This afternoon, I started packing away things in Steve's "Memory Box", including the many cards we have received from friends on news of his death.
Mandy, the District Nurse also dropped by to see how I am and to collect the file with Steve's notes. She independently suggested putting things like the condolence/sympathy cards in a memory box, and taking them out in a few months time to look through again and really appreciate the kind thoughts and words, when it feels a little less raw...
However, when putting put each card in the box I made a note of some of the lovely things you said about Steve. Having posted the family tributes (we are biased after all!) I thought these words from friends would round off the picture.
I have added the lovely tribute to Steve from our dear friend Linda Reinstein at the Asbestos Disease Awareness Organisation (ADAO) and the post from fellow meso blogger Amanda to complete the picture.
The only other news for now is that a post-mortem was not necessary, given that the cause of Steve's death was known, documented and anticipated. However, the Coroner will hold an inquiry into Steve's death in early July to establish whether or not the exposure to asbestos which caused his mesothelioma was as a result of employment. We'll deal with that when the time comes...
The next blog post is likely to be some time in the future, when Jack updates his JustGiving page with news of progress in his training regime!
Several people (including Mandy, the District Nurse) have suggested publishing the blog as a real book because it will help provide some reassurance that you CAN live with a terminal illness, and help people understand what its like taking part in clinical drug trials. If any one has any experience in such matters, please get in touch. I am an electronic blog veteran now, but a hard copy book virgin so would appreciate any advice, tips etc about getting such a project off the ground!
In the meantime, I hope you enjoy these words which give different perspectives on the man who has been the subject of the blog since 2009, with apologies if I've inadvertently missed out or misquoted your tribute.
Words from friends
Steve Wride passed away yesterday. In July 2015, I had the sheer joy of meeting up with Steve and Linda Wride in London. Oh how we laughed, cried a bit, and felt like we had been friends for decades. I am going to remember Steve in many ways, as his gentleness, love of life, adventurous spirit, witty humor, and artistic talents touched me deeply during the past years.
As 2014 comes to an end, I am quietly reflecting on the many inspirational Mesothelioma Warriors who live courageously.
Mandy, the District Nurse also dropped by to see how I am and to collect the file with Steve's notes. She independently suggested putting things like the condolence/sympathy cards in a memory box, and taking them out in a few months time to look through again and really appreciate the kind thoughts and words, when it feels a little less raw...
However, when putting put each card in the box I made a note of some of the lovely things you said about Steve. Having posted the family tributes (we are biased after all!) I thought these words from friends would round off the picture.
I have added the lovely tribute to Steve from our dear friend Linda Reinstein at the Asbestos Disease Awareness Organisation (ADAO) and the post from fellow meso blogger Amanda to complete the picture.
The only other news for now is that a post-mortem was not necessary, given that the cause of Steve's death was known, documented and anticipated. However, the Coroner will hold an inquiry into Steve's death in early July to establish whether or not the exposure to asbestos which caused his mesothelioma was as a result of employment. We'll deal with that when the time comes...
The next blog post is likely to be some time in the future, when Jack updates his JustGiving page with news of progress in his training regime!
Several people (including Mandy, the District Nurse) have suggested publishing the blog as a real book because it will help provide some reassurance that you CAN live with a terminal illness, and help people understand what its like taking part in clinical drug trials. If any one has any experience in such matters, please get in touch. I am an electronic blog veteran now, but a hard copy book virgin so would appreciate any advice, tips etc about getting such a project off the ground!
In the meantime, I hope you enjoy these words which give different perspectives on the man who has been the subject of the blog since 2009, with apologies if I've inadvertently missed out or misquoted your tribute.
Words from friends
Good looking, talented, good neighbour and
generous host - Jean
Stars you are...and will not fade away - John
and Maureen
Always smiling and kind - Gary and Sally
It's a great testament to Steve that he managed
to outwit Leo for quite a while longer than anyone expected - Chris and Glyn
Steve will always be our "Best Man" -
Paul and Berrie
Courage, spirit, energy and love ...that won't
fade away - Colin and Dinah
The journey that you have taken is not just
courageous; it's truly inspirational - Kevin and Sarah
Steve put up a brave fight and those precious
extra years are so important... - Phil
I have never failed to be amazed by the courage
and positive attitude of you both; truly humbling - Jan and Anton
Your dad was an amazingly strong and brave man -
Jess and Jonny
Steve was such a wonderful man - Sarah
We admire your strength rising above the grim
reality of Steve's situation to make those last years such an enjoyable time on
the "up" section of the roller coaster - Elizabeth and Roger
It was a privilege to work with and for Steve -
I enjoyed it very much and he made it easy for me - Victoria
You've both made a lasting contribution to all those
who've met you or read the blog - Baz and Lynne
Steve's courage throughout his illness has been
incomparable - Ludo
So many special memories that will live on
forever - Lorraine
Many happy memories of Artweeks with you –
Andrew
Such a nice man, and when he was in charge of us
in Artweeks, I thought him most efficient! Kirstin
Your blog was a great comfort and helped so many
Meso Warriors, something you should both be immensely proud of - Richard and
Mary
Your lovely Steve.. - Alison and Helen
In my short involvement, I was so struck by his
courage and acceptance and positivity...that he could smile as he did was
wonderful - Sarah (Steve's palliative care nurse)
How heroically he coped...Steve is a
gigantically big star who will always be with you - Edith
Such a lovely man, such a great loss - Trish and
Colin
An example to us all about living in the moment
and making that a reality - Elissa
A gentle-man, in every sense of the word - Prue
He will be sadly missed - Andy and Dave
I will remember your parties, Steve's singular
presence, neighbourliness, kindness and friendship - Mark
Steve fought his illness well - Doc and Joyce
He put up an incredible fight and the quiet
determination and dignity that you both showed in the face of his diagnosis was
inspiring - Saski and Joss
Steve was such a warm, gentle and helpful
person; he will be much missed - Susanna
We keep reminding ourselves how awesomely he did
in the face of the initial prognosis, and we were heartened by your tales of
his (and your) thirst for life right up to the end - Athene and Harry
He was a vibrant, engaging and thoughtful
person. He also had some definite views which mostly I agreed with although it
might have been more fun to disagree. However, I’m glad I supported the same
National Rugby team as him! - Colin
David Bowie and the singer from the Eagles
always reminded me of Steve, he was always playing their music at
Wheatley....So sad - Irene and Geoff
Whilst we can all be accused of not keeping in
touch as we should like, for me, old friends are always in mind. Sadly, it is only on occasions such as
this that you realise what wonderful friends we have and how poorly we keep in
touch. Even though some are no
longer with us, for me, their memory lives on and I hope their spirit is also
there somewhere, on the wind and in the air - Bob and Gill
Steve was an inspirational character to me, he
always faced his disease with great courage and dignity and his involvement and
commitment to the trials he took part in will be of help to others with this
disease in the future - Hannah, Steve's Advanced Lung Nurse Practitioner
In memory of a friend
The last week has been another difficult time for many reasons, not least the devastating news from Oxford. Mesothelioma has led to many changes in our lives but it has also put us in contact with so many exceptional people. some have been medical staff, some have been within the meso online community.
Steve and Linda have been with us since the very beginning of our journey, walking by our side or sometimes a little ahead showing us the way. They have brought joy with inspirational tales of hot air-ballooning and the way in which they embraced life. Plus of course some truly marvellous photographs!
Steve’e courage in his approach to trials and the knowledge there was someone else out there who truly understood scanxiety helped so at so many difficult times. These last few months with the sudden decline in Ray’s health has made this understanding even more special.
I have no words to make this loss any easier, only memories of sharing some of the darkest possible times and the way in which they made it seem a little more bearable.
Steve Wride: A Tribute to an Inspirational Mesothelioma Warrior
Posted on February 16, 2016
It is with profound sadness that I am writing this blog.
Steve Wride passed away yesterday. In July 2015, I had the sheer joy of meeting up with Steve and Linda Wride in London. Oh how we laughed, cried a bit, and felt like we had been friends for decades. I am going to remember Steve in many ways, as his gentleness, love of life, adventurous spirit, witty humor, and artistic talents touched me deeply during the past years.
As Linda wrote in her “Not Fade Away” blog today:
Six years and eight months almost to the day since diagnosis, Steve’s mesothelioma journey is now over. He died at home, in the familiar and comfortable surroundings of our bedroom (as he wished) shortly before 9 am yesterday morning. The last creative thing he did was to design and print a Valentines card which he presented to me on Sunday, St Valentine’s Day. It was inspired by the lyrics of the Stones 1963 single Not Fade Away. I cannot think of a better tribute to mark his passing… A heartfelt thanks from me, Jack and Katie for all the love and support that has been flowing our way from dear friends all over the world. In the words of the song “A love that’s real not fade away”. With love to you all xxxxxx” -Linda Wride
Below is my blog from December 2014 which gives you a deeper understanding to Steve and Linda. Without a doubt, Linda’s “Doing Something Positive” blogs helped our community and allowed us to draw strength from them.
Steve, your spirit and fight lives on in all of us. Linda, may our love and support ease your pain as you begin your healing journey.
I will update this post with details about Steve’s service and memorial donations as they are made public.
With love,
Linda Reinstein
________________________
Posted on December 30, 2014
As 2014 comes to an end, I am quietly reflecting on the many inspirational Mesothelioma Warriors who live courageously.
Traditionally, courage is defined as the ability to do something that frightens one and to possess strength in the face of pain or grief. Steve and Linda Wride truly embody courage in every sense of the word.
When Linda captured and shared Steve’s black and white photo – something struck me. It wasn’t his sparse hair and visible check bones that I saw, but rather his courage, gentleness, and peacefulness.
Steve was diagnosed with mesothelioma five and a half years ago, a diagnosis that not only turned his life upside down but also that of his family. Together, Linda and Steve have braved the harsh realities of cancer, undergone chemotherapy and radiation treatments, and embraced promising clinical trials. But most importantly, they have lived their life by “Doing Something Positive” with every step of their mesothelioma journey.
Living vicariously through Linda’s blogs, photos, and Facebook posts, they have taken us on many adventures from soaring in hot air balloons and helicopters, to travel adventures in Brussels, Morocco, and France to name just a few stops on their journey. The love they share radiates through their beautiful photographs and serves as an inspiration to the global Mesothelioma Warrior Community.
Linda Steve Wride Rome 2012
I’m not alone; many of us have been deeply touched and moved by the Wride’s courage. Steve and Linda hold hope closer now, as they focus more intently on life, family, each moment they share, and memories they make.
Steve, miles may stand in our way of me giving you a kiss on your check, by I will again rely on Linda to deliver my love, respect, and thanks. Thank you for being a wonderful teacher about courage, resilience, and valor to our whole mesothelioma community and me.
You can follow Steve and Linda through her blog titled, “Doing Something Positive.”
As Mary Anne Radmacher says, “ Courage doesn’t always roar. Sometimes courage is the little voice at the end of the day that says I’ll try again tomorrow.”
With love,
Linda
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