2014 Wrap Up

It’s New Years Eve 2014.

This year has not been the best of years to date.  Many things happened, most of them distressing and depressing.  At the beginning of the year I made my fourth attempt at suicide, failed obviously and ended up in the Mental Health Unit at the Princess Alexandra Hospital.  An experience I won’t want to repeat.  My poor wife continues to battle her own ill health, with limited success.  My eldest child left home rather abruptly to make a life on his own.  My personal demons makes life difficult and I spend much of it alone, if only to spare others my behaviour and to protect what little sanity I have left.  My house continues to leak, critical appliances break and the cost of living just keeps rising.  With a government hell bent on spending cuts, the future looks extremely bleak for pensioners. 

However while there has been more woe than joy I think I’d like to thank a number of people for bringing some moments of joy into an otherwise bleak life.  These are not in any particular order of merit.

Michael M.

A friend that I have known since school (year 6).  His generosity over the year and in the past has been greatly appreciated.  A chap I always drop a line to if in need of technical advice when it comes to computers. 

Michael & Jazz S.

Michael and his daughter have given me much joy with their company and generosity over this year.  Michael has popped over a number of times during the year, sometimes coinciding with seeing my posts of depression.

Simon G

Like Michael another person who has made an effort to entertain an old man in his disquiet.  His generosity is also noted.

K-Lee, Simon, Inara and Tiberius M.

A lovely family whose friendship has been heart warming.  The birthday card from Inara has been safely stored away with all the other wonderful memories I've collected.  Thank you for including me in your thoughts.

Tye R

A very nice person who turned up to the club one day with a carton of cider for me.  He said he thought I’d appreciate it.  The act in itself is what was important to me, yes the cider was wonderful, but his kindness will last longer than the cider.

Glen T.

Have known Glen for a long time.  His concern and interest in my welfare has been uplifting as has been his phone calls and visits.  His jokes have always made my wife laugh, though she almost always knows if it is him who phones now.  Glen has been supportive and generous to me, particularly when I failed to suicide earlier this year.

Anthony R

A much abused and sometime rebellious family retainer.  His company has been appreciated throughout the year.   His Christmas rum balls are always looked forward to.

The Crew of the Blind Pig

(Jason B, Leslie A, Paul L, Pat D)

Thanks for the games and company you have provided throughout the year.  To Pat for being there first thing in the morning and sharing a chat, sometimes I even beat him to the venue.  To Leslie for his highly entertaining conversations including the discussions of the Oglaf web-cartoon.  To Jason for including me in the board games he’s brought along to play, including the coin game he gave me.  To Paul for allowing me to run the web presence and promotion of the club.

James GG

For making time to have a game or two with me over the year. 

Simon M.

For his presence and kindness throughout the year.

Nick C.

For giving me the opportunity to contribute to his magazine.

Nick B

For his generosity with figures I was collecting

Sean O

A huge thank you for his generosity and kindness in helping me complete my Heroquest and Space Crusade.  His kindness made me think that there were still genuine nice guys out there.

Mark R
For his understanding and empathy.  His generosity and his recent visits.

Peter F
For his generous support throughout the year.  His kindness has been greatly appreciated.

Andrew R
My regular Napoleonic opponent.  Thanks for putting up with the deep depression I get into when my dice fail me on so regular an occurrence.

Steve J
For helping me out with all the trees and vegetation issues at home.  For being someone to have a chat with.  Thanks.

Life Promotion Clinic, Australian Institute for Suicide Research and Prevention

To Professor Diego, Dr Adam, Diane O and Polomi.

There are probably many others that I could mention, but these are the primary people who have made my year 2014 just that little more bearable.  

Thank you all and I hope that you can continue to support a mentally and physically broken person in the remaining years of the life I have. 

John