Photo library
Photos have been an important part of trying to remember the past - I can't remember, so pictures provide some help. The pictures need to be big, however! Here is a selection from the last three years or so.
I wanted to add some new photos of Hazel from the better years in her life.
This is the last time Hazel visited the Donkey Sanctuary in Devon. I think you can see the joy in her eyes at being there. This was taken just three weeks before she was admitted to hospital in May 2007. She spent three months in hospital after that, and then went onto Mallard House, so this was probably one of the last times that she was away from Swindon or Milton Keynes. I think there were times during her illness when she was able to let go of some of the anxiety. Of course, her ashes were scattered at the sanctuary.
Another photo of Hazel and Rosie, this time taken at Avebury at Christmas 2003.
We used to go to East Anglia a lot, not only because of Hazel's sister being there, but also because it has some beautiful places to visit. This was taken in Southwold in 2003. Hazel is pretending to be a lobster.
Hazel and I had our last foreign holiday in Venice in August 2004. This is taken up the Campanile in St Mark's Square in the early morning. Despite her happy smile and confidence, Hazel wasn't so good during the holiday, and this was really the point where things began to slide towards the need for medical intervention on the tumour. The surgery took place in March 2005.
This photo was taken in her parents house in Milton Keynes in December 2004. It typifies Hazel and her relationship with her dog, Rosie. She loved the dog, and she loved Hazel. It was a completely unconditional love.
Hazel on the ferry between Brixham and Torquay in May 2007. That's Brixham in the background. This is rather a sweet photo. Hazel was starting to deteriorate in her balance and coordination at this time, but she enjoyed the stay in Devon for this weekend.
September 2006 in Blandford Forum. We'd just got Shelby and he was in the process of settling in. Hazel was really pleased we'd got a dog, after Rose died in May 2006. Hazel was generally well, and she'd just seen the Swindon oncologist, who also felt there was improvement in Hazel generally. Hazel felt sure that having a dog would help further.
June 2005, just a week before the radiotherapy started on June 5th 2005. This is Bridgnorth, and Rose was in a funny mood. Both Hazel and Rose were quite playful. It was the last time that Hazel really felt okay with the world. She was coping with the sight loss and retained her memory at this time. We thought the sight would improve further at this point, and it did marginally. She looks really pretty here, and relaxed.
This was taken in Lyme Regis in the summer of 2004, my 33rd birthday. Hazel was in perfect health, aside from knowing about the tumour. It wasn't affecting her life at all. Rose was still alive, and this is one of Hazel's favourite places.
All pictures and text by Richard.
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