Allison Anne-Hélène Bob & Pauline Guthrie Boyd Carol Catherine Christine (To Mike) Christine (To Dominic) Elaine Jack Bradford & family Jacqui Cuny,Nicholas & David Jan Jenny Jenny and Wayne Dr John Irvine John Mellor Julie, Ian, Paul and Stephanie Julie,Lex & Zach Katie and Stella Maria Nette Rob Rose Sandra Steve and Lynda & family Sue (1st letter) Sue (2nd letter) Sue (3rd letter) Tony and Nina Trish,Rachel & Chris Wendy Nugent Wendy Novak A letter to Dom
Hi Dominic,
I would like to introduce myself to you - I am of just one prayer intercessor that is praying for you and friend of Sharon Stoodley of who has kept me informed of your situation. I also work at the Christian Outreach College and this is where I found out about you. I have a son just a year older than you and a daughter 2 1/2 years old. I also have two step sons.
My husband and I have been praying for you and your family for most of this year. My heart has been crying out for you at times and not knowing why until Sharon emails me and tells me your updates. The cry is stronger when things are tougher for you. This has been a real blessing for me to know God is using me to work for him in prayer for you and your family. You may not realise that your circumstances have brought me closer to God and my prayer life with him. I feel sorry for God sometimes as I have gotten really angry with him when I hear of poor news from Sharon. But I do know it is Satan trying to stuff things up.
You are a remarkable young man. Your life is touching so many people by your courage and strength. Your sense of life is radiant and bold. I feel ashamed sometimes for complaining about any thing bad in my life. I have a picture Sharon gave the staff here of you stuck on my computer for me to see every day. You have the most radiant smile. This is when my heart starts to ache for you. I know this might be all mushing stuff - but the effect you have on my life at the moment is very powerful and moving. I want to encourage you to keep up the fight and when the fight is too hard God will take over. He fights the battles we cannot fight - we are only human. He expects us to seek him for our every need. He is our heavenly father. Father's do not abandon their children at any time especially when in need. You probably know of the poem "The Footprints in the Sand" it has been around for a long time and has probably been worn out, but it is a perfect poem when we feel down, scared or alone. From what I hear you are doing extremely well for someone so young. As I said your courage is incredible - I do not think I could be so strong.
It is good to hear when you are able to play your drums and your computer. It is a sign you are having some fun and doing what you would like to do. I hope you enjoyed the second Lord of the Rings Movie. My husband bought it on DVD and we have watched it twice already. I think it is better than the first one. My husband is trying to stock up movies on DVD instead of videos. We have quite a collection. What are your favourite movies? I hear you like football, and the drums - what else do you like?
I must go - I hope this message bears good words for you and I will without hesitation keep praying for you. Hold strong and keep your heart with God.
Love and blessings
Christine ... and family
I heard you weren't doing too well! It was really sad to heard that. I ended up crying!
I love you alot dom and i know you can get through this.
I am missing you cheery voice and gorgeous smile. You are always good to talk to when you care down because you make the best out of everything! I can't wait to have you back at school!
I've been very worried about you! It's very hard to concentrate when i am supposed to be studing for exams!
Anyway i know that will all be over soon so i should stop worring.
Keep you chin up and you will be out in no time at all! I'm praying for you!
Love Always,
.....
xoxo
----- Original Message -----
From: Sue
To: jampower1@optusnet.com.au
Sent: Friday, September 12, 2003 10:43 AM
Subject: Re: dom died 8 am Friday
Hi All
I'm so sorry. I felt so full of hope yesterday as your e-mails gave hope that things were maybe picking up. Dom was a truly brave boy in body, but he had a man's spirit and soul. He'll be a peace now.
Love and God's wishes to you all.
Sue xxxxx
----- Original Message -----
From: Katharine
To: Mike and Jacqui Power
Sent: Friday, September 12, 2003 12:00 PM
Subject: Dom
Dear Mike, Jacqui, Kaela and Holly
So sorry to hear the news. At least the end was peaceful and painless for Dom after all he had suffered, but his loss must leave a gaping hole in your lives. Dom will always be very dear to anyone who knew him for all his many good qualities - his gentleness, liveliness, enthusiasm, his interest in so many different things, his faith, intelligence, sense of humour and fun, his courage, maturity, and so many others. He accomplished more in his short life than many people do over a much longer span, and will continue to be an inspiration to many who came into contact with him.
Thanks for the info about the memorial service/celebration of his life in England - I will contact your sister about it.
Lots of love
Katie and Stella xx
----- Original Message -----
From: Elaine
To: Michael Power
Sent: Friday, September 12, 2003 2:40 PM
Subject: Dom
Dear Mike, Jacqui, Michaela, and Holly,
I read your e-mail with sadness this morning, although I know that Dominic is safe in the kingdom of the Lord right now.
I remember one of your e-mails mentioned that Dominic had told someone that he wasn't ready to die yet as he hadn't finished the work God wanted him to do (or words to that effect). It stuck in my mind as he had been through so much already, and even though new battles were approaching with the infections wracking his body, his faith was absolute. Right there in the words he spoke he was doing God's work. How could those words of faith not touch a heart in some way?--From just sowing a seed to strengthening that of a believer. I believe that his faith, and that of you all throughout this ordeal has given hope to all those who have followed Dominic's story. The Lord worked through Dominic in such an amazing way--Mike, I know you had a dream that Dom would be a great pastor one day; well, there are not many pastors who could claim the audience he had, and the level to which he touched their lives and brought hope the way he did.
As humans we must battle with the emotions of our minds and bodies to keep focused on the salvation that the Lord promises us. As parents, that battle must be raging now. You have been so strong, and I pray for that strength to continue. I thank you for transfering some of that strength to me through your e-mails, and know that you are all constantly in my prayers.
Elaine
P.S. If you are accepting donations to the hospital, or some other charity in lieu of flowers, maybe you could e-mail me the details to where donations should be sent. When you are ready, of course.
----- Original Message -----
From: Jacqui Cuny
To: Michael Power
Sent: Friday, September 12, 2003 1:16 PM
Subject: RE: dom died 8 am Friday
Dearest Mike and Jacqui
How our hearts are breaking for you this morning as I opened your news. Although we were only on the edge of your world - intersecting through BJT, Dom's wonderful spirit and your strength and faith has had a profound effect upon our family. Lives will be eternally touched, souls will be saved as a direct result of your son's life on this planet - God is working His purposes out... Even through this intense, important time, I sense the powerful hand of God at work. Dom is smiling now and is whole and perfect, it is those left behind who are tired and incomplete...
We would love to come to share with you at the funeral - and will look for the email...
Our prayers will continue to surround you...
Much love
Jacqui Cuny Nicolas and David
----- Original Message -----
From: Julie, Lex and Zach
To: jampower@optusnet.com.au
Sent: Friday, September 12, 2003 9:43 PM
Subject: Sending love to you all
Dear Mike, Jacquie, Micheala & Holly,
This comes with much love and a heavy heart at hearing of Doms death. I was at school when the news filtered through. There was a great outpouring of grieve and love. Students comforting each other. Many staff were also very distressed. There was so obviously much love for Dom that was hurting so many to think that he had gone. Zach, Peter, Daniel Paeker, Andrew McDonald spent the day our our place together. They needed to be together to grieve and remember. Barbara bought pizzas for lunch and Zach and Peter reminised about Doms birthday party and the pizzas and the great night they had together. Before we came home we went into the church (UC) and sat in silence for a time then each of the boys lit a candle and we read d the emial that Zach had in his bag to share with the others at school about Doms influence on the parking attendant and the nursing staff. We will continue our prayers now for you all. Not only Dom, but each of you have been a powerful influence and expression of faithfulness and courage. May God continue to comfort and love you deeply.
With love,
Julie, Lex and Zach
---------- Original Message -----------
From: Dr John Irvine
Sent: Fri, 12 Sep 2003 21:50:43
Subject: RE: dom died 8 am Friday
Dear family, no words that I can say will fill the void that you feel.
But your faithy, Dom's faith, his ability to see life as no big deal,
just gestational and fun, has inspired so many. I know you will have
many weepings and wailings and gnashing of teeth and at some point ask
"why us" and then later, as when our son died, you will ask "well, why
not us". Pain and loss are part of growth. I still see my son's dying
eyes burning into my soul becuse he was handicapped and I wasn't sure I
wanted him to live, it would have been hell for all. But in wishing that
way I created a little hell for myself. You have God's gift both in your
hearts and in your home. For the family's sake, use Dom's life as
inspiration to live life with fun, faith, family, fantasy, family and
friends. Dom would want it no other way.
Dr John
----- Original Message -----
From:Tony
To: Michael Power
Sent: Saturday, September 13, 2003 12:16 AM
Subject: Re: dom died 8 am Friday
Dear Mike, Jacqui et al,
We are saddened to hear the news about Dom, and pray that you may know the Lord's peace at this time and experience the closeness of His presence and comfort. Like you, we have shared your journey from the heights to the depths and have many mixed feelings at your news. I am sure you and the children will miss his wonderful company and his faith courage and inspiration that he exhibited during his times of trial - he has left a great impression on so many people.
In contrast, there is the relief for Dom, that at last he is free of the earthly 'decaying' body and its associated pain - he is now in the presence of our wonderful Saviour and rejoicing through his victory of faith.
Life will continue, and you have the other children who will benefit from your love and perseverence. We hope you will be able to at least stop and rest for a while, giving time to allow both your bodies and more importantly your emotions to return to normal.
God bless,
Your Gold Coast friends,
Tony and Nina.
----- Original Message -----
From: Sue
To: jampower1@optusnet.com.au
Sent: Saturday, September 13, 2003 10:42 PM
Subject: Re: Dom
Mike it was good the hear from you. I've been logging on constantly since I read the news. I'd come to look for you updates with great interest. Sometimes with a dreadful fear that something might have happened and most often just to hear how it was all going, because not only were they all just about Dom's illness, they were about the whole family. I enjoyed hearing about Holly's latest adventures as this how they came across and how well Kaela was doing at school and in all her other activities. But most of all it was how you all overcame all the little adversities, like the video not working and the state of yur garden after the builders, they reminded us all that you are just a normal family with the same "little" problems as the rest of us, but a huge obstacle to overcome and that you all just kept going and that you found your strength from God and your own example of God's soldier in Dom.
I read the letter Elaine sent and I agree that my own faith has been strengthened and I tell all sorts of people about Dom and how strong your love of God is, so in a way Dom has been ministering and will continue to do so. I wonder if there is and editor out there who could put all the e-mails together and write a book about Dom and his beliefs. I'll leave that up in the air so to speak.......
Love and best wishes, give Jacqui a hug from me as one mum to another,
Sue xxxx
----- Original Message -----
From:Anne-Hélène(former student who stayed with Mike & family)
To: jampower1@optusnet.com.au
Sent: Saturday, September 13, 2003 11:43 PM
Subject: All my support love and thoughts
Hello
I just wanted to tell you that you ve got all my support even if I m so far away geographically I m with you with the thoughts.
It s so difficult to be here and I would have done everything to see him again ... He was such a wonderfull boy but he is with us in our hearts
When I left Brisbane in January he was at school and when I came back one month later he was so dynamic and I have in my head this image for me I couldn t think of anything else but healing 'cause he passed all the difficult moment with so much bravour and enthousiasm
As u know my sister is a nurse in one of the childrens' Hospital in Paris and she gave me the form to be volunteer with the kids in hospital 'cause I told her that I would like to do it and now I will do it for Dom as well. I chose a donation in time because Dom gave me so much and I learn so much from him. I was so wonderfull the time that I spent with him.
I am thinking to Dom and all the time that I spent with him and I m feeling so guilty that I was not with him. I hope that he knew that with him in the thoughts
Even if I spent only few month in your family it was a very very great time with a lot of love around me when I was home sick. I had very great moments with my little koala. all my love and all my thoughts go to you.
I am with each of you
Love
Anne Ln
I m sorry for the english but I feel not very confident to write I would like so much to be with u
----- Original Message -----
From: Trish
To: Jacqui Power
Sent: Sunday, September 14, 2003 2:26 AM
Subject: SO SORRY ....
Dear Jacqui, Mikem Michaela, Holly
We are so, so sorry to hear about Dom. Haven't known what to write before this, but have just read your latest email, with Elaine's addition. I think she has been so eloquent where I cannot be. Rachel came home with two friends on Friday who were quite upset about the news ... what a wonderful witness it was, to be able to say to these 2 [totally] unChristian girls, as I was preparing afternoon tea and pouring drinks, "Well, his parents know that he is at peace now, he is happy now; they know where he's gone - to heaven ..."
Dom has touched so many students through his death - so many young people are thinking deeply about God, life and death - Dom is still at work after he's gone ...
Thank you for the privilege of keeping us in touch with Dom's journey - a fine young man, called home by his Heavenly Father. May your Heavenly Father pour out His tears with yours, and then gently wipe them away, preserving them for all eternity ... His peace be with you all.
God's rich blessings on you all
Love from TRISH, RACHEL, CHRIS
----- Original Message -----
From: Rose
Sent: Sunday, September 14, 2003 12:56 PM
Subject: Our condolences
Dear Mike, Jacqui, Michaela and Holly,
We have thought of you all so often in the past few weeks and most particularly since receiving Mums phone call to say Dom had died. I have heard how strong and calm both you and Jacqui have been and I am so impressed by your faith and how you are truly living out your faith. Lee, Isabelle Thomas and I would like to let you know that we shall continue to pray for you all and hope that you can continue to keep up the remarkable strength you have been showing. In true five year old style Thomas has been drawing pictures of Dom surrounded by scribbles and his name (Thomas i.e.).
You should receive the echinacea in the next few days. Lee advises 2 per day as a maintenance dose, but up it to 4 if feeling sickly.
Thanks for the advice on making donations. We will be there in spirit on Friday.
All our love
Rose, Lee, Isabelle and Thomas xoxox
ps Thanks too for the lovely photo of Dom in Banksia ward last October and all the other website info. I had lost all those earlier photos when our computer crashed back in June.
----- Original Message -----
From: Nette
To: Michael & Jacqui
Sent: Sunday, September 14, 2003 1:24 PM
Dear Mike and Jacqui,
the letter from your friend Elaine says it all so well. Thankyou for sending it on to us as it expresses exactly what so many of us feel and haven't been able to put in to words so beautifully. I will be in touch in the next day or so to see if there are things you need done. In the meantime I am keeping you all in my prayers and thoughts. I am pleased to have been able to be there with you on Friday although conscious that I was able to do very little but support you.Dom was in a better place before we arrived. I love the photo you sent as it is the Dom I remember and cherish.
Lots of love to you all
Nette xxxxxx
----- Original Message -----
From: Maria
To:
Sent: Sunday, September 14, 2003 1:40 PM
Subject: re: Dom
Dear Mike
So sad to hear that Dom passed away on Friday although lovely to hear that
you were all there and have had so much support. My thoughts will remain
with you and your family, you have all been so strong.
Dom recently said that he hadn't finished doing God's work but when I see
the influence he had on everyone and how he has brought so many people
together and how strong and courageous he has been and the support that has
evolved, i think that he excelled and has taught us all.
Unfortunately I will not be able to celebrate Dom's life at his funeral
with you on Friday but I wish you and your family the strength for this
occasion and the knowledge that I'll be with you in spirit.
The photo you attached is a lovely one of Dom but I think more than
anything he has touched our hearts and is in all our memories.
Take care and please keep in touch - I will be on leave until Monday 29th
Sept but would like to catch up for a coffee after then.
Maria
----- Original Message -----
From: Jenny & Wayne
To: "Mike & Jacqui Powers"
Sent: Sunday, September 14, 2003 2:05 PM
Subject: From Jenny and Wayne
Dear Mike, Jacqui, Kaela and Holly,
It wasn't till Saturday night that I turned the computer on and read the sad news of Dom's death. Wayne and I are so sorry. Please accept our deepest sympathy.
I've been thinking of Dom and all of you since, and have had so many different thoughts concerning what to say- most of them too complex even to express.
The first time George and I met Jacqui was when we "met" Dom. This was at Mooloolaba, when Jacqui was about 7 or 8 months pregnant with Dom. It was in 1989, and Mikaela was a little toddler. Do you remember? I met Dom again in 1995 when I came up with my sister-in-law after George died. Dom was a cute little boy of six (did he have red hair?) riding a trike (or bike) at Mike's Mum's place.
Since learning of Dom's illness earlier this year, I emailed Dom a few times, and had recently put together an email with some jokes attached, ready to send to him. I've kept a file of all the wonderful photos you sent. Wayne and I kept a special spot in our hearts for Dom.
I look back during this year, and feel privileged to have shared, through your emails and photos, as well as with our prayers, some small part of what Dom and all of you have been through. Each time I'd turn on the computer, I'd read of ups and downs, hopes and disappointments, the everyday and the extraordinary. I never knew what to expect. My spirits would soar each time there was good news or a special miracle, and my heart would sink each time Dom suffered a setback.
I know from everything I read in the emails this year, that Dom loved the Lord Jesus and had committed his life totally to Him. Thank God for Dom's life and faith. Thank God that we know Who he is with right now. No pain, no suffering. A new body. Joy unspeakable and full of Glory!
Our thoughts turn to all of you, his loving family, who have also experienced so much pain, grief and loss. I hope you don't think it sounds trite to say, 'we're praying for you', but we can't physically be there with you to support you. We know you have lots of friends and family around to support you and we thank God for them.
I'll close with the same verse I shared recently: "Eye has not seen, nor ear has heard, nor has entered into the heart of man, all that God has prepared for those who love Him. That's for all of you, as well as for Dom.
May God be with you and give you His strength,
our love in Christ, Wayne and Jenny
PS Just received your email of 14th September. Thankyou. Wayne and I will be glad to make a donation in memory of Dom.
Dom's life has certainly been a remarkable testimony to God's grace, and we know that this will continue through each you, and will influence many for the Kingdom of God. This is not the end, but the beginning! (See John 12:24 about the grain of wheat).
Thankyou also for opening your heart (yet again) to share with us about your last moments with Dom.
----- Original Message -----
From: Christine
To:
Sent: Sunday, September 14, 2003 3:26 PM
Subject: Our prayers are still with you
Hi Michael and Family, I honestly do not know what to say. My heart is
aching for your family but relieved that Dom in now in a better place
totally healed and restored. I was contacted by one of the staff at the
college with the news just as I left to go home on Friday. I checked all
emails at work before I left for the week end just in case there was
some news. But all was clear. When I was told of Dom death I was
relieved and disappointed. As soon as I saw my children that afternoon
all I wanted to do was hold them. I have not experienced a lot of death
in my family especially anyone very close so I am a little lost when
situations like this happen. Through all this Dom has brought me closer
to God and strenthened my prayer life. He has touched so many hearts
here at the college and I have heard almost everywhere - even overseas.
He was full of strength and courage for a boy so young. I will continue
to pray for peace and rest now for you all as you collect your family
together during this time. Pleeeeeeaaaaasssseee let me know if I can be
of any help. I am still available if you need it during the school
holidays for any assistance. Robert unfortunately wont be able help
your friend Oscar as he doesnt do that type of work - he is more into
the carpentry side of handyman work. If you are still interested in
getting that room done just let us know. Please keep in touch either
through Sharon or directly to me with how you all are going.
Take care and my prayers will always be with you.
Blessings
Christine
Mike's response below:
Christine. An acquaintance from the Uniting Church dropped in yesterday with homegrown flowers and offered, unsolicited, to remove that pile of rubbish. So this morning I pruned some hibiscus to add to it!
When I can afford the fibro or gyprock I will ask for help with the 2
ceilings; about 56 sq metres.
love
Mike
----- Original Message -----
From: Steve & Lynda
To: Mike and Jacqui Power
Sent: Sunday, September 14, 2003 5:42 PM
Subject: Dominic
Dear Jacqui, Mike, Michaela and Holly,
We were so sorry to hear that Dominic had passed away. We cannot imagine how it must be for you all, and it feels as if there is nothing we can say. You will remain constantly in our thoughts and prayers.
He waged a mighty struggle, and along the way affected so many people with his strength and courage, and we will of course be with you on Friday to remember him, and the amazing boy he is. From our days in Toowong, the story of cow, and the times we have shared as families, we would never have thought of this, but the strength and faith of you all through this time has spoken mountains.
May He who has loved Dom through to his place in heaven, be your assurance, strength and peace ....
All our love,
Lynda, Steve, Tim, Sam, James and Josh
----- Original Message -----
From: John Mellor
Sent: Monday, September 15, 2003 8:05 AM
Subject: john mellor
hi mike
I am praying for your family at this time. I
appreciate the updates about Dom that Ross & rosie
have been sending me. There's not much else I can say
but I hope that we can meet up again at a future date.
God bless you and your family
John Mellor
----- Original Message -----
From: Catherine
Sent: Monday, September 15, 2003 2:23 PM
Subject: Dom
Dear Mike and Jacqui,
I have just looked at Dom's web site and re-read all the emails you sent over the past year. I'm sitting here crying and can only imagine how you as parents are both feeling. But you and Dom have strengthened our faith in God and made us appreciate everything the Lord has given us. Your everyday struggles have also helped us put our own lives in perspective. And you have been a powerful witness to so many of our non-Christian friends as I've been forwarding your emails and they keep asking "How do they do it?"
As I was walking the dog the other morning, I read an inscription on a grave in the cemetery which I liked - "Memories are the golden chain which link us to heaven". We will all remember Dom as an inspiration and an amazing little boy.
You are constantly in my thoughts and prayers and I'll be there on Friday to celebrate Dom's life.
xx Catherine.
----- Original Message -----
From: Boyd
Sent: Monday, September 15, 2003 9:56 PM
Subject: re: Dom
Dear Michael and Jacqui,
It was very moving to read your account of the last time you had as a family with Dominic.
Dom's and your courage and heroics in dealing with this time are a tremendous inspiration to us.
I have been listening lately to a jazz/blues/negro spiritual perfomer Eric Bibb and adopted his song "Needed Time" for my prayers and thoughts for you guys over the last couple of weeks. I will try to get a copy to you some time.
Our thoughts and prayers continue to go with you as you adjust to Dom's passing.
I am planning to attend on Friday afternoon and note that Dave P is hoping to as well.
Blessings and grace be with you.
Boyd B (through Mathilde's email)
----- Original Message -----
From: Jack Bradford
Sent: Tuesday, September 16, 2003 10:07 AM
Dear Mike, Jaqui, Kaela and Holly,
Our hearts are broken with the news of Dom's passing. We had so much hope and desire to see faith rise up and conquer. God seemed to a have a more perfect plan and we'll just have to live with the mystery of God's purposes. It still doesn't change how sad we all are. We feel for you at this time and are praying for your comfort and strength. Wewould like to dedicate this production of BJT's "Guys and Dolls" to Dominic and make change to our Toby awards. The one award for the most popular person at the drama school will be called the "Dominic" award. I was greatly encouraged to veiw the site set up by Steve on the swcs page. What a great idea at some point to perhaps create a drama presentation that mirrors the email's and pictures and tells the story you have lived over this past year. I am sure we will catch up in the near future but for now may God cover you and bless you all. Dom will live on in our hearts and memories and one day as he said, we will see him in Heaven.
Love,
Jack, Deb, Zac, Jacob and Jesse
----- Original Message -----
From: Sandra
Sent: Wednesday, September 17, 2003 9:33 PM
Subject: Photo
Dear Mike and Jacqui,
What a beautiful photo of Dom. I'm so glad you sent it even though it brought on tears. All the photos I've received over recent months were of Dom in various stages of his illness. In this photo he looks so like Jacqui and the boy I remember well from years ago.
I can only begin to imagine the sadness you must all feel. Please keep in touch.
With love
Sandra
----- Original Message -----
From: Carol
To: Michael Power
Sent: Thursday, September 18, 2003 3:42 AM
Subject: Re: a nice photo of Dom singing
Dear Mike and Jacqui, Kaela and Holly,
How are you going? Our prayers and love are with you.
This indeed is a lovely photo of Dom.
You can be so proud that you had such a wonderful son and you can take full credit as his parents, for your wonderful input into his life.
You did everything you could for him. You gave him wonderful opportunities. You showed him what generosity was in your giving hearts and your loving care of others. Wow. How blessed Dom was to have you as his parents and how blessed you were to have Dom as your son for those short 14 years.
You were there for him and with him when he so needed you and you encouraged him and taught him how to trust and love Jesus.
I know your hearts must be broken at the moment; but you will, we will see him again - O happy day. Grieve we must but praise God we don't have to grieve as those who have no hope.
I pray that God's peace and love will fill your hearts now and always.
Much, much love,
Carol
----- Original Message -----
From:Bob & Pauline Guthrie
To: Mike and Jacqui Power
Sent: Thursday, September 18, 2003
Subject: Message from the Guthries.
Dear Mike and Jacqui
I know that Pauline has been in touch with you personally, but we would both like to add our deepest thoughts to you at this saddest of times. We do not know yet if we are actually coming to the funeral service tomorrow, but if we don't see you, we want you to know how much we are thinking of you, praying for you and how much you have been in our thoughts since we found out last week.
It all seemed so sudden--apparently when things were going reasonably. As you know, Pauline's family has lived through the same thing and we have seen the trauma of it all ourselves.
My contacts at The Gap High had told me what an impact Dom had made there among students and staff alike, and I could well imagine it.
For the next few days, things will be much a blurr for you all......but please be aware that you have many friends and supporters out here with you in mind.
Until next time
All the very best and God's blessings
Bob (and Pauline) Guthrie
----- Original Message -----
From: julie
Sent: Thursday, September 18, 2003
Subject: In Dom's Memory
Dear Mike, Jacqui, Michaela and Holly
We tried to phone you this morning (Thursday 18th) which is your evening. Unfortunately we couldn't get through for one reason or another so I am emailing you for now. We will, however, try to phone again at a later date.
We just wanted you to know that our thoughts and prayers are still very much with you, especially for tomorrow. We will be with you in the Holy Spirit and know that with all the friends and relatives around you that you will have much support.
We were looking through the photos of your stay in England a few years ago and it brought back fantastic memories of the wonderful times we had with your family. Dom really touched our hearts with his happy, loving personality and those are the great memories we hold of him in our hearts.
We also want you to know that we are making a contribution to one of those places you mentioned in a previous email in loving memory of Dominic.
We pray for the loving arms of Jesus to surround you all now and forever!
All our love to you
Julie, Ian, Paul and Stephanie XXXX
----- Original Message -----
From: Jan
To:
Sent: Saturday, September 20, 2003
Subject: just a suggestion
Dear Jacqui and Mike,
I would like, firstly to thank you for allowing Casey and me to be a part of the lovely celebration of Dom's life yesterday. It was a priviledge to see how many people cared for him, and who still care for your family, and I can only think what a lucky boy he was to live in such love through his life.
Next, I wante to make a suggestion, and you may be way ahead of me on this, but here goes anyway...
When my Dad died (I as 13), I was not in the country (I was in Australia at boarding school, and the rest of the family lived in Papua New Guinea). I came home for only about a week, then went back to school. When I got home for Christmas, my Mum had basically gotten rid of everything, and I had nothing to remember him by except a letter I'd had from him about 2 days before I was told that he'd died. I know Mum thought she was doing the right thing, but I was hard for me. I told my sister, many years later, that I wished I'd had the chance to make up a DadBox, into which I could have put a few things that were about me and Dad. I was thinking about a box like a shoe box, into which I could put things that nobody else would have thought of - like the back pocket off his beloved old pants that he wore when he and I tinkered on the family car - well, he tinkered, I handed him tools. Maybe I'd have even saved one of the tools that he and I had handled. My sister said that she'd have liked that too, even though she was only 10.
My suggestion is that the girls might like to have something like that -a smallish box (a DomBox?) into which they ( or you, on Holly's behalf) could put a few things that are uniquely about them and Dom (maybe a drumstick, a cap he wore once when they did something fun together, a photo of just themselves and Dom, a cd they both really liked), so they can take them out sometimes and think about the funny, quirky, happy things they shared with him. There are some really nice boxes now, that you can get, that are for sending/giving presents.
I'm sorry to have intruded on you right now, but my sister said I should make the suggestion to you, as we both missed having the chance to collect some special momentos before it was too late, and we have regretted not having a few little things to spark our special memories. As I said at the beginning, you might well be way ahead of me on this one, in any case.
Sincerely,
Jan
Mike's response below:
Thanks, Jan we hadn't thought of it for the Kids. We have been collecting as parents do over the years.
Love Mike and Jacqui.
----- Original Message -----
From: Jenny
Sent: Sunday, September 21, 2003 8:02 PM
Subject: After the funeral
Dear Mike, Jacqui, Michaela and Holly
Even though I have not been in contact with you, you have not been far
from my thoughts and prayers. Unfortunately, our usual three ring
circus has become more like a five ring circus. However, yesterday
Joachim a young man with a spinal tumour had his operation after we
managed to raise the finances, get the blood donors and negotiate the
system. It now remains to be seen how much function he will recover.
We also have Hazel with us for the evaluation of Faith and Light in
Bangladesh. These are communities of families with intellectually
disabled members who gather to share their stories and to nourish each
other's faith. One such community meets in our house. Just to make
life really simple, a Dutch organisation which sponsors help for
individual children with disability invited me to a workshop with a view
of my becoming one of their mediators of assistance.
Having explained my silence, I want to tell you how much you were in our thoughts, especially during our Faith and Light community meeting and Mass on 19th, a year to the day. You are still in my prayer as once the funeral is over and you have to make the transition to the new form of normal life, with one very precious member no longer physically present, you will need God's grace in new ways. One of the hardest things is that each of us grieves in our own way and at our own pace. So I pray there will be people to help you when things and feelings get out of synch.
Be gentle with yourself and you may be able to be gentle with each
other.
In God's Love
Jenny
----- Original Message -----
From: Wendy Novak
To: Michael Power
Sent: Tuesday, September 23, 2003 2:27 AM
Subject: Re: 23/09/03 love abounds
Hi Michael,
It was great to get your message again today. To know that you aare doing well is terrific. There has not been a day gone by these last ten days that I did not reflect back on the funeral. I realized what a big impact this young man had on so many people in a very short time. Dom was there and he was spreading the message that Jesus loves us and looks after His own. The message was unmistakable. I can understand that you and Jacqui must have a great sense of pride having raised such a fine young man. May God continue to bless you and your family and may His peace be with you.
Enjoy your break away and we look forward to seeing you soon.
Wendy Novak
----- Original Message -----
From: Wendy Nugent
To: Michael Power
Sent: Tuesday, September 23, 2003
Subject: Re: love abounds
Dear Mike,
Thank you so much for keeping me informed all along the way. You have so
much to carry yet you still had time to include us in this journey.I keep
the carers informed and of course they send their love and prayers to all
of you.After a quick ring around Bill Shirley Jan and Philomena came to
the service. THe service was so beautiful and was full of joy and hope.
I'm not suprised that there is so much love around you.....you both have created it..
Much love Wendy
----- Original Message -----
From: Sue
To: jampower1@optusnet.com.au
Sent: Tuesday, September 23, 2003 7:38 AM
Subject: Re: 23/09/03 love abounds
Hi Mike and all
It was lovely to read about the funeral and makes me feel humble to read about such love. Dom was obviously very special and will remain special in so people's lives. You say that there were 700 people, I wonder how many more that would have swelled to if everyone who wanted to be there could have been. I suspect it might well have doubled.
Love to you all,
Sue xxxxx
----- Original Message -----
From: Rob Smith
To: Michael Power
Sent: Tuesday, September 23, 2003 3:36 PM
Subject: Re: from Rob Smith
Dear Mike and Jaqui,
Surely love does abound! Dominic has fulfilled all prophecies attributed to him by bringing so many Gap people of so many demoninations together. Many peoples' lives will be altered by this event, not the least mine. And many perplexing questions about "reasons" are immediately answered by your e-mail below. I hope you don't mind - I sent a copy to a good friend in Vietnam who is really interested in western culture and has just completed a Masters here at the UQ. It shows a side of our culture that I can be proud of - (not much else to be proud of when you read the newspapers!) In a society that is so eager to build memorials to fallen "heros" in countless wars, I only wish some lasting memorial could be built to remind us of Dom's courage.
Lots of love from Rob Smith. See you soon!
Rob
I’m just sooo sorry about Dom! It’s been so hard for me to come to grips with the fact that I have to wait to see him in heaven. I was going to e-mail you about three days before Dom died to ask you if you could say hi to him dor me but homework and everything got in the way and I ran out of time! I really regret that now! I wish I could have just said hi to him once more! The celebration service was soo moving and I loved every bit of it, he was an Insperation to all he met, thankyou for raising him up so well! I’ll miss him heaps, as will you I’m sure. The balloon thing was such a great thing and as a very late/early new years resolution I have decided to do whatever I can to help out the cancer fund any way I can and I thank Dom for inspiring me to do so. If it weren’t for him I wouldn’t be doing that. Those pics that you sent were very touching for me also. There is a message to Michaela under this.
XXOO