The Leaf THE LEAF July-August 2017 | Page 4

Vale Marilyn Irving 1956 - 2017 Sadly, my wife, soul mate and best friend, lost her battle with her health issues on the 17 th May 2017. Marilyn and I had 28 years of wonderful life together. Always strong, positive and full of life, Marilyn bravely fought to her last breath. She slipped peacefully away that night, in my arms, surrounded by our 2 fur kids. Marilyn did not suffer and is now walking with the angels. Every one that was touched by Marilyn, be it work or personally, was left with an over whelming feeling of having come to know a beautiful caring soul, and will never forget her. Throughout those 28 years, we experienced many adventures together, and I say together, as we were never apart. From our life in Brisbane and our move to Tasmania in 2002. Marilyn was a dedicated career nurse. Loved her work and patients as much as her patients loved her. They felt safe in her hands. Marilyn enjoyed cooking, gardening, reading and fishing, and always had that beautiful smile on her face that we have come to know and remember. In September 2012, within a week, Marilyn was unable to walk, hence the beginning of her neuro degenerative condition, of unknown origin, however, towards the end a highly-suspected variation of MSA (Multiply Systems Atrophy). Autopsy would be the only way to determine the actual cause, at which time, nearly 3 years ago, Marilyn donated her brain to the specialist for this purpose, in the hope of helping others in the future. This was the type of caring generous soul she was. Marilyn proved the worth of medicinal cannabis with the benefits achieved with her initial neuro degenerative condition, (MSA), with amazing improvements in co-ordination, speech, reflux and cessation of her spasms and pain, hence an improvement in her general quality of life. Where this recovery would of went, we sadly will never know. Unfortunately, it was the second health issue that Marilyn was diagnosed with about 15 months ago that eventually caused her sad demise. Myelodysplasia. (MDS), is a leukaemia blood condition and it was this that so aggressively, rapidly and cruelly claimed her life. Marilyn had dangerously low white blood cells, platelets and haemoglobin's, which, gave us little warning, to the point we sadly did not have the time to hit it hard with a different MC treatment. Marilyn was a fighter and believe if given the opportunity and time, and with her positive outlook, we had a chance of getting on top of this second medical condition. Sadly, this was not to be. Marilyn was a brave, caring, courageous and beautiful soul and canna warrior, and I will miss her terribly, and she will be sadly missed by all whose lives she touched. Marilyn's journey continues though, 'the leaf' newsletter and The Little Green Trailers. RIP my dear Marilyn, I will always love you, I will miss you xx My memory, framed photo with our wedding rings