hamilton

i am now cooped up in Julian's home in hamilton...trying to keep cosy at 9 degrees...bought my own food and prepared to bunk in for the few days ahead. my stint at the supermarket and some familiar late evening snacks remind me of my solo time in melbourne.

it was a tiring 2.5 hours ride from auckland airport and i am as always impressed by the great service culture here...the transport company i took was happy to ferry me direct to waikato hospital. am very fortunate to have stuart to drive me around. have only met him once but he regards me as family. we have been checking out the great cafe culture here in-between our visits to the hospital.To all- Julian is well: bright, warm and chripy. we are now discussing how his lifestyle is going to change following his discharge...he feeds on jelly daily. his stomach has been retained though it is only a quarter left. he can only whisper since the tubes and water-ban has left much of his voice-box in recovery. he looks very good, no loss of weight..his body bearing up with the terrible tauma it just went through. to all, faithful friends and even strangers who have sent very firm prayers...my friend has the courage to smile again.

it is late autumn here. .the rusty gold outside my window resembles the rich wood-floorings that cover much of his house here. around his room are dedicated pictures of his friends, whose texts never stop coming each day be they from singapore, wellington or auckland. they are family. we begin and end with this fact of life. that is also his great gift..the ability to make, maintain & and keep sure-footed and steady friends, throughout his lifetime.