Please Note:The reason Barbara wrote this is because humanity tends to remember war, yet there are all kinds of wars fought each day. There is no "Remembrance Day" for them, nor "Anzac Day", nor "Memorial Day" for those who valiantly faced these battles every day. This is the "Letter to the Editor" that Barbara wrote to our local paper, which thankfully, was indeed published.
It is the late 1990s.
A young man starting a brilliant career is struck down in London by an inveterate enemy and must return home to his family on the North Shore.
A young woman eager to learn at university is struck down by an inveterate enemy and must return home to her family on the North Shore.
A young man enjoying his rugby is struck down by an inveterate enemy and must return home to his family on the North Shore.
Within three years of each other, they died. Before they died they showed exemplary courage, fortitude under the most painful conditions, and unbelievably, a sense of humour. Before they died, they became helpless - requiring the most basic care by their mothers, fathers, family members and caregivers.
Their young lives - all in their early 30s - were snuffed out by the complications arising from multiple sclerosis, a devastating neurological disease.
Not all wars are fought at overseas battlefields. For these three families, the war was fought on the North Shore. Steven, Dee Dee, and William - you will never be forgotten.
Barbara McLellan - mother of Dee Dee
"Printed here with permission."
Mac
