Saturday, March 15, 2014

Twitter Says This Is True

I've no idea. But if it is, it's blown my mind....

"If our sun were the size of a white blood cell, the Milky Way galaxy would be the size of the continental U.S."

How small are we? Will do an update blog later on this morning.... J x

45 comments:

Unknown said...

The very saddest of news this morning. A fantastic friend, mentor and general life coach. Always there when I needed someone and quite honestly one of the most influencial people in my life. People might be tiny part of the universe but some leave a bigger, longer lasting impression than others x

Joolz said...

Rest in Peace Jonathan. This came as such a shock to us all.

dd said...

Now that the news is out there for as many people as I can contact you should all know and pass on that Jonathan was where he wanted to be, on his sofa and very peaceful, not in pain and very quickly gone. He wanted nothing more than to not be in pain and was still enjoying life and the martinis. His dad is on his way to manchester and as soon as we sort everything I will post details of the funeral. Take care and be kind to each other. denise, carer in chief.

fig said...

This blog has been so useful; from the beginnings of his journey and now ‘out the other side’ it’s kept me – and I presume you - up to date as Jonathans journey unfolded and the destination became clearer.

Like Jonathan himself it’s been funny, astringent, furious, passionate and smart, and I’m very glad to have been able to contribute and be part of this community of followers.

In many ways it’s been the longest goodbye note and it’s certainly helped me come to terms with the notion losing a great friend. The posts and the subsequent commentary have helped me to appreciate how supported Jonathan has been – and that’s been a huge comfort from my distant vantage point.

His honest and open approach and the many, many kindnesses posted in response have been able to slowly articulate to me the incoherent messages of loss and absence; of friendship and grief.

I was struck this morning by the poignancy of the final entry; one I’m sure Jonathan did not consider would be his last, but now its final question ‘How small are we?’ seems so loaded with meaning that’s its almost impossible to bear.

I am grateful; so, so grateful to have been part of his life and equally thankful he invited us to be part of this journey.

Thankyou

Goodbye Jonathan. Friends Forever.

Fig x

morgylad said...

Rest now Jonathan. You have inspired so many with your bravery and positivity. We will all miss you and so much is left unsaid but you will never be forgotten and will continue to guide us and inspire us. Rest now .... Ian x

Unknown said...

And what a goodbye note! It's nearly 8 years since Jonathan's blog began and for many of us it's been compulsive reading and for those of us some distance away essential reading.
I've been struggling with all sorts of emotional responses and reactions to today's sad news. Despite lots of purely selfish feelings , I am truly grateful that Jonathan left us, in his sleep,in his favourite place on his beloved sofa.
Both myself and Mr T, have so many memories of Jonathan and these and the love we shared will never be forgotten.
Thank you , darling.
Mr & Mrs T xxxx

PV said...

Jonathan, you did not reply to my text on the 7th. Then I checked your blog and found out you were not well but recovering. I should have really phoned you but I started to take your health for granted and thought you will be around for a while. By being brave you deceived us. I wanted to see you this week but now you are gone. Some way to avoid seeing me. All the stuff I wanted to tell you... you were a great help to me supporting me through bad times, taking me out to cafe Nero to listen to my concerns. A great colleague to work with and a great friend outside work. So pleased to have met you and shared some happy moments with you. I will never forget you. Rest in peace my friend after such an eventful life. Pradeep

Unknown said...

Rest in peace Jonathan, you went through so much and are now free of all pain. It's just so sad for your dad and everyone you leave behind. Jane.

Kathryn said...

The news we had all been dreading. There was absolutely nothing tiny about Jonathan or his legacy. It's part of his nature that a blog about cancer and then terminal illness should be one that so regularly made me laugh and smile, though also wincingly painful at times too.

Having the shared experience of cancer provided an extra bond, but he was never someone to be limited or pigeonholed by an illness or a label.

He will be missed - and our family is poorer for his passing.

I had written the date of his midsummer party in my diary, and I still intend to raise a glass to him on that night (possibly a Martini in his honour).

fig said...

I just found Kathryns blog and a link to an article about Jonathan that I'd never seen. It also has a lovely photograph.

http://www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk/news/greater-manchester-news/cancer-nurses-sent-home-twice-4695326

Fig

dd said...

Hi Party guys, you know who you are. The Midsummer party will still go ahead,in accord with Jonathan's invite from last year. I will let you know details asap but it is 21 June (obviously. Stay positive, it's what he wants.dd

Unknown said...

Funeral details are as follows

Friday 28 March at 1.30pm
Altrincham Crematorium
White House Lane, Dunham Massey, Altrincham, Cheshire WA14 5RH

Family flowers only. Donations to Cancer Research UK c/o Gresty Funeral Directors
Greystones, 305 Manchester Road, Altrincham Cheshire WA14 5PH

Michele x

Unknown said...

so sorry to hear this sad news, I met Jonathan in 2012 as he was having treatment at the Cecil Centre, what a marvellous man.RIP xxxxx

dd said...
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fig said...

Hello All,

You'll notice above this post a series of deleted entries. This isn't due to anything untoward but rather the results of Denise and I trying to upload the service from the funeral so that it could be shared ... well I say 'Denise and I' technically it was me logged in as her .. but ... well lets just call it a huge bodge and a spectacular I.T. fail.

I'm going to find a way of making the text available, and however I do that I will post it here; lots of people have expressed a desire to be able to revisit what was a special event.

Personally it was a very difficult day, especially the moments leading up to my tribute, I really wondered if I was going to be able to make it. However the warmth, energy and love in that room was palpable and really helped, as did Duncan whom I thought was perfect in setting tone and helping those of us speaking. Oh and thanks for heckling me Denise... xxx

I would like to thank Diane and Yvonne whom I was honoured to travel with to and from the service. Their memories of Jonathan and their kindness were a balm for me and the love, compassion and understanding they expressed for Bill and the wider family; obvious and generous.

It is simply impossible to praise and thank Denise enough for everything she has done and continues to do, but I can think of none greater than to state that Jonathan would have been proud and grateful.

Also my personal and huge thanks to Sarah, Lesley, Gill, Michelle, Nurse Jackie, Jim, Nanny Ogg, Sue, Kev, Sarah H, Marie, Jude, Chris n' Dave and - oh and so many other people - who were so kind and lovely to me at the reception and following. Especial thanks to those I shared tales of Amsterdam with ... ahem.

Bill; your fortitude and love is amazing. I can say no more.

As for 'himself', he would have been thrilled that his last public appearance concluded with a celebration, applause, tears, a bit of drama and finally with a swoosh of plush velvet curtains.

Thankyou Jonathan. That's all.

Fig xxx

dd said...

Fig, well said. The day went well because of so many people being involved in the planning and execution and I can't think that Bill would have got through without all the strength he drew form J's ladeez, relatives and friends. He was a bit taken aback with the applause, it's not a Welsh custom apparently. That said he could clearly see the huge impact and affection for his son.
As soon as we are able we hope to access the blog and following instructions from Jonathan keep it going with original postings for as long as people need/want it and want to comment on it.Much love. Be kind to each other.dd

Unknown said...

Yes let's keep the blog going. For many ,checking the blog was a daily ritual .
It's was lovely to meet so many people who influenced or were influenced by J.
He has achieved immortality by the blog,TV, You Tube
and the MEN but most of all by our memories and love for him .
The T's xx

Castlewench said...

I couldn't make the funeral, so on Friday afternoon I left work early and went to a cocktail bar and ordered a vodka martini to wish him bon voyage.

I first met Jonathan through work, when he volunteered for a workshop I ran back in 2003-ish. He complained about having to go as far north as Peterborough (he was still in Brighton in those days)and turned up so svelte and dapper, with a rolled-up full length umbrella, all he needed was a bowler and he would have out-Steeded Steed. We just clicked, which I always saw as a privilege because although kind and big-hearted to the core, he didn't suffer fools. Sadly distance and circumstances made it an occasional, long-distance friendship but we'd send batty emails at work, some of which I kept for years because his wit was always worth a re-read. I've always tuned in to the blog since the very start, so I've known what he was doing, even if it was all happening on the other side of the Pennines. The saga of the builders kept me glued for weeks.

It was lovely being able to peek into Lewisland and seeing the world that you all and he shared. Names like Mr & Mrs T, Nanny Ogg, the wild and exotic Fig, and of course the wonderful dd I've never met you but like reading a book, if the chapter's got you in it, you know that it will be a very good story that leaves the readers smiling. And his dad, I met you once round at his apartment but I don't think you'd remember, I was just a "this is so-and-so".

I was in Manchester for work in January and we had a meal in the evening, four hours just flew by with no gaps, I can't put into words the warm feeling that I came away with, but you people who shared his life, you know what I mean. You just know that you've been with someone solid and quality, someone good.

Not enough memories, though I do remember having a meal with him in Canal St one time, and he kept ignoring me when a particularly lissome waiter bent over to wipe tables in his line of sight. He could be such a cutie when he wanted!

Sorry, I'm rambling so I'll stop. Do keep the blog going, I think it's a lovely idea. Lewisland is still a lovely place. xxx

dd said...

Bill, Jonathan's dad and I returned to Swansea on Monday with Jonathan's ashes. The family retained a field from the farm they used to own, so 4 of us (little Mary and Barrie) managed to get a half hour break in the rain, to scatter his ashes just as the sun was setting. The field looks across to the house he enjoyed so much when growing up. The plan, hatched by J, is to have 4 trees planted to acknowledge the family "plot". The view across to the hills is beautiful, I can see why he still loved it despite being a "City" boy.X

Unknown said...

I facetimed to try and catch up never suspecting for one second this news. Always in my heart! Kx

Unknown said...

I facetimed to try and catch up never suspecting for one second this news. Always in my heart! Kx

fig said...

Hello

Clicking the link below will take you to the full text from the service for Jonathan

https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B0tYQeXYpwY2Sk5qcFhYaUpMUU0/edit?usp=sharing

fig

dd said...

Hi Karen.
I'm hoping you're Karen Ferguson now in New Zealand.
Can you let me have your email please? Denise

Unknown said...

Hi Denise

Email address is quinefaeisloch@outlook.com


Karen

NannyOggandGreebo said...

Why do I still keep looking forlornly at the blog for some bright, bitchy or bloody-minded take on life in general from Jonathan? Life is much poorer these days. But how glad I was to meet some of the blog's contributors, all of whom have proved to be his equal in wit and wisdom.
Ah I miss you, dear boy.

fig said...

Nanny Ogg, I keep popping back as well... though I know he's not here its a comfort to review things and remind my self of some of his wit and wisdom.

I'm sure we are not the only ones dropping by to visit.

We (whoever 'we' are) need to decide what to do with this blog. It's obviously a way of keeping in touch and remembering Jonathan, but without new entries (for which at least one of us would need to know his password and have to take responsibility for posting) this could turn into a very long list of replies to his final word.

Anyone have any ideas?

fig

NannyOggandGreebo said...

The only way really, if you cannot access Jonathan's secret password (why does that make me smile?), is to start up a new one, linked to this. You could call it Lewisland! Why don't you, DD and Mrs T discuss and run it between you? Or whoever feels capable of carrying on the mantle - or the vodkatini, whichever feels most comfortable and Lewis-like....

NannyOggandGreebo said...

Or ask the geeks at Blogger.com for their help?

dd said...

Hi Gang
Just got back from an evening out talking about J of course.
I am off to Swansea this weekend to see Bill and will be discussing "stuff". One of which is the bloody password. I understand there has been a breakthrough so please be patient whilst I machete my way through darkest Wales to find the Holy Grail that is JCL's password. I will also be raising the subject of 21 June party, and don't think there will be a problem with this. Keep you posted. In the meantime try a shot of Smirnoff to keep the memories going (remembering J couldn't actually tell the difference between Chase, Grey Goose or Netto's finest). Sweet dreams everyone out there.DD x

Joolz said...

I am glad I'm not the only one who visits regularly. We all miss you Jonathan X

NannyOggandGreebo said...

A lovely evening at Jonathan's with quite a few of the usual suspects - Denise, Michelle, Sarah, Gill. I would name names if I could only remember them..
Dear Fig and Denise and Mrs T, if you can get the Lewisland blog up and running soon, we might be able to post some photos of the event. Those lovely mixologists - I could feel Jonathan's approval as we tested the latest concoction - a Brambles - and eyed the talent. Would be nice to get a pic of Bill accepting Jonathan's award on the blog too. Great impression of Clint Eastwood, Fig, and Mrs T doing her Queen of the Fairies routine. Well, it was a momentous birthday for her, as well as saying farewell to such a wonderful and well-loved venue. Not quite as sparkling without our cheeky bitchy charming host, but you can't have everything.
Thank you Denise and myrmidons for putting on such a splendid feast and bar.
xx

dd said...

Hi All
Thursday at the town hall for Jonathan's award was a very emotional affair.Caroline Aherne, guest speaker had us in stitches about her cancer care at the same centre where J used to go for chemo. Then they showed Jonathan's film with him talking about his experiences before Bill collected his award with an emotional speech. I don't think there was a dry eye in the place at that stage. He did amazingly well.There are a couple of photos on Macmillan twitter or give me your email and I'll pass some others on. Then we all buggered off to the Midland (where else) to raise a glass or 6 to our wonderful friend. For those who contributed to his party fund raiser thank you so much. With cheques still awaited we're close to £800 which is fantastic. keep safe. Much love.DD x

NannyOggandGreebo said...

Can I be the only one to still look at this blog in the hope that someone will have posted a comment or three? In losing Jonathan, we seem to have lost access to his friends (who became our friends too, through his blog). I can understand the difficulties and responsibilities of trying to start a Lewisland blog, and obviously we cannot meet at Jonathan's at any time, but perhaps we can still keep tryst on 21 June - perhaps at the Midland? Or some other swanky Jonathan-starred venue? Happy Christmas to all you Jonathan-lovers, anyway. xx

dd said...

Bless you for this. I'm sure we've all been having our own private moments over the festive season, it was one of J's fav times of the year.New Year's Eve will be odd too. No pjs under my posh frock as I make my way to his place for food copious alcohol and Jools Holland. Happy times....
I'm with you on a celebration 21 June. There may be another opportunity to pay our respects when the trees are planted in Swansea for him and his family. This is likely to be in February. I'm off to see his dad Bill on Sunday and expect we will discuss with Jonathan's cousin as she is organising it. Will keep you posted. Love to all blog readers, and if anyone is a techie perhaps they can set up a new blog? Fig, would the lovely Mark be able to help? Here's to 2015 folks. xxx

NannyOggandGreebo said...

I've heard that PJs under posh frocks - or even instead of frocks - are on trend this year. I hope you are not going to celebrate NYE on your own, dear. Jonathan would have been horrified at the thought- though I suspect would be secretly rather chuffed that you, and we, are still missing him. Do give Bill all our love, tell him we have not forgotten his beloved son and that we would still like to celebrate his friendship next June at some watering hole where the cocktails are great and the nibbles, too. Happy New Year. x

jw said...

One year on, you're still a warm smile and a cheeky twinkle. With a respectful curtsey of course, O Wise One, from the wrong side of the pennines xxx

fig said...

Dear Jonathan,

Loss is strange. I'd not lost someone quite so close before and now, two years on I feel the gap left by your passing in all its strangeness. Paradoxically your absence is quite easy to feel.

Its not actually the loss that makes me sad, its the lack of future. We could have had another thirty years of fun and frolics and I'm sorry that won't happen.

I do however have a slew of happy memories on which to reflect and the knowledge that we shared a friendship that was unique.

I love you and I miss you.

Fig x

boudicca said...

Grand reveal of Jonathan's memorial seats at HOME tonight. Single spotlight, full house, sounds right. If only I could upload the damn photo ...

dd said...

I've shared prosecco tonight with like minded friends of Jonathan as his dedicated theatre seats were used for the 1st time, complete with plaques which were positioned today.....oh the timing. I'm not sure if he would have enjoyed the performance, a one man show based on a true story. It was unique, just as our dear friend was. Miss you loads honey. xxx

dd said...

Happy Birthday to our dear friend Jonathan. His dad Bill and cousin Mary and her husband have come to Manchester. We have visited the University Library where his fashion and design books have been donated. What a legacy, the faculty is amazing and Jayne, manager of the library was in raptures about the huge impact it will have for years to come. A few tears were shed, including Jayne. We then went to HOME Arts so Bill could see the 3 dedicated seats. WE had our photo taken for the newsletter/fund raising initiative (it's a registered charity). Tonight we are off to the Midland for VMs followed by a meal at Albert's Shed, one of Jonathan's fave places. I hope you are all well enough to raise a glass. Cheers Jonathan.

Unknown said...

I took Jonathan, (by that I mean I go somewhere wearing the necklace he gave me years ago from Jeremy Hoye) to Crumpet, a fabulous cocktail bar where you tell them the flavour you would like to drink and they make something for you. Yesterday I lifted a glass to him with a French 75! Miss you loads darling! Kx

NannyOggandGreebo said...

Three years. It doesn't seem possible. I still remember Jonathan as full of fun and vitality which isn't a bad way to be remembered. Shine on, star x

fig said...

Love you