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For those that have been unable to read the whole thread:
It's a lot to read and you may have understandably read the first few pages and skipped to here.
If so, there are some balloons available for release, to celebrate the appreciation of life and extra cuddles that George has brought to so many. There have already been balloons requested from the most Northernly, to Southernly reaches of these isles. Some are also on their way to New Zealand.
The emerging intention is for balloons to be released on little George's funeral (date tbc) and pictures to be taken and posted on here, although however if you wish to celebrate George and his beautiful life in privacy, then that is equally welcome. This is for everyone to celebrate George, in whatever way they deem best.
If you would like to participate in passing your love to George and paying homage to him, his parents, siblings and those that have benefited from his short life in this showing of love, then please do.
This is with George's parents blessing. No money is required, neither offer of such either. If you live outside of UK, then that is no obstacle, any address is fine.
Please send your address to richardmcoulter@hotmail.com and balloons will be sent to you, to be released on the day of George's funeral, or at some time you feel fit.
Thank you.
Bruders, go back to work when you and your family are ready, not before. Taking the step is a big one and it's got to be right for you.
Thought with you and yours.
I have two beautiful daughters and can't imagine life without them,so my heart goes out to you and your family. I hope that a little piece of the wee fella stays with everyone here - your story is a reminder that we should treasure every minute with our own. Best wishes
Balloons received thanks Richard...
Excellent drawing richpenny ..
Bruders - As far as returning to work, only you can judge when you'll be ready for that. If you're still busy with making arrangements or if your presence is needed by others in the family, then being off of work is probably justified.
I think that you said that your older kids are back in school; did that return to routine help them? Likewise, getting back to work will give you a more normal routine and probably help get your mind on other things. Sadly, life without George is the "new normal." 🙁
Another very real concern has to be financial. If you are like the vast majority of us, there isn't much money left after all of the bills are paid. So more than a short time without money coming in from work could lead to a huge amount of stress for you and your family when the bills are due. Please don't get your finances into a situation that will compound the stress on you and your family.
Balloons received this morning. Thanks Richard.
balloons received here as well
will double check with harry the spider first but he says its ok i'll release mine at HTN
Richard thanks again received another batch..
Still no update im afraid waiting on the coroner (hope we get the all clear wed).
Shall keep you all posted
thanks again people
Your post made me cry. I'm so sorry and saddened to hear about the loss of little george. I have one child, Matthew who is now five, and I can't imagine life without him. I'm truly heartbroken for you and your family.
I believe you'll find strength to support each other and move forward together. I know there's nothing I can say that could possibly make a difference, but if there's anything I could do to help, please just ask.
Sean
George's short life was a butterfly wing that altered the course of so many Singletrack user's storms.
He has made this world a much better place.
Bruders,
Sorry to hear about your loss. My deepest thoughts are with you and your family.
I run a t-shirt business and can make you some special George t-shirts and caps for the little ones at the funeral. Let me know and I can get some sent over.
In fact I am happy to make some for the adults too and anyone who may want one at STW. I can also send transfers in the post so you can iron them on to anything you like.
Is it ok to use some of the photos you have posted on this thread to make a memorial montage?
Karl
PS. Don't know why, but my post was removed earlier?
I am not promoting my business in any way, except to offer a free gesture to Bruders and the memory of George. Apologies to the mods if it appeared otherwise.
Balloons rec'd, thanks Rich.
@ RichPenny - that's a fantastic picture.
Read your original post a while ago & just wanted to add my support, am a father of two & know exactly how the love feels.
I found this & thought it would be a good thing to do?
http://fsid.org.uk/page.aspx?pid=992
received the balloons yesterday...thanks Richard!!
austinburner thanks for that.. will look into that.. I am currently sorting out a charity ride London to Brighton for Great ormand street hospital on my single speed but thats not til june.
And i finally have a date for the funeral is next wed the 13/2/2103 at 12:30
Balloons received - many thanks
bruders - how's it going?
Hi m0rk alittle depressed today so trying to cheer myself up buy spending money on my bike build..
my new bed arrived today as we been sleeping in our living room from that horrible day..
first night in the bedroom
sweet dreams....and I mean that, I hope you both have the sweetest dreams ever
Awfull news. I have not read all the thread and dont really know what to say other than to say sorry for your loss. Good to see so much support on the forum too..
I'll plan to ride and release a balloon in the US on the 13th then. I'll have to see what the weather is like and then decide whether to do it at the end of the day (and risk it being too dark for a good photo) or try at lunchtime. I'll post photos, for sure.
That's joeG I'm sure either way your make it a good one
My new bed so comfy fell asleep quite quick but now awake.
Much love to stw
And love back to you and your family bruders.
Really thinking you you and yours mate.
How are you getting on fella?
We have a councillor at my charity in Maidstone. He's a sound fella, and won't give you answers, but is useful as a sounding board. Let me know if you think talking to him would be useful and I'll drive him up your way for a coffee.
Best wishes,
Mark
My deepest sympathies. I have some idea of what you are going through. My oldest daughter was one of twins. Out of the blue, during what seemed a normal pregnancy, my wife went into labour st 22 weeks. She managed to hold on and Mara and Elisabeth were born at 23 weeks. After 2 weeks we lost Mara and it seemed our dreams for the future had been ripped apart. Thankfully Elisabeth is now approaching 4 years old and doing well.
There are no platitudes that will make the pain go away. All I can say is that it gets easier with time. These are the things that got me through losing Mara: being there for each other, not bottling it up and crying when I needed to, accepting help from others, using social media to keep others informed (this means you only have to say something once and you don't have to keep repeating heart wrenching information to everyone you meet), asking people to treat me as they normally would, still finding time to laugh, riding my bike and finally - accepting Mara as party of our family. She will always be part of who we are, her sister knows she was one of twins.
Hang in there and try to stay strong. I wish you and your family all the best during this awful time.
Bruders - I got the thank you note that you sent for the balloons. It arrived yesterday, I think. There was no need for you to send anything at all, but it was a lovely picture of the twins.
Just popping into this thread again to say how wonderful I think this community has been. As I cant offer any more I wish the op all the best - carry on keeping us updated with how you are doing.
yep mate. people still here thinking about you when this thread pops up. hope everything is as well as it can be.
Thanks
Been a busy few days. yesterday i nearly fell apart in the street.
I did pop into work (passing visit) that was hard having people looking but not knowing what to say etc...
And today not going to be nice at all in the nicest possible way. Today we are going to see George, now somethings telling myself not to but i feel like i need to its a catch 22.
Also had a call from coroner yesterday which was no help really found out that George cause of death is still inconclusive which in a way good because it means no one to blame.
Yet again thank you all for helping me through this £$%^ time
Thoughts with you all every day Lewis; more so today hearing what's in store.
Thinking of you chap.
Will be thinking of you & the family today Lewis.
Just read this, so sorry for you and your family. I'll be contacting Richard for a balloon to release with my two little ones from the top of Holcombe Tower (Ramsbottom) at weekend.
Our thoughts are with you.
Lewis - my thoughts are with you again, as are those of a lot of people from this forum and elsewhere. You'll get through this.
Lewis I hope there was a little comfort from going to see George today. I'm grateful to my Ulster born wife who introduced me to seeing the body of your loved one, it's fallen out of use in England. The relatives I've visited have always looked peaceful and it has helped me immensely.
Bruders,
Hope today went ok. Falling apart wherever it happens is ok, you've lost one of your beautiful boys and it is hard to get through.
Take care,
J
Today been an absolute pig of a day really sorry to the family as I've been really snappy to the point that me and Charlotte had an argument.
And now I just feel like drinking and just feeling sorry for myself
Today been an absolute pig of a day really sorry to the family as I've been really snappy to the point that me and Charlotte had an argument. And now I just feel like drinking and just feeling sorry for myself
Some days it will be like this - it is ok to feel that way sometimes.
You're both probably on edge. It's been such a stressful and emotionally draining time.
Arguements and short tempers should be expected. You've been coping far better than many others would have (I include myself in that).
Feel free to rant/moan etc on here. We'll all understand and may possibly be able help. Problem shared = problem halved and all that.
Bruders - you've done one of the hardest things I can imagine today. You're allowed to be affected by it.
Remember to tell eveeryone that you love them once the argument's blown over. You've all had a shit day.
Chin up big fella. You're both entitled to a blow out given what you're experiencing. Only you know how best to settle things down or give space or make up. You've both been so strong so this is just a blip. Everyone's thinking of you.
Mate,
Thinking of you and your beautiful family.
If I'm ever in a situation similar to yours, I just hope I could deal with things half as well as you have.
If so, I'd be damn proud of myself.
Take care.
Pete.
Bruders, words failed me when I read this and they still do really. Just wanted to say that all of us are thinking of you.
Love and hugs.
Hi Lewis, today was always not going to be one of your best days.
You've coped immensely so far and have been a role model of behaviour in an unimaginable situation.
It's not only the children through here that have benefited from your journey through the extra hugs, but the 'grown ups' who have witnessed how honesty of expression, your pride in George, and how you have behaved in a more exemplary manner than we could only wish to achieve in such a situation.
Not only George, but you have had a permanent effect on myself and I imagine many people here.
Feel sorry for yourself chap, you're allowed it, but I already suspect it won't last long, if it even starts. More than anything, keep close together. Stress and a quick bicker is allowed, I imagine you're man enough to apologise and comfort even if you did nothing wrong in this circumstance, if not just for the sake of George's mother.
If it's ok, my idea for the balloons on Wednesday is to attach the URL of this post on a little label to each balloon, so that if it arrives in someone's garden, they too can appreciate and and benefit from George's, and your journey.
Thoughts are with you all Lewis. Love Richard & Rozena x
All things are okay now.
Like you said we're on edge and definitely stressed (I've come up in some kind of rash)
I gave the kids and Charlotte a kiss and said I was sorry and instantly I was forgiven
I was really hard going today I really didn't feel comfortable but saying that kinda glad I did because he looked really comftable
Do I have to do Wednesday? @#&* my pants
Thanks all x
I felt exactly the same when I went to see my dad. Had mixed feelings about going in the room, but was glad I did and I absolutely dreaded the funeral. The funeral was hard - but I felt I had to so it for him and maybe so do you?
You seem to have dealt so well with this so far that I would be confident you will get through Wednesday. You can cry, totally breakdown or not - any of those are ok. He is and always will be your son and neither you nor anyone else can forecast either how you will react or berate you for it when the day comes.
Thinking of you and your family dude!
J.
Yes
Is there a paypal address I can contribute to for cost of balloon and p&p etc? How much?
Lewis, I know you will find true happiness in the future and you will find a way to live with what has happened. You sound like an amazing human. I hope you can give yourself time to ride the storm. Man hug to you and all who love you. We're always with you.
You would need to talk to Richard ( bearnecessities) about cost his the main man who purchased this all. But I do have some spare and can pop one in the post today just need your address mate. I sent you an email
Lesantia, YGM. Rich
Still thinking of you all. Much love to the Brundell family x
Well Lewis, you and George were on my mind today when I went for a ride. And I found a good spot to release a balloon on Wednesday. Its a small field just off of my favorite trail at a local park. The trail goes through some real big (3-4 ft diameter) old oak trees and I really like that part.
Hang in there!
Sound fantastic Joe. And I got your parcel mate so thank you for that.
I have spent all night awake shaking like a leaf.
After what happened to George we asked the hospital for a breathing monitor just for peace of mind as we could not sleep and we was waking kids up every so oftern together a reaction
Well that monitor alarm went off twice in 10mins this only goes of if there is no breathing for 20 sec, everything is fine but. Man was there a little panic when it went off.
Still shaking now
Hi Lewis, not sure what to say here, not that I ever do. I googled a few bits about breathing patterns for babies and these monitors etc and there is some suggestion it's normal for babies to stop breathing for that long or more during sleep - but best speak to your paediatrician bud, which I'm sure you will. Keep in there.
Hi thanks for looking Richard,
We was told by the health visitor that these machines do sometimes bleep for no reason just scared the hell out of me. (flooding back memory's)
But all is good
looking back at it seemed a like it was a sketch from Dads Army "Dont panic Dont panic" should not joke really but if i dont i think i would cry again
If its the pressure pad type monitor that goes under the mattress its quite easy for the baby to roll away from the sensor and especially when they go into a deep sleep it can be triggered.
If its the pressure pad type monitor that goes under the mattress its quite easy for the baby to roll away from the sensor and especially when they go into a deep sleep it can be triggered.
Stay strong, cry when you want, keep posting on here, and we are all still thinking of you x
Not been on here for a few weeks as extremely busy in work but just spent the morning reading this and with tears in my eyes. I don't have kids which is my biggest regret in life, my girlfriend has kids though, and no words can say how I feel after reading this.
Amazing response from the STW collective and I will be thinking of you, your family and George especially on Wednesday and I will take a few moments out at 1230 for George. My thoughts and prayers are with you as I am sure many on here feel the same. I think you are doing amazingly well given the circumstances.
All our love from the Pingu collective.
Lewis, I will be thinking of you and your family on wednesday. I plan to ride with a friend to a fantastic place for the balloon release and a moments silence.
Once again my deepest sympathies to you and your family. Your strength is something of an inspiration to me as im not sure I could talk like you have.
Keep strong.
Ash
Hi Lewis, I used a pressure monitor (Tommie Tippie one I think?) with both my kids and the alarm would go off randomly - sometimes it was because of the babies moving off the mat, sometimes for no reason. they also go off when the batteries are getting low or if the batteries come loose. the sensitivity of the sensor mat could be effected by the blanket thickness in the cot - sometimes we found that just using a thicker blanket on cold nights would be enough to activate the alarm.
You and your family are still in my thoughts each day. Barry
I had to give up using the sleep apnea mats - I never was sure they knew she was on it or not
Anyway, the day is looming - my planned release for the balloon is a couple of days after, but I'll still take time out (it's in my outlook!)
Thoughts are with you and your family.
I know these people helped our friends when they lost their son.
[url= http://www.careforthefamily.org.uk/bps/ ]http://www.careforthefamily.org.uk/[/url]
Like most here, I keep coming back to this thread in the hope of reading that you and your family continue to cope with your loss. I'm staggered by your strength of character.
My family and I will be thinking of you and yours on Wednesday.
By the way, I never noticed how prevalent Sponge Bob was in our society. Everywhere I look I see one of the yellow fellas and when I do my mind comes back to this thread.
Peace & love.
By the way, I never noticed how prevalent Sponge Bob was in our society. Everywhere I look I see one of the yellow fellas and when I do my mind comes back to this thread.
Yes, for me too and I'm sure many others, he brings reminders of both your sadness and family love and strength. Will be thinking of you, your family and your beautiful boy on Wednesday.
Take care and stay strong.
Going for a ride on Wed evening - just a local ride with a mate, but should be able to find somewhere nice. Might be too dark to get decent images, but will try my hardest!
I need to see if my OH can get the balloon helium-filled tomorrow.
Just wondering if it would be better to wait until the weekend & go for a walk somewhere scenic & let it go...
Will have a think...
As Paul mentioned, like others keep coming back here, now have helium (& balloon) booked for tomorrow and hope to get a picture later on. I am a twin and thoughts are with you. C
Got balloon(s) today. Went to fill up with helium and the bloke in the shop said they will not float by morning as they are latex.
So.... If it's ok, I'll fill tomorrow night at 4 after work and ride out somewhere nice.
I'll be thinking of you tomorrow. Hope you feel our collective love in your moments of need. Love to all your family. We're right behind you til you feel strong again.
Tough day tomorrow, but necessary. Hope you get some sleep.
last few days have been manic.
just like to say first off. if your unable to release a balloon tomorrow that fine any time will be ok as long as its someplace that means something to you and if possible could you email me a pic so i can send it off to have it placed in my memory box. (my email is in my profile)
spent today helping (mainly tasting) the food for tomorrow and well there is loads. service books done, and charlotte said her last goodbye to George today (i could not do it) feel bad but finding it hard to put the horrible memories away and seeing him like that only brings them back.
sounds kind of selfish now i suppose but his not the happy milk drunk baby i remember.
Tomorrow is going to be horrid really nervous and i dont really want to do it (but who does).
All i can say is a massive thank you yet again for all of your support with out all your kind comments i dont think i would of been able to sort all this out.
its amazing what strangers do in an hour of need.
thank you everyone
As an aside,
Please don't feel pressured into 'viewings', or feel guilty about not doing. Do what you need to do, it's for your benefit, not everyone else's.
When my gran passed, I opted not to view the body. My thinking was, that's not my gran, it's the shell that used to contain her, and I'd rather that my lasting memories of her were positive ones of how she used to be. This was a couple of decades ago now, and to this day I don't regret that decision.
Chin up, mate. Once you get tomorrow out of the way, things will slowly start to get easier, I promise.
will get to Blackpool Tower tomorrow to release mine hopefully for the right time as well.
As cougar says i did not want to see any of my relatives they live on in my memories and that is what i want to remember
Massive respect to you for how you have dealt with and also to the STW collective for how they have dealt with it.
A very moving thread.
I have checked the local 'balloon filling shop' im going back in the morning to get them filled, they have some nice silver star shaped balloon so a couple of those will help with the weight of the seeds (the wild flower seeds are in little paper bags so they will grow where they land).
We will be letting the balloons go from Sherwood pines and I will take some pictures xx
If anyone wants to post a picture of the balloons tomorrow (or any day) but without knowledge of how to, feel free to drop me an e-mail with the picture and I'll respond with a link you can post up.
Love to you all Lewis, for tomorrow and each day x
Bruders,
I hope the funeral goes as well as these things can, hope the weather holds for you. Show strength even if you don't feel it and give him a good sending off.
W.
Thinking of you guys Lewis, you've done amazingly well and I know tomorrow will be so hard but am sure you'll shine for wee George. All the best mate. Lots of balloons in the sky and we'll all be with you.
My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family today Lewis .Neil
Lewis - You and George are in my thoughts tonight as I'm getting ready to go to bed. And you will be in my thoughts tomorrow as well.
Tomorrow will be tough, but you will get through it! Your loss has touched a lot of us.
My thoughts are with you today Lewis. I will be observing a minute or twos silence at 12:30.
I've come to work armed ready with my balloons so as soon as I finish I can go for a ride and release them.
[b]anyone releasing balloons don't forget to e-mail a copy of your pictures to Lewis...
Bruders338athotmaildotcodotuk[/b]
Be brave fella. You'll do just fine.
Well today the day just going sort myself out got a busy morning, more food to prepare, balloons to fill going to treat myself to a barbers shave.
But before all of that I need a good old British cup of tea.
Going to try and just keep busy this morning so not to think about what's to come.
Thank you all and I shall get my picture up for you to see. Unfortunately though I'm unable to go for a ride but mine will be released with other balloons, and yours Joe.
Thanks again