Burrow – email

This is truly amazing news and I am so happy for all of you.  Mary has always inspired people with her tenacity and courage and continues to do so. 

Tony Breuer – email

All our prayers and best wishes are with Mary and your family.

David Tierney – email

I have been closely following Mary’s progress via your emails.  I find them compelling and heart-wrenching.  For the 20 years plus I have known Mary she has always been a larger than life character.  Very few people exude continual enthusiasm like Mary.  I would imagine on occasions it could be exhausting for you and your family! J  However, we love her for that and even envy her perpetual zest.  To hear that she is stricken with a serious illness worries us all.  I wish you and your family all the best at this time.  I have a good feeling about the outcome.  Our thoughts are with you.

Paul Solomon – email

I’m so pleased to hear the latest news.  My offer is there for whatever you may need, at anytime, please do not hesitate to let me know.  Our thoughts and prayers shall remain with you both.

Malcolm Irving – email

Thanks be to God and thanks for keeping us informed.  We will keep her in our prayers and hopes.

Paul Isherwood – email

Thank you for today’s report & that sent to Suz.&  I two  days ago.  We are lost for words.  Mary is made of the stuff that surely bears the DNA of The Anzacs.  She must now, surely be emerging “into the light” as she so deserves.  We remain with you at all times; powerless but urging strength through thought & prayers.  Suz. & Paul.

Doug Kirsner – email

Thanks for the updates.  It must be such a roller-coaster ride.  It sounds like she’s getting the very best medical attention, so the best possible is happening for Mary.  It’s great to hear how she’s fighting so well.  Keep those spirits up, and many, many are thinking of you both.

Margaret Gutman – email

We salute Mary’s extraordinary doctors and nurses and her resilience and your vigilant devotion.  Our prayers will continue…  Love, Margaret & Ziggy

Paul Scully – email

Wonderful news as far as it goes.  Julie (my wife) and I am hoping along with you and your family.  Thanks for taking the time to keep us informed.

Virginia Gordon – email

Your beautiful Mary is amazing.  You believe “our dna, physical strength and robustness mostly determines good health and recovery from illness.  But prayers, love and positive energy can lift the spirits and fight off the worse.  I believe Mary has greatly benefited from this.”  From any angle all is true Michael – I continue to pray, and I know she is able to do what she is doing because of the exceptional love and care of you and the girls.  Take care, as she continues to inspire us all.

Steve Harker – email

Mate she is awesome.  We never stop thinking of you both.

Yosi Tal – email

Your optimistic note is wonderful.  Our love to you Mary and the girls and our prayers continue for Mary’s full recovery.  Yosi and Derryn

Sharon Morley – email

You warm my heart with this glimmer of hope!  I continue to hope and pray that Mary can somehow get through this.  I will not stop.  We are all behind you!

Harris van Beek – email

Thank you for letting me know about the good news you had about Mary’s condition.  I’m so sorry to hear of the terrible time you have all been going through. Our thoughts are with you and wishing you all the very best for continued good news.

Barry Garnham – email

Thank you very much for the latest update on Mary.  Her spirit and will are truly magnificent and awe-inspiring; on the basis of character alone she must come through this successfully.  Please be assured that Mary, and all your family, are well and truly in our thoughts.  Truly our best wishes to you all, Toni & Barry

Arch Bevis – email

That’s good news Michael.  Our thoughts are with you.

Mark Watson – email

Having come to know you these past years and admire you for the great gent that you are MIchael, it is extremely difficult to read the physical pain that Mary continues to endure.  Equally the emotional mountain that you and the girls have been forced to climb is so unfairly harsh.  But the latest news is delightfully promising.  Athina and I are thinking of the Eassons from afar.

Tony Young – email

My thoughts are with you and if there is anything I can do to help please do not hesitate to ask.

Kati Haworth – email

It is wonderful to have some positive news – even if it is only a gossamer.  I look forward to your emails and sms reports and think frequently of Mary and of yourself.  The tension is immense and protracted and I do hope that you take time also for your own maintenance.  Mary will need all your strength to get to a recovered stage.  With wishes of continuing optimism

Jock Murray – email

What a terrible run for Mary and, not to forget, your devoted self.  Bronwyn and I offer our prayers for Mary and you for the coming battles.

Fred Kempson – email

Dear Michael and family.  Our hopes and prayers are with you, and especially for Mary.

We pray also that miracles will continue to happen.  Fondest love, Diane, Fred and family

Therese Griffin – email

Thank you for your continual reports.  What a week of crisis, but the outcome is full of promise.  Let it continue.  Mary is certainly doing her best; she is proving herself to be a strong warrior.  It is not easy to be the one who is the carer but you are doing a mighty job.  Hopefully you will need some stories to tell your girl soon.

Well,  the powers that are Dubai have decided we are to stay in SA a little while longer and Mick at the moment is to continue with his work on Moving the QE2 to Cape Town the red tape has been worked on for over 6 months and if all goes to plan…does it ever … The ship will sail next week from Dubai, so Friday we are going to Dubai to hopefully see it sail.  Which will be quite fabulous.  Cape Town is gearing up for 2010 and the QE2 is to be used as a hotel for the next 18 months as there is a shortage of accommodation.  On Wednesday 26^th I will fly to Toronto and spend the next 10 days with Josh and our grandsons Willie and Spencer can’t wait to see them, at 2 and nearly 4 they are great fun… they are about to move house and I at least will be an extra pair of hands to help with the job.  Laura was offered a place on a dig and it is rare 2^nd years get this opportunity so she is away, it was too good to pass up, but not great timing. 

The weather in Dubai is in the high 40s and Toronto is also in the middle of its brief summer, hopefully good weather on the day of moving which will be a change from Cape Town’s wet winter.  With warm wishes and many prayers may the journey continue on a less rocky path.  Huge hugs.

Fr Gregory Jordan – email

We shall include Mary in our prayers and at Mass.  Frater in Christo, Gregory Jordan, S.J.

Thursday, August 20^th

George Newhouse – email

I am thinking of you and praying for Mary.

Itzik Rabinovitz – email

Thanks for the email – our hopes are high too and we are with you in sprit during this stressing time.  I too believe in the power of prayer.  It is a Jewish belief that when a Bride Groom prays for something under the wedding canopy it has special meaning.  My son got married last week in Israel and I asked him to pray for Mary under the canopy.  I hope this will contribute to her speedy recovery.

Robyn Worland – email

I hope Mary continues to make good progress.  Kevin and Bernadette O’Connor have just returned from overseas and I told them of Mary’s… and your whole family’s …situation.  They have asked me to pass on their thoughts and best wishes that Mary will make a full and speedy recovery.

Joe Kalk – email

Thank you for the update Michael.  I am thinking about Mary and hoping she recovers constantly.  I hope my positive energy is helping.  Your words are so moving. I can feel the love you have for Mary!  It is great!!!  As soon as I get an email from you I stop everything to read it.  Sorry it took me so long to respond.  Just know that I am praying for Mary to make a speedy recovery.  I wish she could take all this positive energy from me and use it to get better.  Once again, please let me know if you need anything.  Happy to help wherever I can.

Sonja Lyenham – email

Thoughts and prayers with you mary and the family x

Gary Punch – email

I am so sorry to hear this news.  Obviously it was sudden as we were together in Bangkok airport only a month or so ago.  Please give her my love and don’t hesitate to call if there is anything, even if you just want to talk to someone.

John Lutman – email

Once again thank you for your email.  Our thoughts and prayers are with you and Mary.  John prays daily for Mary’s recovery and we send our love and hopes that more good news is to come.  Jennifer and John

Ursula Stephens – email

Thank you for your email detailing the journey you and Mary have been travelling through the crisis of her illness.  And the twists and turns of her slow recovery.  Bob and I can’t even begin to imagine the stress this is placing on you all.  We will keep you all in our thoughts and prayers

Robert Hampshire – email

Best of wishes Michael.  What a battle for u all

Barry O’Farrell – email

Thanks for the news and I hope the prognosis continues to be good.  I also hope you and the kids are bearing up

Tony Stewart – email

Good news.  Please keep me informed.

Mark Syke – email

Just wanted to pass on best wishes to Mary from Sam Haddad and Darryl Watkins.  I promised them I would when I met them the other day.  Hope today has been a good day!

Paul Espie – email

This is the most incredible story and you a remarkable reporter!!  Ros and I wish you all, Mary in particular, continuing strength and good fortune henceforth.

John Faker – email

Thanks for the updates.  Everytime I called iT went to your voice mail and we are aware that this was a difficult time for your family.  Our prayers are with you and hoping Mary fully recovers soon.  Regards, John and Julie

David Singer – email

Simon sent me a copy of your e mail to him which he received in Honolulu (where he still is).  I had no idea of the turmoil that descended upon you both and must have greatly affected all the family.  It seems a truly miraculous recovery and we can all only hope and pray that Mary continues to get stronger from day to day.  Please give Mary my best wishes for her continued recovery.  Keep your chin up and be positive – amazing what can be achieved if such an attitude is maintained.

Shirley Fallows – email

I am a member of the staff of Arch Bevis, Member for Brisbane.  As Arch’s Office Manager/PA for over 18 years, I knew Mary when she was in Parliament.  I was aghast when I read your first e mail and was in tears over the terrible cross Mary had been given.  I have agonised over the last few weeks and prayed that she would have the strength to beat the odds.  Your e mail below is good news, full of hope.  Please pass on to Mary my sincere best wishes for a full and speedy recovery……….although I know the reality is her recovery will be less than speedy.  Let her know people are thinking of her and wishing her the best.

Michael, although the life of an animal does not in any way come anywhere near a human life, but up to about 12 months ago I had the most wonderful red cattle/Rhodesian ridge back female bitch.  She was the love of my and my husband’s lives.  Suddenly and without warning she took a turn for the worse……..a rush to the vet and then to specialist vets (who we knew) turned into a nightmare and a rush to save her life…………what you described in your first e mail about Mary’s fight for life was a replica of what our little friend went through…………alas although it cost us a large amount of money and the best attention in the veterinary field, she did not survive….the complications following the apparently successful surgery turned to an insurmountable situation………….

I only tell you this to say I understand what is happening and the trauma not only Mary is living through, but we know you and the family will not have slept, are living on adrenalin and willing Mary to win through this terrible ordeal.  All the very best over the days and weeks ahead…………….my memory of Mary is she is a tenacious and lovely person…………hopefully her own strength will pull her through………………. when all words are lost or you can’t think of new words to say and talk to her about when you are with her, always remember a CD with your and her special music, special memories you have had together spoken on a CD all those things that she will hear….just your voice and willing her to live…………I believe will help her so much.

Ed Dermer – email

Thank you for the better news about Mary. With our hopes and prayers for Mary’s continuing progress towards recovery – Ed, Family and Team.

Barry Robinson – email

I was completely taken back by the very bad news about Mary.  As you know better than all of her many friends, if anyone has the strength to win a battle it will be Mary.  You have all my hopes and prayers that the new path you talked about in your email will remain in place and lead to a full recovery.

Mary’s friendship in the old union days and more importantly the Ansett days is very positive and strong in my memory.  Sadly living overseas you lose contact but not fond thoughts.  Michael I hope you are holding up in what must be a very difficult and stressful times.  My strong support is with you as well.  I hope the next news confirms a path to recovery and you and Mary can go back to a wonderful life.  My hopes and prayers are with both of you.

Reg Richardson – email

Reg and Sally are in Darwin, they will be returning early September.  Reg said to let you know that he and Sally will be praying for Mary and good luck and god bless.

John McCarthy – email

Great news last night about Mary.  All of it brilliantly summarised and recorded by you.  It was the best message I received all day.  I hope this marvellous trajectory continues today and that your next report is in the same style as your latest.  All of our prayers are redoubled with hope and relief.  Perhaps Mary MacKillop is now on the case.  Many have asked her in no uncertain terms.  I saw Simon Grenfell yesterday.  Mary is constantly in his thoughts and prayers.  He said he would be making contact with you.

Tim Frost – email

Mary Decaria mentioned that your wife is not well.  I just thought I’d let you know I’m thinking of you both and wishing you both well.  All the best for a speedy recovery.

Peter Doherty – email

I have dropped by the waiting room at Concord on the chance you may have been around.  Your update was amazing, emotional, I am with you and Mary.

Kerry Highley – email

Mary has been in my thoughts and prayers for the past month and I am so relieved to read that she is rallying.  Our family is no stranger to tragedy, but we are strong.  With love, Kerry (Easson)

Sam Lipski – email

Thank you for your email about Mary.  And I join with you, your family and all those who know her,  even in a limited way as I do, in praying for a “refuah shleimah, refuat hanefesh v’refuat hagoof” – a “complete recovery, a healing of the body and a healing of the soul.”  I had not known about Mary’s illness until your email came.  So amidst the shock of hearing about it and reading of the terrible traumas of the surgery, the ray of hope you describe is something special.

Steve Harrison – email

Cath & I have been closely following Marys, you and your families terrible circumstances.  It goes without saying that our continued thoughts, prayers and hopes are with you all in this long fight.

John Coates – email

This is terrible.  I just did not know that Mary had been through such a life-threatening experience.  I am so very pleased that there is some improvement.  My prayers and love are with Mary and she is so very fortunate to have your love and support.  Warmest personal regards and all the very best to you both.

Doug Wright – email

Thank you for the good news.  As you say a long way to go.  As a buddhist I have been chanting mantras for Mary.  As i walk i think of her and chant.  So she not only has God on her side but the Buddha and all his followers.  With this support she will survive.  I’m also thinking a great deal about you and your health.  Eat well.  Much love.

Catherine Kennedy – email

Thanks so much for keeping us informed Michael in what must be such a gruelling time for Mary, you, your family your friends.  We feel relieved that Mary is defying the odds that’s such good news!  Now we have got quite a few people here praying for Mary down south – Bishops (Elliot) to ex ALP MPs (Noel Pullen) to Star of the Sea mothers.  So your beautiful wife Mary is very much loved here in Melbourne too by so many!  Our love to all of you.  Yet again please give Mary a big kiss and hug from us and hello to your lovely girls, their Mum is so proud of them we know Mary spoke to us about them when she visited Melbourne.  Kennedys, five of us

Joe di Leo – email

I am very happy that Mary at last has had some things go her way.  I hope and pray she continues to improve.  Thank you for keeping us up to date with Mary’s progress. Talk soon.

John Aquilina – email

It is so wonderful to receive this news.  Miracles do happen.  How else does one explain what Professors and doctors cannot.  And from where we are there is really nothing more that we can do but pray.  These prayers also include you and your daughters. Today I shall offer up prayers of thanksgiving to the Blessed Virgin as well as more prayers for Mary’s continued recovery.  Ann sends her love and best wishes.

John Kaldor – email

Naomi and I feel with you the constant anxiety and fear for Mary that must be with you every moment of the day, but thank God, some good news.  Your updates make us very much part of Mary’s struggle and our thoughts are with you.  Warm regards, Naomi & John

Brendan Nelson – email

I would just like you to know that I am thinking of you and Mary in the midst of your adversity.  Whilst Mary has been a political opponent, she is respected by me as a thoughtful, decent and intelligent advocate for her cause.  Please pass on to her my respect and very best wishes.  Her illness is one of painful agony beyond the understanding of most people.  Yours sincerely, Brendan Nelson (enemy backlines)

Regan Kempthorne – email

You may not remember me but I am Julie Kempthorne’s daughter Regan and Mum has been sharing your updates with me.  Michael, Louise and Amanda please know that my thoughts, prayers and love are with you as they are with Mary so that you can all pull through this difficult time.  I cannot imagine what it must be like to watch Mary, normally a pillar of strength go through such an ordeal.  But I feel that it is this tenacity and strength of spirit that will pull her through.

I was actually speaking to my parents about Mary when they told me of her condition.  I was telling them that I wasn’t sure what I was doing with my career and didn’t really know where to go and mentioned that I might give Mary a call for advice and counsel as he has given me in years gone by.  This is when Mum let me know… Please know that you are surrounded by people that love and care for your family and if you need anything please do not hesitate to ask.  I pray that the good news continues.

Kim Williams – email

Had no idea that Mary was so very ill and write to extend my most heartfelt and warmest good wishes to you both for a steady, continued and successful recovery.  Mary and the family has clearly been through an extraordinary ordeal and I can only send all the most positive and affirmative thoughts in such a terrible exacting trial.  Fondest wishes to you both.

Andrew Liston – email

Thanks for good news.  I will contact you when I am back in Oz, early September.

Heather Beattie – email

This is amazing news.  I have been thinking of her poor body trying to cope with such consistent assaults, she must be made of powerful stuff to cope with this.  Hopefully her body can now devote itself to healing with the damaged tissue removed.  You are doing a wonderful job in supporting her, take care of yourself too, she needs you there for a long time.  Our love and prayers continue.  Heather and Peter

Peter Newman – email

Lovely email … I have had brain surgery recently and was greatly supported by my local church and family.  All the best.

Joe Skrzynski – email

I am overseas and hadn’t been aware, so shocked to hear of Marys’ plight!  Will pray for her to keep beating the odds, and for all of you to have strength to deal with the situation as it develops.  Ros and Joe

Friday, August 21^st

Greg Sheridan – email

Thanks for this wonderfully encouraging news about Mary.  I’ve been in Canberra all week and have therefore been unable to send emails (I know, it’s pathetic).  On Saturday night we’re having Jagdave’s 21^st birthday party and we’ll remember you and Mary on the night.  I hope she’s had a good week this week.

Victor Danko – email

I was stunned to read this message today. I’m not one who attends church but I do believe that one’s positive messages, from whatever basis we project them, can have a positive effect.  I’ll be sending mine to you and Mary.  I’ll hope to visit her soon.

Jenny Saliba – email

We are praying for Mary and wishing her a speedy recovery.  We hope the week-end brings more good news.

Nicholas Moore – email

I was so pleased to hear the latest news about Mary.  It certainly is a remarkable turn of events and you must all be relieved to have such encouraging news.  Certainly, we all hope the improvement continues from here.  Thank you also for taking the time to write in such detail.  I’m sure it can be hard to find the energy at a time like this and I appreciate the effort you have made to keep us informed.  We continue to send our thoughts and best wishes to you and your family and wish Mary a swift recovery.

Conrad McKenzie – email

The icu won’t accept flowers… but you have our positive thoughts and energy. Werner Hertzog believed in the power of walking to cure the ills of his friends.  He famously walked from Berlin to Paris when a friend became gravely ill there.  The friend recovered.  I reminded the family of this story before a recent bushwalk and dedicated our perambulatory energies to Mary’s recovery.

Patricia Staunton – email

I have just opened my emails after a break of a day or so – I was fearful of what I might find from you re Mary.  I was thrilled to read your latest news – Mary is truly defying the odds!  The hope now is that it will continue because, as you highlight, Mary is not out of the woods yet.  Please be assured of my thoughts and prayers for her continued improvement – and for you and the girls as well.  Take care and keep those positive thoughts flowing.

Doug Ridley – email

Your E mail about Mary came as a complete shock, we have just returned from three months in Europe.  In April 2007 I had my bile duct removed in a 10 hour operation and developed pancreatitis and internal bleeding.  I had two further operations – a total of 28 hours of surgery in 10 days and I am alive and very well.  I was 60 days in hospital 19 in intensive care.  I was in St Vincent’s and believe they saved my life.  The key is to be strong and believe within yourself that your life is not over – keep fighting.  From your E mail Mary clearly has that “drive’ to live which I am sure she will.  God speed in her full recovery and best wishes to you – it’s a very tough time for the other half.

David Richmond – email

Thank you for letting us know.  Helga and I have been thinking about Mary and hoping for the best.  May she continue to defy the odds and get better with each day. Warm Regards, David and Helga

Ed Davis – email

Russell shared your news with me.  It sounds as if you have all been through an extraordinary trial and I do hope that much better days are ahead.  I will be thinking of you.

Warren Hart – email

Just accessed this email; have been away.  Hope the news continues to be positive.  Our thoughts and prayers are with Mary and as you know she has given so much of herself to and for others.  Warren and Suzanne

Kevin Gilligan – email

Thanks for the update on Mary’s progress.  Illness is always a very trying time for all involved and it is very pleasing to hear that Mary is defying the odds!  Mary is obviously a very strong woman and she is no doubt supported by an equally strong and close family.  With the very best that the medical fraternity can provide together with all the will in the world and your support, I am sure that Mary will put in every effort and return to good health.  Thinking of you at this difficult time.

Anthony Bertini – email

How strange coincidences are. I was chatting to our mutual friend Anna Booth on a plane earlier this week and she told me about yours and Mary’s issue.  The next day I receive your email below.  I am so so sorry to hear about Mary’s illness and pray that her recent good news continues.  I know you well but have only meet Mary once, when we had dinner at your home a long time ago.  Even though it was one encounter, the positive impression she made on me was enormous.  Sometimes you only have to meet a person once and immediately realize how wonderful they are.  I hope we get a chance to catch up sometime soon, when things settle down… 

John McCarthy – email

I hope and pray there has been continual progress for Mary over the last 24 hours.  We need to arrange to catch up with you during the weekend and to visit Mary at Concord.

Caroline Scobie – email

I am so sorry to hear of Mary’s illness.  My thoughts and prayers are with your family.

Damian Grace – email

What terrible news of Mary but what an extraordinary turn-around.  I hope her recovery is swift and that the pain diminishes.  As you say, it seems miraculous that she is not in a far worse condition.  Our thoughts and prayers are with Mary, you and the family.

Michael Crosby – email

This email came as a huge shock.  I just got back from Amsterdam for a month so hadn’t heard about Mary.  What a terrible blow – I just can’t imagine such a strong person laid low like this.  Both Bron and I are thinking of you and praying for you both.  I so hope that things come good for her.  Warmest regards

Catherine Kennedy – email

Sent a card to the hospital.  Telling you because we weren’t exactly sure re the hospital location so hope the card gets there.  Hope Mary is getting better.  All the best.  Kennedys – five of us

Greg Bunbury – email

Thank you for including me in the loop.  Your email is full of extraordinary information, not least the gritty determination to survive that both you and Mary are displaying in the face of this devastating trauma, – also your inspiring faith.  I shall keep you both in my prayers.  You bring to mind Thomas Merton, who wrote this: Life is very simple.  We are living in a world that is absolutely transparent to God and God is shining through it all the time.  This is not a fable or a nice story.  It is true.  God manifests himself everywhere, in everything, in people and in things and in nature and in events.  You cannot be without God.  It’s impossible.  Simply impossible. You might give a thought to St Jude.  June and I have leaned on him since we became engaged on his feast day, without realizing it.  Continuing prayers for you both.

Tonya Stevens – email

My name is Tonya Stevens, I am Andre Haermeyer’s wife, and a good friend of Michael Danby and Amanda’s.  I also had the good fortune of working for Michael until we moved overseas.  We now live in Germany and every day I await news of Mary.  While I have not known Mary for the many years that Andre and Michael have, I am privileged to have got to know her during my time working with Michael Danby.  I have also met your daughter Louise.  I want to share with you how much I loved Mary’s visits to our Canberra office.  Sometimes being in Canberra had its days.  Ministers were chasing Michael, fearing what he might do or say, or we were in someone’s bad books.  Then the phone would ring.  It would be Mary.  “I am calling in on my way back from the Ski fields”, she would say.  An hour later she would appear, looking glamorous, red lipstick completing the look.  A warm hug for everyone in the office and instantly all of our moods would lift.  She is a warm, inspirational, colorful person, something I found to be so rare In Canberra. Sometimes the door to our Canberra office would open and at first I would see a beautiful shoe, or a flash of a brightly coloured jacket, then immaculately styled hair and a beautiful, beaming face would emerge and it would be a lovely surprise for all of us to see Mary.  Against the sometimes frustrating and disheartening backdrop of Canberra, Mary’s presence was a welcome joy and a calming influence.  If Michael was fighting for a particular issue within Caucus she would always offer wise advice.  And then we would all share a meal, and Mary would have wonderful stories of travel, and experiences, of going to the opera in Vienna or meeting the Pope.  Mary doesn’t do things by halves.  She knows how to live.  I even said to Andre: “The role model I love the most is Mary.  She is so glamorous and I love her clothes but, more importantly, she knows how to live both in and outside of Politics.  She sees the world, has adventures and she is so giving and generous of other people.”  He remembers this conversation well because he replied: “That’s great, but how are you going to afford the designer suits?”  He then went on to say “I always knew you would like Mary and thought the two of you would get on like a house on fire.  I am pleased you have got to know her through Michael”.

He then told me a story about a Young Labor Conference where the two of them were pleased to see each other because only one of them had remembered to pack a hairdryer!  As I reflect on woman in politics and public life and just in general, it is hard to think of someone else who matches Mary’s unusual mix of buoyancy, flamboyance, love of life, but also warmth and compassion and wisdom.  And I must add her glamour, unafraid to wear vivid reds and vibrant colours and bold lipsticks that match her personality.  Mary adds so much to the rich fabric of life.

When Andre was appointed Trade Commissioner to Europe, one of the first calls I received was from Mary, excited about the appointment and promising that one day the two of you would visit, something I have not given up hope on.  Michael, my thoughts and prayers are with Mary, you and your family.  I hope you don’t mind me writing to you, but I feel that my impressions of Mary’s warmth, and colour and wonderful personality worth sharing with you.  My warmest wishes and kindest regards in this difficult time.

Saturday, August 22^nd

Amanda Easson – text

So happy!  She’s so great! 

Adam Geha – text

Have Mary’s kidneys started to work? 

Carlos Gonzalez – text  

Great news.  I’ll be there tomorrow  

Anthony Morched – text 

…just wondering how Mary’s doing today?

Catherine Kennedy – email

Please if there is anything we can do here down south please let us know – so many of us are so very concerned.  Please take comfort many at eg Star are praying for Mary hence the symbolism of the photo – the sinless and beautiful Star of the Sea.  Those words, we humbly say, quite describe your Mary.

Sunday, August 23^rd

Michele Norris – email

Mary’s strength and resilience is truly inspiring and courageous.  We are thinking of her, and of course you and the girls, and continuing to pray for her recovery.

John Mackay – email

…not sure how you are travelling at the moment… But you and Mary and your family, continue to be in my thoughts and prayers.  We gave Barbara a wonderful send-off on Friday… it was interesting to learn for the first time in her eulogies, what an extraordinary life she had led… and what a diverse range of areas she had contributed to.

Adrienne Anderson –text

Robert is happy to speak to you re process to use.  You are the next of kin and have Mary’s recovery physically and mentally to consider “what is in her best interest”.

Anne Maree Smithells – text

How is Mary today all still progressing well I trust please say hello to her.

Adrienne Anderson – text

That’s lovely; I’ll come over now.

August 24^th

Adrienne Anderson – text

The poor darling it must be so frustrating for her she has been thru so much.

Bob Carr – text

Wonderful news.  Bob and Helena

Adam Geha – text

We would all be delirious if we were drugged out in bed for five consecutive weeks.  Was on my way with Julie when I got your call last night.  Best for Julie to visit her when she is more lucid, will wait to hear from you re when it’s a better time to visit.  Hope Mary has another good day today.  We are praying for her, especially her kidneys J

August 25^th

Mum – text

After much deliberation with three doctors peter desperately wants the operation to go ahead he was getting very agitated so a decision had to be made 5 today we need your prayers.

Maurice Alexander – text

Wonderful news.  Is Mary still suffering ashes anger?

Adrienne Anderson – text

Thanks how fantastic renal improvement happening.  I am at work today will call later today. Love.

Adam Geha – text

Yipeeee… kidneys have heard our prayers.

Anne Maree Smithells – text

Such good news she is truly amazing so looking forward to see both of you tomorrow take care.

Antonella Petrone – text

Thank you for the update.  Hope you got a good night’s sleep.

August 26^th

David McDermott – text

I heard that Mary has taken a turn for the better – congratulations.  That is great news.

Michael Zelas – text

How is Mary??  Stuck at home with gastro.  Hope to be better soon and see Mary on weekend.

Mum – text

Great news just left hospital peter doing very well too going home to have a rest like u very exhausted.  Love u

Carlos Gonzalez – text

Great. Thank God.

Adam Geha – text

Give her a big hug and kiss from Julie and I!!

Maree Simmonds – text

I am so happy.

Karyn Easson – text

That sounds great. What a dif a week can make.

August 27^th

Anne Maree Smithells – text

Forgot to tell you Mary asked about Collingwood yesterday I really enjoyed the visit hope today is equally good for her see you next week.

Antonella Petrone – text

Thanks Michael.  I will be in to see her today.  Please let me know if you would like me to come and do something around the house.  I worry about interfering…

September 10^th

Kate Shaw – text

Wonderful.  We’ll keep our fingers crossed for a visit.  I’ll be in touch with you in the morning.

Kate Shaw – text

How is Mary?  Kevin will be in Sydney tomorrow and may have some time in the morning for a visit to Concord.  Would this be ok if it works in our favour?

September 11^th

Maurice Alexander – text

That has to win her points with staff.

Albert Dadon – text

Great!  I will be in Sydney in the next 2 weeks, by then she should be home!

Kate Shaw – text

Kevin will be coming to visit this morning at 10.am.  Gary Miller, GM, will meet him when he arrives and escorts him to Mary’s room.  Lisa Ffrench from our office will be with Kevin this morning at Concord…

September 12^th

Joe Kalk – text

How is Mary going?  How is her breathing?  It was good to see you.

September 13^th

Carlos Gonzalez – text

I will see you at the hospital.

Peter Doherty – text

How is Mary?

Maurice Alexander – text

Mary is a true believer.  Collingwood got there by hard work.  How is her physio going?

Tuesday, September 15th

Marsha Thomson – text
Sorry it is so late. I have been wanting to touch base but seem to be limited to late at night.  It seems like forever since I have been thinking of all of you and wondering how Mary is going.  And how the girls and you are.  Please don’t think that my failure to keep in touch means that I have forgotten or no longer care.  That is far from the truth.  You are still in my thoughts and prayers every day.

Adam Geha – text
May the Lord give her strength to recover quickly.

Moira Brophy – telephone message
At the hospital.  Not able to go in as they are doing something and it will be some time before she’ll be settled again…  Please give her my love…

Adam Geha – text
I’ve just landed in Sydney, hope Mary’s operation went well…

Sharon Leich – telephone message
Sharon again.  Got your text message.  Good luck to Mary.  I hope all’s ok…  Will call in later in the week

John Aquilina – telephone message
I haven’t heard recently what’s happening with Mary.  Ringing up to see how she’s doing.  Still praying hard and thinking of you all constantly.

Wednesday, September 16^th

Monica Hayes – email

However small the miracles, great news – I feel very humble taking my good health for granted.  My love and best wishes to Mary

Garth & Rosemary Head – email

The improvement is stunning – miracles do happen!  We know there is a long way to go but against the odds, with strength, drive and courage, Mary has successfully travelled what seemed many weeks ago to be an almost impossible distance.  Your evident love, commitment and support has obviously been vital to the journey.  Both you and Mary remain in our thoughts and prayers.

Frank Sartor – email

Thanks for your latest report.  Good to see the steady steps to recovery.  I think if you stood for a medical exam now you would pass with distinction.  I too have had some bad medical news.  Monique’s mum, Catherine, had a bad stroke 10 days ago, and is now in RPA hospital. She will be severely handicapped with use of her left arm gone, and likely the same for her left leg and a portion of her vision.  A big blow as her husband Bill is not that self-sufficient around the home. 

My little fellow has been sick for nearly a week with gastro but tonight was starting to show some of his old spark.  And Monique is pregnant due mid-March.  My second boy Jack is struggling and so it goes… one crisis after another.

I guess there is only one place worse to be – in the NSW government!!  So, may this year of misery past soon and we can all go back to achieving good things next year, even if a little wiser.  Ciao

Bruce Wolpe – email

The Jewish New Year is almost upon us.  Our first prayers will be for Mary.  Our best from Washington.

Gaye Morstyn – email

It is so nice to hear continuing good news, even if there has to be an operation in between! Standing is a great milestone for Mary, as is talking.  Some great DVDs to watch might help with the boredom.  When my better half was having his transplant, it was a new DVD every day which we watched together. Seemed to help a lot.  Please give Mary my very best. I think of her very often and am looking forward to seeing her again – reasonably soon with any luck.

Brendan O’Connor – email

Very inspiring effort!  Please pass on my good wishes to Mary.

Louise Easson – text
Great news!  I’ll come around 2pm tomorrow after Healthy Harold campaign launch in the city.

Pru Goward – email

Keep going.  It is quite a ride.  Love to you all.

Tim Cusack – email

Wonderful to get more positive news on Mary.  Continuing to pray for speedy recovery…

Thérèse Rein – email

Oh my goodness, your emails always make me teary…  Your love for Mary is absolutely palpable in all you write.  Inspirational, really.  And I feel honoured to be included in your journey together.  Our prayers continue.

Max & Jenny Mawhinney – email

Jenny and I have read each and every one of your updates on Mary’s progress.  Mary is a great fighter.  Only someone with a great will to live, supported by a great family, would survive the ordeal that she has been going through.

Having spent about 10% of my pre 10-year old childhood in various hospitals, I can empathise with your opening comment, that it is not good to be “medically interesting”.  I was and subsequently detest hospitals.

I think it has been great that you have been able to sit down and write about Mary’s roller coaster progress over the last two months.  We have all shared your anxiety but can only imagine the degree to which this impacts on you and the family.  You may recall that I sent you a link describing the role of Magnesium (and the problems arising through lack of it) in supporting good health.  It plays an important and underrated role in health recovery as well.  It is vital in promoting strong blood circulation and therefore the ability of the body to circulate nutrients as well as anti-bodies required to “patch up” problems as they arise.

If you do not have the link, I can forward it to you again.  Trusting Mary continues on the miraculous road to recovery.

Frank Lavin – email

prayers.  thanks.  hug the girls.  hope we can catch up at some pt.

Conrad Mackenzie – email

The family had been wondering at the end of last week what was happening.  Melba had asked if I had heard anything.  I had said that no news was good news so I am delighted it was truthful.

Kerry Highley – email

I give up.  Will have to wait till I get my mac back.  Love reading about mary’s wondrous recovery, it’s truly inspiring. 

Jason Li – email

Wonderful to hear the news of improvement and growing hope.  There’s some relief in my heart now.  

Michael Crosby – email

What a nice thing to do!  He really does surprise in the way that he is not the typical ego driven politician.

Michael Crosby – email

This is great news.  How wonderful that she is getting medically less interesting!!!!!  The talking will eventually be a problem as she will get back to telling you where you have gone wrong!

I am in awe of course of our health system.  When you are really sick they are fantastic.  Thank god we are Australians and not Americans where this kind of care for ordinary people is just out of reach.  Keep up the fight.

September 17^th

John Worton – email

Continuing in my prayers Michael.  It may sound strange, but isn’t love amazing?  God bless to Mary and yourself both.

Patricia Rochford – email

Yours is a story of extraordinary courage and dedication – to life and to your loved ones.  It is truly an heroic journey.

Kevin & Thérèse Rudd – email

That is all great news michael. Blessed Mary Mackillop is working overtime.  Love to your Mary and the children

Tom Parry

Great news.

Helen Nugent – email

Far better news.

Marsha Thomson – text

It was good to hear that Mary is doing so much better.  It is certainly the toughest marathon any person could be asked to run.  I don’t know of anyone else who could do what Mary has done.  I hope that it won’t be too much longer until you tell me that I can come up and visit. 🙂

Ann-Maree Smithells – text

Is Mary going ok? I will be up Wed just wondered if drain tube is out yet

Michael Fullilove – email

Our experiences are very similar.  In fact, I’ve never been happier to be a foreign policy wonk than one day when a god-like specialist swept down from Olympus to see Dad with her aides trailing behind her.  I prepared myself for the usual run-around, but it turned out that she’s an avid ABC listener and was familiar with my work.  Suddenly no question was too silly for her to answer at length!

Everyone’s human, and they have a lot of demands on their time and their emotions.  So, you have to find a way to be interesting and important to them – a little like politics.  As you say, the most important thing is vigilance.  It’s taxing, though, so I trust that people are looking after you just as you are looking after Mary. 

Dad was in hospital for two weeks with severe heart failure, pneumonia and bronchitis – we then got him to a rehab hospital and, eventually, home.  There’s no cure for heart failure at the age of 84 but it’s wonderful to see him at home and enjoying life sitting in the sun and reading stories to my sons rather than cooped up in a hospital ward.  I feel sure that Mary, too, will soon be home.

Margaret Gutman – email

YOU ARE ALL HEROES.  MAY THE PROGRESS CONTINUE

Kim Williams – email

I think you are both amazing (but Mary wins by a rather substantial margin!).  It is miraculous as to how her spirit, faith and willpower have won through – genuinely inspiring.

All warmest and most supportive wishes to you both.

John Kaldor – email

So glad to hear that Mary is improving.  As you say, lots of little miracles, God willing it will end up as one big miracle.

Jerome Dadon – email

It’s so wonderful to hearing that Mary’s doing well, I hope to hear more good news in the coming weeks 🙂

I was in Sydney over the last weekend and went in to see the guys at the office, it would have been great to see you as well.  Hopefully the next time I’m in Sydney (should be mid-October) Mary will be well enough that you’ll be back at the office some of the time.

Morris Milder – email

Thanks for yesterday’s email.  I am really glad that Mary is making such fantastic progress.  One step at a time.  You might recall that after my by-pass the surgeon was amazed that I tried to walk with the assistance of the nurse within about 4 days and he caught me reading tax cases after about 6 days.  My excuse was that I needed the mental gymnastics.  I pulled through and it looks like Mary is doing the same. 

I agree with you that it is a step by step process.  I have now booked my trip to Sydney, but I do not have a clue where the Concord Hospital is.  Can you help?  At least Melbourne is set out in a logical grid pattern but like many Melbournians I find getting around Sydney a bit confusing.  Lots of love to Mary.  Please tell Mary that I am right in there pitching for her. 

Jeff & Kelly Bradtke – email

God bless you and Mary.  Our prayers are with you.

Arlene Tansey – email

Hooray!  We are sharing the joy of “little miracles”.  Each day, we know, will be better than the last and each step – literally and figuratively – and we are overjoyed to hear of each improvement.  We’re keeping on with the prayers and feeling very grateful for Mary’s progress – what a woman!  Lots of love.  Arlene and Patrick

Bob Magid – email

A great improvement, thank God.

Yitzchak Rabinovitz – email

We are embarking on the New Jewish New year (next Saturday and Sunday).  Our New Year is a very serene holiday where we contemplate where we have been and where we are going.  It is customary to wish our friends tidings on the coming year.  So, I feel compelled to wish you and bless you and your family (especially Mary) a year with health and happiness, a year where you can all get back into mundane routines.

September 18^th

Ross Kerridge – email

I am down for a workshop at Gladesville on the morning (9 till 1) of Wednesday the 30^th.  Could catch up after that?

Gary Gray – email

Thanks Michael, john murphy told me the PM called by last Friday.  It is good to see improvement.

Toby & Chris Smith – email

Less is better!  We pray (and cheer) for you every morning.

Shane Geha – telephone message
Looked this morning at Woolworths at Double Bay for the orange concentrate that Mary likes.  Not there.  I’ll keep on searching…

Carlos Gonzalez – text
Just saw Mary, she is good.  I showed her the latest photos of the house and her spirit was good…

Gail & John MacBean – email

It’s great to hear that the good news keeps rolling on, tell Mary to maintain the good fight. Pass on our best wishes to Mary, nice to have heard from you again.

Jeremy Jones – email

Please pass this to Mary:

At sunset tonight, Jewish people everywhere celebrate the birthday of the world – Rosh Hashanah.

We eat ritual foods, based on sweet times ahead, renewal and new starts at life.  Our prayers are of repentance and introspection, our blessings for health and happiness, our promises of charity and acts of kindness.

On Sunday, we will hear 100 blasts of a ram’s horn during our synagogue service.  Everyone is silent and it is if the earth has stopped moving while there is direct communion with heaven.

It is a time our rabbis remind us of where our priorities should be.  Rabbi Jonathan Sacks, the Chief Rabbi of the United Synagogues of the UK and the de facto spokesrabbi for traditional Orthodox Jews, said this week: “We can lose material possessions, but spiritual possessions – the good we do, the love we inspire – we never lose, and that is why they are the greatest investments we can make.  May we, in this coming year, spend more time on the things that matter…” 

You are, and have always been, a person who understood this.  Michael’s special devotion and spirit have been an inspiration to many.  When we pause in our morning service, after the conclusion of the readings from the Torah scroll, we say prayers for health and long life for individuals we know well or know will not otherwise receive prayers in their name.  I will insert your name, so if your ears burn around 11.45 am Saturday and Sunday, you will know why 🙂

Kimmis and Christine Whiting – email

Thanks for the comprehensive update.  Please convey to Mary our thoughts and best wishes.

Saturday, September 19^th

Shane Easson – text
We’ll go 2morr.  Will let u know…  Want c new house…

Moira Brophy – text
I am still trying to get to hospital but am running out of time.  I have a lot of work to complete and it is taking longer than anticipated.  Please give Mary my love and tell her I look forward to her standing to greet me when I visit her next.  I would love to hear news of her progress while I am away.  Take care.  I am excited to be seeing my girls.

Steve Jermyn – email

Thank you for the update, I trust that Mary’s condition becomes less interesting every day.

John Aquilina – email

It is wonderful to receive news that Mary continues on the path to recovery, be it ever so slow, and be it ever so arduous.  We constantly pray that Mary will turn a corner which will see her heal at a more rapid rate and overcome her traumas with less suffering.  Thank you for keeping us informed.  I had not heard anything for a while and was starting to worry.  All faith, strong as it may be, needs reinforcement from time to time.

Kathie Collins – email

Many thanks for the update.  Mary is an inspiration as you are also.  I do not think I have ever ready such determination to have someone regain health.  You and Mary must have a direct line to the good Lord.

Sunday, September 20^th

Maurice Alexander – text
I am in recovery mode myself after last night’s performance.  Mary like Collingwood will bounce back in 2010 stronger and successful.

Shane Easson – text
It was a relief 2 hear her talk.  She looks very ok considering, etc.  But boredom n depression r ever present.

September 22^nd

Michael Davis – email

how is Mary?
 
September 24^th

Gary Scarrabelotti – email

I was thinking of coming to Sydney this Saturday to visit Mary in the afternoon, around 3.00pm-ish.  Given our need to focus on Mary’s full recovery, would my visiting Mary in the circumstances be too upsetting for her?  If not, I would very much like to call on her.

Albert Dadon – email

How wonderful!  You have made my day mate!  I am coming to Sydney before I leave for Israel mid-October.  I will call to make a time to visit Mary and you.  Please send my love to Mary.

Barry Batagol – email

Thank you very much for the message from Mary which is a positive indication of her road to recovery.  Please pass on our very best wishes to Mary and thank her for her thoughts.  Things are going well with Elbit…  Bill Alexander told me of his visit to Mary last week and that he had to wait for the PM to leave, which was most polite of Bill.  Interesting about the next Australia Israel Leadership Dialogue in Sydney in December and we look forward to hearing more.  When will Mary be up for a short visit from Ben and I, and would next week be too early?  We would love to say hello if possible.

Patricia Staunton – email

I have been away for a couple of weeks and have only just accessed my emails to hopefully catch up on Marys progress.  It was starting to improve the last time I checked so I was delighted to read of her continuing, albeit slow, return to good health.  As you said, it’s going to be a long process but, please God, it will continue.  I have no doubt that, apart from Mary’s own battle, the past couple of months would have taken a great emotional and physical toll on you and the girls – but particularly on you.  While I’m sure you are coping relatively well, do take care.  I do hope you are not trying to work at the same time – but then again, like lots of people in such situations, it is often said that having to go to work provides a distraction from your personal crisis.

I will wait to hear further re Marys progress.  I have thought of ringing you, but I figured you did not need such distractions at this time.  In any event, your emails provide all the necessary information and insights into Marys condition and your wellbeing.  Good to hear that the public health system has delivered in spades – I have always believed the media do not do enough to inform the public as to how good our system really is – they’re too busy looking for someone to complain about it. Nothing changes.  My positive thoughts and prayers will continue for Mary as well as you and the girls. With every best wish.

September 26^th

Gary Scarrabelotti – email

Just had a bad 24 hours. Much delayed.  Failing Saturday arvo would Sunday be OK? What is the range of visiting hours?

September 27^th

Ann-Maree Smithells – email

hi Michael please pass this to Mary for me.  Hope soon we may be able to talk on the phone.

My Dearest Friend Mary,

I enjoyed our visit so much i feel i want to keep coming up weekly but reality must kick in.  As we talked on wed you feel recovery may take up to many months even 12.  I feel so protective of you and want to be there with you step by step.  You are and always have been a very strong and important part of my life i cant describe how hard it has been to make this decision to space my visits.  I am frightened or not knowing all details of your recovery the ups and downs along the way. I have booked flights 14^th & 28^th oct at this stage  please dont feel i am deserting you as i know company helps pass time maybe soon we can chat on phone. I feel very privileged to have been with you all these weeks getting to know Michael & the girls better than before your family has been very welcoming to me.  Please stay safe and try each day to sit a little longer out most of all remember squeeze your butt cheeks!  when you need to.  counting the days til we can laugh together and talk non stop.  Cheers to you and all Ann Maree

Barry Batagol – email

Ben and I will therefore visit Mary on Thursday October 1^st at about 1:00 PM and we have just booked our flights.  Look forward to saying hello.

Derek Volker – email

Have been so pleased to read of Mary’s progress. She is courageous and the signs seem to be propitious.

Catherine Kennedy – email

we know you are very busy how is Mary coming along?  just concerned

give her all our love.  Kennedys five of us

September 28^th

Kim Beazley – email

I hang on every email you send me about Mary.  Thanks for your kind good wishes.  I still have my copy of Present at the Creation.  This is a new era – we are definitely now post Cold War, with a post-Cold War president.  The challenges will be substantial, but the job interesting.

Adam Geha – email

What foods can Mary eat at the moment?  We would like to send her a practical gift.  (Not like the food basket last time J

Adam Geha – email

Wow … exciting news !!

Therese Griffin – email

I hope all is continuing positively and Mary is getting stronger each day.  I am back in Cape Town after a month on the road, it was very good to be back with Mick.  On Saturday we drove up the West Coast to the national wild flower park and although towards the end of the season there were still many large areas of flowers yellow orange pinks and purple also white lilies grow in abundance everywhere and they are blooming.  So  when driving one is never sure what magical site may be around the corner, the seas have been huge with set after set of large waves rolling in all glacial blue white sure looked cold and felt it, coming straight up from the south pole.  Take good care.  Hugs to you both.

Adam Geha – email

Your risotto has healing powers ! J  Really exciting news…

Michael del Gigante – email

Glad to hear that Mary is improving.

Nicholas Whitlam – email

I assume, I hope, that Mary continues to progress in her recovery.  I want to visit her, but I don’t want to do so until she’s ready and able and happy for that to take place.  From your reports I assume that she will be incarcerated for some time yet.  So, I’m just putting it on the agenda.  Do give her Judy and my best wishes.  We send them to you and the girls too.

September 29^th

Helen O’Kane – email

Can only hope that in the absence of your regular bulletins Mary’s recovery progresses and that there have been no more major dramas in recent weeks and that we are moving onto the “out of danger” phase.  You all continue to be in my thoughts and prayers, and I can imagine that you are now facing another set of challenges to actually get to the position when Mary will be able to exit ICU.  The O’Kane family continues to check for bulletins not wanting to worry you directly of course!  I will be in Sydney for the Masters Games from 11 to 17 Oct (golfing so nothing too strenuous) and am looking forward to spending some time with Mary if and when she is up to visitors from the south.  I do hope that you are getting an opportunity for some time out Michael – this must have been the most harrowing period of your life thus far!  Do take care and my very best wishes to all.

Thérèse Rein – email

How are you?  How is Mary?  God Bless.

Bill Shorten – email

Congratulations to Mary you and family.

Angelo Candalepas – email

Truly wonderful news!

Robert Hampshire – email

Well done folks.  Well done.  Keep going Mary.

Thérèse Rein – email
Thank God!  We do.  What amazing news…  Love to Mary.  And to you all.

Rob & Monica Bladier – email

Please pass on our best wishes again.

Russell Lansbury – email

this is wonderful news – and hopefully will continue to get better for Mary

David Blight – email

fantastic news.  You, Mary and your family remain in our thoughts

Tony Shepherd – email

wonderful news.

Simon Singer – email

Wonderful news, Michael.  Perhaps now try the ancient Jewish remedy – Chicken soup and matzo balls… happy to provide my mother’s secret recipe if you wish.

Virginia Westerson – email

Thanks for the update Michael, I was just thinking about you both this morning and that I had not heard any news for a while.   I am so happy to hear such good news – of course nowhere near the happiness you and your family must be feeling!!  Mary must be destined for something big after this – she is being kept for something special.  Please give her my very best wishes and now that she’s coming towards normality, I hope to see her in person.

Diane & Fred Kempson – email

Great news!  Many thanks for keeping us informed.  Our prayers continue.  Fondest regards.

Paul Espie – email

this is incredibly good news.

MTS gathering last week had a drink for you whilst celebrating receipt of ABB litigation proceeds.

Mark Sullivan – email

This is just wonderful news.  Our thoughts and best wishes are with Mary.

David Mortimer – email

Beautiful stuff Michael.  God bless you and all your family – Mary obviously is!

Deb Willcox – email

I had heard that Mary had been unwell but had no idea of the extent of it.  Lovely to read the email – hoping you are OK – gruelling for you both.  Soooo nice to read such warmth about the hospital and staff – god knows the compliments are few and far between, at least in the media.  Many thanks, and all the best for the next few decades together!  Hope to see you soon.

Grant Winberg – email

Very, very well done (albeit a lot of effort ahead).  When this is finally behind you, you may find a way to let the NSW public understand what Concord is capable of (taking nothing away from Mary and yourself).  There is too much bad publicity (eg, the much publicised bed pan not being removed for 5 days, etc.).  Very pleased for you.

Arch Bevis – email

Thanks again Michael. Good news. But hey – 30 years – I’m looking forward to the centurion party – another 50 thanks.

Ken Edwards – email

Magnificent.  Love to Mary, Ken and Connie.

Paul Broad – email

that is wonderful Mary is an inspiration to us all.

Ian Macara – email

Beautiful.  Penny and I share your joy.  We two just had an excited chat about what a fantastic fighter Mary has been to come through so much, and I share your admiration for the medicos and nurses who helped make it possible.  Warm good wishes to Mary, you, and your family.

John Aquilina – email

What wonderful news.  Our tears have turned to tears of joy and our prayers to ones of thanksgiving.  Now that Mary is out of intensive care Ann and I would like to arrange a visit.  However, we know it must still all be quite bewildering, so we’ll leave it until next week.

Anthony Khoury – email

Mary is in our prayers, please let her know.  I always ask Anthony Mourched about her.  I lost my Dad last week after an 18-month battle.

Stephen Loosley – email

Great news.  Well done.  But exercise restraint with those risottos!

Frank Lavin – email

great news, michael.  thanks for the update.  hope we can catch up at some pt.  best…

Kate Windon – email

I am so happy to hear this wonderful news.  My thoughts and prayers are with you all.  Here’s to the power of Mary’s will and modern medicine!

Andrew Morley – email

This is such a wonderful email to receive, my thoughts have been with Mary all the way.

John Clarke – email

I am absolutely thrilled to hear this great news for Mary, you and your family.  I feared the worst for you for quite a period but clearly under-estimated how tough you all are!!!

Ryan Gooley – email

That is fantastic news.  A big relief for the family I bet.  Let’s hope she is able to get home for Christmas.

Mark Watson – email

No ordinary patient is Mary…  I’m so very pleased for you and family Michael J

Zeke Solomon – email

Great news!

Gary Gray – email

Michael this has been a huge battle, our thoughts with you both.

Paul Niardone – email

Our prayers and thoughts are still with you both.

Mark & Deborah Dreyfus – email

Wonderful news!  Our thoughts and prayers are with you.  And why settle for thirty years?

Bob and Ruth Magid – email

This is V day!  What a monumental struggle.  All our love to Mary and you

Michael Darby – email

Thank you so much for sharing the wonderful news with me.  I am crying and thanking God as I type.  Blessings to you both.

Joe DiLeo – email

that is fantastic news.  From a distance it is evident Mary is a great fighter with lots of inner strength.  She is also very lucky to have such a caring family who have maintained the faith.  Your email is very positive, and I hope the next move – home, will not be too far away.   Please let us all know when Mary can have visitors.

Rodney Cavalier – email

I am hoping that all the optimism of your most recent memo comes to pass.  Congratulations on your risotto.  Thank God if you will but thank Mary most of all.  Not to mention your steadfast presence and act of will.  You were all a part of this.

Geoff Gallop – email

Congratulations to Mary on a battle well fought and all the best for the future!

Andrew Robb – email

We have been thinking and praying for Mary, you and the family.  It has been an extraordinary ordeal, with still many stages to go I know.  The human spirit is remarkable.  Our very best wishes….  Andrew and Maureen

Peter Worland – email

Yes, we are thankful and happy for all of you. In spirit, peter. 

Gary Punch – email

Great news!!

Thérèse Rein – email

What are visiting hours?

Shahen Mekertichian – email

YESSSSSS!!!!  go MARY!!!!  x x x x

Barry Smorgon – email

I am delighted at the good news.  Mary is obviously a very strong lady & determined to live (who would’t be married to you?)  I hope her recovery continues at speed.

Julie Flynn – email

Michael, what wonderful news!  Please give Mary our love.  Jonathan and Trevor have been following developments closely.  Jono has been particularly concerned for the best godmother in town!  BTW I was at the hospital with my father on Sunday and his brother George was there.  I told him about Mary.  George said his attack of pancreatitis (1993) was triggered in exactly the same way as Mary’s and he was hospitalized for 5 months.  But the great news is that he is fully recovered and has no side-effects.  He even enjoys a drink again.

My mother told me that when George was unconscious which was for an extended period, my Aunt sat by his bedside and refused to let him die.  I’m sure your love and devotion to Mary has been the major part of ensuring that she has also come so far.  Please let me know when she is up to visitors and if flowers are allowed.  Much love to you all, Julie.

John Evans – email

What fantastic news!!  Look forward to having you both to dinner!

Connie Klimko – email

your note brought tears to my eyes.  I am so very, very happy for you and Mary.  What a magnificent outcome.   Congratulations.   And now, each day, a gift, for both of you.  Enjoy it!!!!

Sandy Macdonald – email

God speed Michael, great news.

Marie-Therese Gibson – email

Many thanks for this wonderful news!  When I saw Mary on Sunday she had her risotto and said that it was delicious!  We continue the prayers for her full recovery.  My love to Mary and you all.

Rob Thorpe – email

Wonderful, wonderful news after such a long and challenging journey.  Life is so precious.  I trust that the remaining recovery period goes well.

Harris van Beek – email

That is such wonderful news.  Enjoy the 30 years ahead wishing you every strength for the recuperative months to get it going.

Tom Gellibrand – email

I have been following Mary’s progress through your emails and am very happy for you, her, and your whole family that her health has now turned in a most significant and positive direction.  My thoughts and best wishes remain with you and your family.

Clive Thompson – email

Thanks for the best update so far. Vasbyt.*  Warm regards in the run-up to Christmas.

*Vasbyt [fáss bàyt]; intransitive verb; definition: South Africa be stoic:to be uncomplaining in the face of difficulty or adversity (informal) [Late 20^th century < Afrikaans, literally “bite hard” < vas “firm, fast” + byt “bite”]

Alicia Watson – email

Praise God for his mercies and healing and for the indomitable will.  He has given Mary! What wonderful news for you both.  Yes, a long road to full recovery lies ahead but as you say, what’s 2 months in another 30years??!!!  God bless you both.

Toby Smith – email

Wonderful, full and hearty congratulations on the move!  Your incredibly strong spirits inspire all your Yankee admirers.

Regan Kempthorne – email

I cannot imagine how happy you and the girls must be at this point.  Witnessing a continued period of improvement for Mary must be amazing after all of this time.   Mary once again has shown her fighting spirit and I am sure she will only continue to get a little better everyday, from this point forward.  Our prayers have been answered.  My thoughts, prayers and love are with you all for the next few months of Mary’s recovery.

Paul Moy – email

This is fantastic news.  I applaud you both for a fantastic fight.  I know from my own experience the emotional stress that a carer goes through when their partner is very ill so make sure that you have a recovery programme for yourself as Mary recovers.  Best wishes to you both for a long life together.

Henry Pinskier – email

You are able to pass on such wonderful news.  Strength to Mary and the family.

Elana Rubin – email

what wonderful news!  Mary is an amazing fighter – you are an incredible family.  Fingers crossed it’s all smooth sailing from now.

Angela Assaf – email

Joseph has been passing on your updates & then I verbally update our prayer group that Mary use to be (still is!) a part of, we have missed her!  We have been praying for her speedy recovery. We have wanted so many times to come and visit, but worry about having too many people around an ICU unit.  Also, individually Joseph & I have wanted to bring the relics of a Lebanese Saint who is known for healing the sick. We may do that this weekend if that is alright.

This news today is as joyous for us, as it is for you & your family.  Know how inspirational it has been to see the strength you have maintained in your faith during these weeks.

Bob Hogg & Maxine McHugh – email

Great news.  Best of recoveries.

Percy Allan– email

That’s a relief and great news!  Your documentary is clearly a testament to the love and concern you showed for your wife through this ordeal.  Give her our love and best wishes.

Percy and Pip

Barry Batagol – email

Great news and Ben and I are visiting Mary at her new location this Thursday to say hello.

Fr. Gregory Jordan SJ – email

Plainly, it’s not over yet; but what a story!  My thoughts and prayers go with you. Gregory Jordan, SJ.

John & Julie Robertson – email

Michael that’s fantastic news.  Pass on our thoughts and best wishes to Mary.

Athol Cairn – email

100 hearty cheers for Mary.  I am sure we are all delighted as you, Mary and the girls are.

Clem Doherty – email

Wow – that really IS good news.  Will keep the positive thoughts and prayers going – just in case.

Sid Londish – email

What wonderful news I too will thank God for this amazing recovery.  God Bless you both you are wonderful people.

Catherine Kennedy – email

THANKS so much for that you write so beautifully too with such feeling and care, yet so observant!   now my girlfriend here tells me her friend went through much the same very severe pancreatitis an operation, the recovery a long time so yes you are spot on!  Mary will be in hospital a few more months, but the long term thirty years will see worth it well done to you and Mary for being so positive you are right such a fight so glad and relieved that Mary is out of Intensive care what a marathon!  you are right Guantanamo Bay experience akin for sure truly so harrowing!  all our love to all of you. 

you are such inspirations.  please tell Mary if its ok.  just one day at a time now to getting better again.  life is a game of inches our eldest always tells me.  step by step Mary is coming back!  all our love to all of you.  sorry you had to go through this.  Kennedys.  five of us.

Gary Scarrabelotti – email

Give my love to Mary.  Prayers are being answered.  I was so glad to see you both on Saturday afternoon.  Hope to see you both again soon.

Elizabeth Proust – email

That’s wonderful news.  Thanks for keeping us all informed.

Thérèse Rein – email

Thank you.

Tony Berg – email

Michael, fantastic news!  Carol and I are delighted for you and Mary and the rest of the family.  Hope the recovery continues apace.

Tanya Coleman – email

Wonderful news Michael and Mary.  Loud hurrahs echo from Melbourne!!

Pierre Esber – email

Great news, that Mary is the comeback trail we have all been praying for her, and the almighty has shone over her I will come and see her very soon.  If visitors are allowed, please let me know, once again great news…

Jennie George – email

It’s great news.  Please pass on mine and Denis’s best wishes and love to Mary.  We look forward to our paths crossing in the New Year.  It’s an incredible story of great courage and strength that defied the odds and inspired us all Love.

Steve Harker – email

Unreal mate.  Look fwd to seeing u both in the next week.  What great news.

Marek Petrovs

I keep saying it – keep the good news coming.  I am so happy for you and Mary, and I hope that I can meet her one day.

James Burkitt – email

Fantastic news.  Love to Mary.

Patricia Boggs – email

My family send their love and good wishes, we have prayed and been with Mary, in spirit, throughout this incredible journey.  Michael, of course has been in close contact.  Lots of love.

Joe Skrynski – email

That really is fantastic news indeed!! Our hopes and prayers for continued steady and complete recovery.

Mike Egan – email

That’s great news.  Give Mary my love.

PS: I bet my mushroom risotto is better than yours.  It’s laced with vermouth.

Sandra Nori – email

I am so happy for you Michael.  Onwards and upwards!!!!  Now will you take some time for yourself?????!!!!  You must and should “recover” bec. you too have been put under pressure that would constitute severe stress leading to unhealthy consequences…  Keep well.

Bill O’Kane

Unbelievable news.  We are thinking of you all.

Spiro Dimitriou – email

This is fantastic news – just what we’ve been waiting to hear!  God Bless.

Steven Piotrowski – email

That is sensational news!  Just goes to show that prayers do work!

Morris Milder – email

Great news; looks like substantial progress, which hopefully will continue and accelerate.  As advised previously, I am coming up to Sydney for a mediation on Friday and I will be leaving at 8:00pm on Saturday.  When can I rock in and see Mary on Saturday at Concord and where the hell is it?  The address that I have is Hospital Road, Concord West.  I do not know where Concord West is located. 

Dorothy Harries – email

Michael what super good news about Mary – she is a winner, no doubt about it. When I read your letter (sent on by Stephen Morris) my eyes just filled with tears of relief.  All the best to you both.  And from Owen too.

Sharon Leich – email

Lovely as always to hear from you and to receive good news.  Please tell Mary for me that I know when I return in mid-October that when I next visit she will be have gained more strength and will I hope be able to tell everyone what she needs.  It certainly has been a long journey for her and a long wait for everyone else, but I will still be praying for her every day I am away.

Greg Bunbury – email

I share your joy.  It is exhilarating to read your last email.  Continuing prayers. 

Warren Mundine – email

This is fantastic news.

George Maltabarow – email

Good news!  So glad that Mary is now well and truly on the mend.  You’ve been doing some descriptive writing – displaying a hitherto hidden talent?  I attach an epistle from my eldest daughter Sophie with some insights into post-communist Russia.  Perhaps Mary might find it amusing when she is able to concentrate on reading.

John Hewson – email

Jessica and I are absolutely delighted with the news of Mary’s progress. Thank God!  All the best to you and your family.

The Miklosvarys – email

PRAISE THE LORD 

That is the very very best news.  Oh Michael, that is terrific.  We are all so delighted.  WELL DONE MARY MARY!!  It is certainly a day to be remembered.  Thank God for miracles and for Mary Mary’s amazing fortitude and zest for life.  Thanks for this very good news.  Our love to you all.  And big hugs to Mary.  Love and hugs to you all. Chrissie Tom Andrew and Steve xoxoxoxoxxoxoxo

Catherine Kennedy – email

hI Micheal you are a VERY CARING SPOUSE that is so  evident
CHE BRAVO ENCORE!
ps send this because I’m amused you gave Mary some of your mushroonm risotto!  Now I’m an  girl of italian parents  so please tell Mary if thats ok I’m pleased she ate your risotto and when she gets well she is always welcome to come down  here to Melbourne and I’ll attempt to cook here some.
you are all invited too all the family!  it might not be as good as yours though Micheal
thanks again for letting us know re Mary we so really appreciate it.  well get anxious if we dont hear but we appreciate too that you need time and space!  many kisses/hugs for Mary
she is truly an inspiration so are you and your girls!

Geoffrey Martin – email

Fantastic news – you must be so relieved.  My thoughts are with you and your wife.

Gary Best – email

Great news!!!

Leicester Ramsey – email

Thank God for Marys recovery that is great news we will keep up the prayers.

Greg Smith – email

We were so pleased to hear this news.  Praise the Lord!!!

Marcia Pinskier – email

We are both absolutely thrilled to hear this wonderful news.  Yesterday was Yom Kippur the Jewish Day of Atonement, the day of reckoning when our fates for the year ahead our finalized.  How fitting that Mary has clearly stepped forward and crossed a line on this of all days, to life.  with love always.

Peter Newman – email

Wonderful.

Lesley Russell – email

Such wonderful news – bravo to all of you, but especially to the heroine Mary.

Catherine Kennedy – email

can you please show Mary when she gets well see I regret I didnt get a photo of Mary with Francis when she came to see us here in Melbourne so as an incentive please tell Mary if thats ok with you to buoy her up its another reason for here in due time when she is well enough in the future that we would so like to see her again see we need that photo of your lovely wife!

no pressure here just to encourage her thats all!

ps Ive known this JH since she was a little girl Jen here is our DSAV patron down sydrome patron I asked her to be the patron!

she Jen want to Firbank the same school as Therese Rein its near Star of the Sea but we always beat Firbank in netball true mostly all the time Firbank were good at hockey gee thats years ago now Take care!

John Brogden – email

This is great news. Please pass on my hello.

Victor Boulos – email

What a well-earned and deserved and welcome relief for you and Mary.  Nada and I recently had coffee with Mary Miltenyi, sans George who has been overseas.  We talked about you, Mary, your Mary news emails, Mary’s fight and your devotion.  I told Mary (M) of my strong desire to write to you with our best wishes and my reluctance to do so for fear of intruding.  However, Mary encouraged me to write to you and so I do.

I really don’t have much to say.  Only that you should know that your news bulletins are not just read, they are embraced, that you and Mary are embraced, notwithstanding the fact that we have not been personally close.  Professionally however, you and Mary are much admired models.  In a way this makes all this very personal and so makes it much easier to write to you without feeling like intruders.  More good news please…

Martin & Teresa Evans – email

Terrific news.  Teresa and I were so pleased to read this although we understand that there is some way to go yet.  However, I think Mary is well on the way back to us all.  Thanks for keeping us so well in touch.  Even though we are so far away, I have felt as if I could be supportive of Mary even from Adelaide.  All the best for the next few weeks and months as she gets back to normal.

Frank Sartor – email

Congratulations on a great achievement. You both have a lot to be proud of.

Rita Freedman – email

What wonderful news!!  It’s the Jewish new year, and I wish Mary and all of you the traditional sweet and good year.  After what you’ve all been through, you especially deserve it.

Eli Tal – email

Thanks for keeping us informed on Mary’s progress.

Great news, I am so happy to here on Mary’s improved condition, as I for one can fully appreciate her struggle and her achievement.  I wish her from now on, a steady and quick recovery and I pray for Mary you and all the family to enjoy many more years of health together.

Paul Nicolaou – email

Great news.  Please pass on my regards.

Tim Cusack – email

Wonderful news.  Will keep the prayers going.  Please let us know when visits are possible.  Best regards to you all.

September 30^th

Michael Fullilove – email

That’s wonderful news Michael, ‘’m delighted.  Now for the next stage.  This from LAX – truly Los Angeles Airport presents an ugly face to the world!

Bruce Solomon – email

Wonderful news Michael.  Barbara’s and my happiness on your amazing wife… “never put your dooks down” as my dad Udie used to say and Mary has certainly shown she has the backbone for a fight.

Patricia Rochford – email

Mary and you have come through many setbacks.  I am so sorry you have another one to handle but, together, you have incredible strength and resolve.  I will pray for you.

Warren Mundine – email

We keep our prayers for her.

Paul Levins – email

This is fantastic news.  Congratulations to you and to Mary.

Heather and Peter Beattie – email

Our best wishes and prayers for this next battle, she will get there with your support.  The images of Mary in her ironed nightie were delightful!  love to you both and the girls.

Christophe Tanghe – email

My thoughts are with you and your family.

Julian Beaumont – email

I have been reading your detailed emails with great interest and sympathy for you and Mary and what has turned out to be a marathon run.  It is good of you to share this with us and we are frankly full of admiration for the fortitude with which you have both fought the battle. 

Recently a young friend of ours went through almost a year in and out of ICU and many ops and a transplant or two later she is finally home.  The point I’m making is that while her medical conditions were very different to what Mary is experiencing, the roller coaster ride is very similar.  Elation can be followed by disappointment, such as in your case Mary returning to ICU so soon.  Never fear, the outcome after all the fantastic treatment she has been getting, will be the same.  Good luck to you both – she is lucky to have such a strong and caring person alongside her in the battle, and one whose good humour appears at least on the surface to remain undented.  Best always.

Michael Danby – email

Prayer continues.  Blessings.

Asoka Wijeratne – email

Our thoughts are with you and Mary – wishing a speedy recovery.

Richard Alcock – email

best wishes to Mary and you.

Rob Ferguson – email

Wonderful.

Jenny Saliba – email

We’re praying for you both.

Tony Kinnane – email

Great to hear.  Fantastic!  Be ever vigilant for the body warning signs!  Pancreas’s are treacherous even in small pieces.  I look forward to the progress accelerating, normal food and a little exercise will help do it along with tenacity and will to live.  I will leave further advice to your advisers!!!!

Yosi Tal – email

I was going to visit today.  I assume I should wait a few days now?  Pls give Mary our love.

Bernie Ripoll & family – email

All our thoughts and love for Mary and a strong recovery.

David Pumphrey – email

I am so sorry to hear of Mary’s return to intensive care after the good news of Monday.
Our thoughts are with you both and your family.  Let’s hope for a speedy return to the main Ward!

Tony Stewart – email

So sorry to hear this pippa and I continue to pray for mary.

Paul Solomon – email

My prayers shall continue and I look forward to hearing that Mary returns to Ward 1 North, where you make her another mushroom risotto.

Joe Di Leo – email

I look forward to hearing good news.

Steve Jermyn – email

Great news, I look forward to seeing what I expect to be your smiling face next week.

John Howard – email

I was so pleased to hear the latest about Mary.  It’s a real miracle.  Give her my good wishes.

Ed Davis – email

thinking of you both and your family.  Trust that Mary will soon be out again and back on the recovery road.  It’s an extraordinary experience that you are going through

John Weiss – email

I just wanted to let you know that I am reading every email of yours and join every one of your friends in praying for Mary’s recovery.  It has been such a battle for her and I was sorry to read of the latest development.  But unending hope and optimism have their own momentum for goodness and may you both be blessed with that.

Virginia Westerson – email

Praying for you all.

David Daintree – email

We are all following Mary’s progress with great concern.  I am extremely sorry to hear of this setback, and do hope it’s only temporary.

Donna St Clair – email

Take care my friend, your strength and the strength of your family is paramount at this time.

Greg Bunbury – email

October 28 is the feast of St Jude.  He is a powerful intercessor.  Come what may, I have no doubt you both will stay the course!

Alicia Watson  – email

Prayers continue for you both!  God bless.

Bill O’Kane – email

Thinking of you all.

Shirley Fallows – email

I won’t thank you for the news because it is just too terrible to imagine.  However, my prayers (for what they are worth) and best wishes are with your family and Mary.

She would just hate to be disrupting everybody’s lives and would want more than anything to be home with you all again.  I do hope this is but a hiccup on the road to complete recovery.  Make sure all the family are keeping up their own strength and looking after their own health because Mary will need all the help she can get from all of you…  to draw many many times on your strength to help her through.  Take care and if it is the only thing you can do, squeeze her hand for me…but ever so gently…  All the very very best.

Robert Ingui – email

Karen and I have been intently reading your email updates and following Mary’s progress with much anticipation and hope.   We are extremely grateful and pleased that the collective prayers and good wishes of all of us may have have contributed to her recovery.  Although we strongly expect that the love and dedication of you and your children have also played a major part!!!  

One can only imagine your relief and pleasure at seeing Mary regaining her eating and speaking powers.  It is often said that a journey is as important as the destination reached.  A full recovery and “thirty years of life” hereafter is that destination and, positively, it appears to be in sight for Mary and for you.  We are both sure though, that the journey with all its trials and tribulations, has nonetheless brought the Easson family closer together and that you all have a greater appreciation for each other and for the true value of life.  God bless.

Maurie Daly – email

Liz and i have been following Mary’s recovery very closely.  Tomorrow we head off to Vietnam and Cambodia and get back at the end of October.  We are sure that by then there will be great advances despite the initial set-back. Our thoughts are with you.

Shirley Fallows – email

I am so sorry………..I read your last e mail first…….not intentionally………….how wonderful this must have been and now to know she has gone backwards again…………….  Fight, fight, fight……………….

John Mackay – email

Fantastic news Michael……she still probably won’t make The Derby on 31 October…..but you will still be very welcome….and very happy for you to bring a guest……

Marek Petrovs – email

I have not stopped praying.

Andrew Greig – email

Fantastic to hear the latest news on Mary, it comes as no surprise that she has fought so hard and pulled through.  Please pass on my best wishes as she continues to recover.

Peter Yates – email

Sorry to hear about this set back.

Helen O’Kane – email

Well this recovery was never meant to be easy.  As ever, you are all in my thoughts and prayers and I do hope that Mary will be well enough for a visit from the south by the second week in October.  Hang in there and take care.

Ashley Mason – email

I’m very pleased to hear that Mary now seems to be out of the woods.  Good luck to her for a continued progress and more rapid recovery.  It’s obviously been a tumultuous period.

Jim Dominguez – email

Thanks Michael but so sorry to learn that Mary’s recovery is not a straight line upwards.  It seems like the Dominguez need to spend a little more time on their knees for Mary.

Therese Griffin – email

I am in floods of tears with HAPPINESS.  how wonderful What a fight.  Let’s build her up with more wonder food and lots of laughter We will keep the prayers coming in double fold

Those for thanks and for speedy recovery.  You must be very tired yourself, the effort of care is very heavy and you are doing a super job, so take care of yourself.

Peter Doherty – email

update greatly appreciated.

Paul McClintock – email

Wonderful!