Hugh is now in the hospice
Hello to all of you who care about Hugh. I want to let you know that he is now in a wonderful hospice close to our homes. Last Thursday his condition deteriorated so that he could no longer walk and in all ways he is fading from this life. He is not in any pain and he appears comfortable. He is truly in such good hands. He is surrounded by family and his much beloved wife is by his side. I took my children and his little girl in to visit today - they all happily did big floor puzzles and ate strawberries by Hugh's bedside - he's so familiar to lying on my couch with the 3 children playing around him that I thought there would be a lovely familiarity for him even though he seems to be only somewhat aware of his surroundings at times. He still has lucid moments. The children and I all chatted about what a hospice is and what dying is - such big conversations and yet so important to be had. With my other sister-in-law we are planning the ceremony we will have once Hugh has died - I thought we needed to think ahead as we may feel quite overwhelmed in the days immediately after he has died. We will organise the ceremony and conduct it ourselves - in my home I think - and making it as child-friendly as possible - a casket that can be drawn and painted on, helium balloons, etc. If the family all agree we will video the ceremony to keep for Karin for when she is older. We would love any of you who feel to to contribute to the ceremony. We will be using excerpts from the blog anyway. You are welcome to email any words/speech you would like made to my home email kraken@xtra.co.nz
Hugh is not religious and our family are not involved in any Christian church. However, all sentiments of any non-fundamentalist persuasion are welcome. Some in our family are Buddhists. I don't think Hugh has ever put a photo of himself on his blog so we will try to do that. Blessings to you all who have companioned Hugh throughout his illness - I know that your company has touched him greatly.
with blessings,
Catherine - Hugh's sister
posted by Hugh Cook at 2:49 PM
9 Comments:
Hugh took me on so many wonderful journeys; may he be at peace as he takes his own final journey. My thoughts are with Hugh and his family in this unwinding of the days.
Dan
Thanks so much, Dan, Hugh is very peaceful. It is wonderful to know that you and others are thinking of him. I have posted on your blog,
best wishes,
Catherine
Hugh's books contain a spark that answers something in me. I'm not sure I can explain it any better, but I know there are many others who feel the same. His talent was special, and I treasure every book I have of his - they still have the capability to surprise and delight me now.
I could go on for hours about the ingenious melding together of science and religion, the good natured fun poked at both sci-fi and fantasy and the wonderfully pedantic detail of the phenomena of language, but I guess that's for another time. Just know that in my eyes no other author comes close to Hugh's ability.
My thoughts are with you all, I hope the coming days are as peaceful as they can be for everyone. Hugh is too good to go so soon.
Jonathan
Thank you for letting us know Catherine - we appreciate you taking the time.
I think I'll reread The Wishstone and the Wonderworkers tonight and think of Hugh; some of the best sf/f i've read and far and away the best by a New Zealander.
May he be comfortable until the last.
Thank you for letting us know how Hugh is going and for the lovely picture too :) At the end of everything family and friends are the only things - and hugh's books made him many friends who I am sure like me are thinking kind thoughts for him and you all.
may Hugh's journey beyond the sea be swift and smooth.
I brought "The Walrus and the Warwolf" to read with me on a long trip; I'll read it now thinking of you all. I don't know how many hours I've spent reading Hugh Cook's books, but I'm sure it's in the hundreds over these last twenty years.
I'll see you on the other side.
Travel well.
Nick
I am also related to the Cook/Scoville family. So sorry to hear aobut Hugh. IMy maiden name is Cook, I decied to do a search on the family, and here it is 11/10/08. Just my luck, I can't chat with Hugh. I hope his passing is very easy for him.
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