Messages posted as comments will certainly be seen and read, so post there by all means, but perhaps a central message area will be easier for Sal and family to track.
So comments board below;
| M | T | W | T | F | S | S |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| « Aug | ||||||
| 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | ||
| 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10 | 11 | 12 |
| 13 | 14 | 15 | 16 | 17 | 18 | 19 |
| 20 | 21 | 22 | 23 | 24 | 25 | 26 |
| 27 | 28 | 29 | 30 | 31 | ||
Arclite theme by digitalnature | powered by WordPress
#1 by Tracy Carlisle on June 9, 2009 - 11:41 am
Quote
Dearest Sal and girls
we are over to the moon to see that Tom is doing so very well with his breathing! Your are all in our prayers daily and inspired by all of you and your strength!!!
God Bless – Stu & Tracy and our girls xxx
#2 by Ollie and Lynne on June 9, 2009 - 1:04 pm
Quote
Well done Tom and Sal. Its a massive step…and just the beginning of what will be a lot of positive steps. Moving forward might be frustrating slow, but you are determined, filled with internal strength and energy and you will do it.
Lots of love
Lynne
#3 by Zane and Chrissie on June 9, 2009 - 2:16 pm
Quote
We are thrilled at hearing about your constant progress, and look forward to hearing about more still. Sending you breathing energy from across the ocean, and thinking of you lots.
Zane and Chrissie MB
#4 by Robs on June 9, 2009 - 2:49 pm
Quote
Tom, enjoy! Hope you’re supporting the Protea’s!!!!!!!! Love Always xxxx
#5 by Kate and Andrew Logan on June 9, 2009 - 4:15 pm
Quote
Tom, we don’t stop thinking about you and send so much love and healing your way. Lots of love and strength to you all xxx
#6 by Michelle Amyot on June 9, 2009 - 5:30 pm
Quote
Dearest Tom, such wonderfully steady progress, so pleased for you and impressed by your courage and marvellous persistence. Will be looking out for audio books.
Sal, much love and strength to you and ability to navigate this strange new life with continued grace.
Thinking of you all constantly.
Hugs and DEEP breaths. M xxxx
#7 by Freya Thomson on June 10, 2009 - 2:07 pm
Quote
Hi Tom, just to say how good it is to learn about your steady progress each day. I am so full of admiration for your courage, and for the strength that you all (Sal, Jane and Robert included) possess. Willing you more of these in abundance, every hour of the day.
Freya xx
#8 by Chris & Lizzie Moon on June 11, 2009 - 1:30 pm
Quote
Tom, it was excellent to see you earlier this morning – and sitting up too!! You’re looking so much stronger each time I see you!
I need to to apologise though for my poor lip reading abilities. It’s so frustrating to not catch some of the words you’re saying – though I’m sure its a thousand times more frustrating for you. Sorry mate. I’m sure this will get easier quite soon.
You’re doing fantastically Tom, and we’re all here with you every step of the way.
Keep on keeping on…..
Chris
#9 by Spicko Dickson on June 11, 2009 - 2:52 pm
Quote
Dear Tom & Sal,
Our thoughts are with you guys;
Lots of love
Spicko, Juliet, Neve & Shea
#10 by Gretta on June 11, 2009 - 5:27 pm
Quote
Dearest Tom, I sit here every afternoon just after I get back from work and read your website and the love that surrounds you is enormous just as the love you have given others. I am crying inside for you and what you are going through – words cannot fully express this. But I am equally excited at what you have achieved since the accident. I am loving you wholeheartedly from afar. Your sister Gretta.
#11 by Vanessa Haarhoff on June 11, 2009 - 10:31 pm
Quote
Hi Tom,
One breath at a time shamwari – with best wishes and positive thoughts of quick progress.
Love Vanessa
(C5 tetraplegic)
#12 by Vicks Wood on June 12, 2009 - 1:47 pm
Quote
Dear Tom,
your effort and strength is truly phenomenal, …know that Dave and I are cheering every step you make towards recovery with our full capacity, and continue to send you daily healing energy and heaps of love and strength x
I beam everytime I read what amazing progress you are making
all our love Vics and Dave xx
#13 by Vicks Wood on June 12, 2009 - 1:54 pm
Quote
Dearest Sal,
Thank you for continuing to share your experiences with us so openly, you are phenomenally brave and Tom is very blessed to have you x Know that we send you thoughts of strength and courage daily, and may the enormous flood of love and support witnessed on this site recharge you when your resources are low x we are sending you a great big hug and a kiss x
with all our love, Vics and Dave
#14 by Melody on June 12, 2009 - 5:32 pm
Quote
Today the Redan family paused for a moment in prayer to thank the creator for Tom’s progress… Special thanks to Chloe Clark for leading the prayer session. We know that the spirit of God is at work in his life, the glory of God will be revealed in due season and we are all praying to see more than a miracle in Tom.. IT SHALL BE WELL!
#15 by Keith & Suzanne Gibbons on June 15, 2009 - 12:49 pm
Quote
Hi Tom, Sal and Girls,
We do not stop thinking of you mate and willing you on. Every day you are all in our thoughts and prayers.
Thanks so much to everyone who are keeping us informed on our buddy’s progress.
#16 by Patrick McCosh on June 15, 2009 - 6:04 pm
Quote
Hi Tom
So sorry to hear of your news. Everyone at Highlands Squash Club hopes you get well soon. We certainly have learnt from your fighting spirit in our team of DJ, Andy, Simon and Kurt. Seems you are on a journey to recovery….I was thrilled to read that you are out of bed and adapting to sit…..Tom just remember we are holding thumbs for steady improvement and thank God that we will hear your laugh again – hopefully soon.
Patrick and all at Highlands
#17 by Patrick McCosh on June 15, 2009 - 6:06 pm
Quote
And of course the above message comes via Elton Muzembe who has kept us updated on your progress, and is very keen and strong of late
Patrick
#18 by Vicky Hallett on June 15, 2009 - 10:40 pm
Quote
Dear Tom & Sal,
This is Vicky, Warren’s friend. We sat with you at Warren’s wedding at that beautiful starlit, open-air dinner the night before the wedding. Remember? You were lovely company! Then the next night, we had the dinner speeches (nerve-wracking or what?!) and Tom, your speech was so lovely, such a heartfelt, moving speech. When we think of you, this is what we remember. Such wonderful memories made by the people who shared them. Thank you.
We will you to get better Tom! Both Chris & I read the site independently every day and discuss your progress, and you are progressing! Sending all our vibes of strength and energy over to you & Sal. So pleased you have each other. Tom, Sal, if we can help in any way whatsoever, please do let us know.
Vicky & Chris Hallett
#19 by Tim Graham on June 16, 2009 - 11:41 am
Quote
Hello Tom
I only heard the news last week on a trip to Zim from the DRC- when Marc phoned me. What can I say? Your courage and God’s love will see you through this ordeal. Our thanks to all for the great support you are receiving. I look forward to catching up with you soon.
Get well Tom
Best wishes
Tim Graham
#20 by Mike at Intrachem on June 16, 2009 - 5:40 pm
Quote
Hi Tom, I visit your site several times a week to see how you are getting on. I’m looking forward to the day you come home and we can all help you discover your new life. Keep up the tremendous effort. Mike@intrachem
#21 by James Bradbury on June 17, 2009 - 9:55 am
Quote
Hi Tom & Sal
I know Mike and Sonya are there at the moment, and we send all our love and best wishes through them.
Always good to hear your progress- well done
love james karen and Amélie
#22 by Nikki & Terry Edwards on June 17, 2009 - 11:26 am
Quote
To the beautiful Tom Soper, sending love to you today and every day and breathing, breathing, breathing.
Nikki xxx
#23 by Peta-Jane and Craig Spong on June 17, 2009 - 7:00 pm
Quote
Our dear Tom – as always, thinking of you and sending so much love. Wise words from our dear Sal: “Slowly and Surely”….
#24 by Alice Mayers on June 18, 2009 - 9:13 pm
Quote
So good to hear you are making amazing progress, so hard to see the long road ahead, but, with your incredible family and friends its clear you will find a way. thinking and breathing with you, and wishing you a Happy Fathers Day
much love to you all
alice x
#25 by Gay and Peter on June 19, 2009 - 11:07 am
Quote
Tom Sal and The Girls
Wishing you all a beautiful Father’s Day on Sunday. We feel like we are with you and huge hugs from us all.
Lots of love
Gay Peter Seb Freda Jack Joseph Char Karl and Marcus
#26 by Peta-Jane and Craig Spong on June 19, 2009 - 2:10 pm
Quote
We are just back from Emma’s Sports day – kindergarten class. Too sweet and heartwarming (however, Em will not be competing in the Olympics!). It is inspirational how the Little Ones tackle life with such enthusiasm, openness and blind faith.
We have captured some of that spirit and are sending it your way Tom, Sal, Ciara and Erin.
All our love on this very special Fathers Day weekend.
#27 by Tyler Cornish on June 23, 2009 - 9:31 am
Quote
Hi Tom and Sal
Happy Fathers Day for Sunday, we were thinking of you and glad to hear you had your girls there with you. Take care and keep up the good progress.
Love Abby and Tyler
#28 by Helen & Pete (Bots) on June 23, 2009 - 8:25 pm
Quote
Hi Guys and Happy Fathers Day Tom
I have been unable to get near a computer for 3 weeks and felt sick that I could not communicate, I was through the power of the mind, but it just did not feel the same.
Linda what a lovely message, but that is the people both u and Dave are, one of my dearest friends.
Sal, Ciara & Erin, Believe me when I say you are never far from my mind and heart.
Lots of love to you all
#29 by Fi Soper on June 24, 2009 - 8:24 am
Quote
Hey big brother,
Thinking of you all the time, and how lovely it must have been for you to see the girls again and for them to see their dad. Hope you are being well supplied with Jelly Tots! All my love,
fi
#30 by Mike Rust on June 24, 2009 - 2:11 pm
Quote
Hi There Tom,
A greeting and many a prayer from all Staff and employees of Ayshire Mine.
l shall be there very soon Tom to come and greet a great Boss and a good friend.
May god be with you and your family.
Regards
Mike
#31 by Candace Spence & Ellen Lock on June 25, 2009 - 11:22 am
Quote
We caught up with Sal at school after Committee mtg this week. We were so pleased that the girls were able to see you over the half term weekend. Everyone asks after you every week at our mtgs you are taking 1st place on our agenda! Llew is feeling outnumbered by the girlies and all our frivolous chit-chat. I ask you, how can girly chat EVER be frivolous! We think of you often and are continuing our prayers and deep breathing exercises for you – us ladies are good at that after all our labours! We miss patting your beloved fanny pack at our egg and bacon roll sales but are still carrying on diligently – you would be proud! This message comes with much love, it’s ok for you to have down days we are pushing all our ‘good feeling’ & ‘positive’ vibes down to you on those days and we will keep doing that for as long as it takes. We are continuing to help Sal & the girls wherever we can – friends are with you throughout – not just for great parties! Stay strong Tom, little steps will get you there, remember the Tortoise & the Hare story. Love Candace, Ellen & all G5 Committee – with bells on!
#32 by Peta-Jane and Craig Spong on June 26, 2009 - 10:43 pm
Quote
Fantastic post Candace/Ellen. The Harare team are doing the Sopers proud!
Tom – have a good weekend with Sal. As always, we are with you…….
#33 by Gretta on June 27, 2009 - 1:13 pm
Quote
Dearest Tom, I am back from the Alps where I have been on a brief break from work. It was just heaven being up in the mountains and just being or trying to be at peace. I could picture you just enjoying the peace of it all. Ross was up and down the mountains on his bike with a friend and I just sat and enjoyed the views and although I could not do much it was a time to ponder on the realities of life. Douglas has been enjoying the week with Coral and Don (and getting away with murder). Just wanting to send you loads and loads of love positive thoughts. So glad you had some time with Ciara and Erin. Love you loads. Gretta xxx
#34 by sian and simon ellis on June 29, 2009 - 7:26 am
Quote
hi tom
come to visit you and send our love and encouragement – think of you all the time!
lots of love, the ellis clan
sian, simon, yvette, guy and andre
XXXXX
#35 by Suzanne Robinson on June 29, 2009 - 3:35 pm
Quote
Dearest Tom,
Thinking of you always. Wishing we could help you in some way. Keep your head up and well done on your breathing – you’re making wonderful progress.
lots of love,
Suzanne & Gregg
#36 by Ray Soper on June 29, 2009 - 8:40 pm
Quote
My Dearest Tomogeegee and Sal,
Greetings and peace. Well done Tomog, Well done.A very big step. I am so happy that you Sal are there with Tom now. I am sorry that I am not, but I am there in spirit. Rest well my dears, really rest well.(strong warm tender hugs surround you both) Immense love as always. Sal I will contact you sweet dear,xxx
#37 by Peta-Jane and Craig Spong on July 3, 2009 - 3:26 pm
Quote
Hi Tom and Sal,
My daily calendar quotes from Psalms (a few precious seconds of reflection every morning) have been quite appropriate yesterday and today. Sorry, the Catholic in me can’t resist posting them here!
“Heal my soul” – that is the part of me that goes on forever.
“Raise me up” – so I can become all that I am meant to be.
As always, lots of love and big hugs.
#38 by Deborah Robb on July 6, 2009 - 9:48 am
Quote
Hi Sal and Tom
Thinking of you and the girls.
Debs
#39 by Niall on July 7, 2009 - 1:03 pm
Quote
Hi there Tom and Sal,
Keep it up guys – your progress is such positive news – well done!
Cheers for now Niall and Belinda
#40 by Allan Murrell on July 7, 2009 - 3:23 pm
Quote
Tom, words escape me – so sorry it happened to a guy so great. Glad you are making progress, albeit probably not as fast as you might have wanted. Sal, I cannot understand or comprehend what you and the girls must be going through, but please know that my thoughts and prayers are with you all at this time. With love, Allan Murrell (90)
#41 by Peta-Jane and Craig Spong on July 13, 2009 - 8:42 pm
Quote
Tom and Sal – thinking of you all the time. We are so looking forward to seeing Al and Bren this weekend in sunny Bournemouth and to get the latest updates from your fabulous Team.
#42 by Alan Bedford-Shaw on July 14, 2009 - 4:49 pm
Quote
Hi Tom Long time no talk. Sorry to hear of your accident and glad to see from the comments that you are making progress. Will be thinking of you at this difficult time
All the best
Alan
#43 by didi on July 14, 2009 - 11:20 pm
Quote
Dr Cival Mills
Cival Mills obtained an MBChB degree from the University of Pretoria in 1999. Complications during an operation following a motor accident during his medical intern year in 2000 left him with the dreaded locked-in syndrome (a neurological complication whereby a patient loses all voluntary muscle function except for the ability to move the eyelids). Long-term survival of this situation is not common, less so any degree of recovery. Cival Mills has managed to do both. Today, eight years later, he is a living example of a near medical miracle, brought about by his own immense determination and will to live and recover, assisted by a team of dedicated people: medical doctors, specialists in various health-care professions, friends and – last but by no means least – his parents and other members of his family. He is no longer dependent on life-supporting machines, can sit up straight in his electrical wheelchair, has regained full tonus of his facial muscles, communicates by means of a voice simulator and lives in his own house assisted by a personal assistant who comes in daily to attend to his needs.
Using only the limited movement of his left thumb and an adapted laptop, he wrote his first book detailing his struggle to recovery after the accident, entitled This too will pass, which took more than four years to write. In 2007, he was recognised as debut author of The Centre for the Book. He has just completed a second book, The truth about wheels, in which he shares the comical side of his wheelchair experiences.
Over the last three years, Dr Mills has worked as a researcher at both Momentum Health and Discovery Health. He developed an electronic voice simulator with which he communicates. This innovative, self-designed IT apparatus functions with controls that are activated with only the thumb and forefinger of his left hand (the only two fingers that he can currently move voluntarily), and which he has named thingy. He is now working full-time to develop two different IT devices that will make computers more user-friendly for other disabled people with (extreme) limited hand function. A patent has been registered on his first design, and a grant was approved by the Department of Trade and Industry for its development and marketing. He is currently registering and developing the second device, which he has called penpal.
The exceptional achievements of this alumnus of the University in the face of extreme adversity illustrate the power within a person through which the near impossible can be achieved if unleashed.
Cival Mills has proven that to be possible. He is a true reflection of the Innovation Generation that the University of Pretoria strives to produce.
#44 by Michelle Savage on July 15, 2009 - 9:59 am
Quote
Hi Tom
So very sorry to hear of your accident, but glad to see from the comments that you are making progress. Great to know that you have this fantastic support system and so many people willing you on – the positive energy in this site is almost tangible! May you receive all the strength and courage you need to get through this. Thinking of you
Michelle
#45 by Ed Musimwa on July 16, 2009 - 12:10 pm
Quote
To Tom
It took me a while to comes to terms of your mishap. I can only imagine if we had played golf the day we met in Nyanga as we tried to get away from girls Sal and my wife Stella. Ey we will have better times to come.
You know i have been down that road all most a year now. You are a strong lad and i am glad to hear of the progress you making. Brendon has been giving me updates and i have offered to give the support Sal might require from your account.
I look forward to seeing you when i am down in jburg. Keep your head up and all the best.
Ed Musimwa
#46 by Cayto & Ross Owen on July 22, 2009 - 12:34 am
Quote
Hi Tom & sal
Continue to continue to think of you all every day – close to our hearts and thoughts.
Lots of breaths and strength.
Our love as always
xoxox
#47 by Adrian (Maz) on July 23, 2009 - 5:03 pm
Quote
Tom, words fail but your positive outlook makes us all stronger. You and the family in my prayers. Haven’t seen you since 1990 when we left Saints, but will drop in to say “howzit” when next in jo’burg. Chin up!
#48 by Devi Pakkiri on July 25, 2009 - 3:16 pm
Quote
Hi Tom,
We are all thinking of you. I am about to go to the Lake District on a retreat with my Buddhist Group for a international festival. We will keep you in our mind during the festival.
With much dharma love
Devi
#49 by Peta-Jane and Craig Spong on July 28, 2009 - 10:59 pm
Quote
Hi Tom,
So pleased that your Mom is recovering so well – you Sopers are legends! Try get lots of rest and keep your strength up.
Fi Loverdos and her boys have been with us in Bournemouth for a few days, enjoying some sunshine and blustery sea air! We look forward to your next “outing” so you too can feel the energy.
As always, we are fighting your corner and sending lots of love (I promise to post some pictures soon!)
Pete
#50 by Kate and Andrew Logan on July 30, 2009 - 4:52 pm
Quote
Thinking of you constantly…lots of love to you, Sal and the girls xxx