Mary has asked me to post another note indicating that there is no further significant news. Mark's condition seems much the same. He seems comfortable, sleeping for much of the time. He has taken a little food and liquid today. Early this morning he had a short spell of particular lucidity and he and Mary were able to talk for a short while. Mary, unfortunatley, has missed these glimpses of the past over the last week. It was very good that she caught one today.
The rest of the family are camping out in Poppleton and have been taking turns to join Mary in the hospice . One of Mary's friends has allowed some of the family to stay in her house while she is on holiday. It has made this difficult trip much easier and we're very grateful indeed.
There was a healthy Halliday contingent at church this morning in St Luke's. It was, I am assured, a very positive experience. Steve, the vicar of St Luke's, has been a remarkable pastor to Mark and Mary throughout Mark's decline. It is much appreciated by all of us. Although his reward will, no doubt, be in the next life, he deserves a medal in this one.
We're very much looking forward to Naomi returning from her Parisian sojourns tomorrow, though anxious about what she will returning to. Nonetheless, it will be extremely good to welcome her back into the bosom of her extended family. We have missed her.
Further news in due course.
Simon Halliday
