It has been a long time since I’ve added an entry, and that’s because I have been, and still am, very ill. The cancer returned with a vengeance, ‘lots and lots!’ of metastases the doc said and I didn’t ask him to count them out for me.
I’ve been undergoing (yet more *sigh*) chemo with little effect as yet.
I have been exhausted, hardly able to get my head off the pillow. But while the cleaner is in the bedroom vacuuming I decided to ‘dash’ (LOL) out here to give everyone a quick update.
Thank you to everyone for their thoughts, I truly appreciate them.
I have some amazing friends looking after me – many thanks to Karen and Stephen, and Joy and Michaela. Their help and love has been unbelievable. Thank you all, so much.
As I can I’ll get back to update you. Love to all.
You’ve inspired me to get a dehydrator. Now I’ve got lots of jars of shrivelled up weird looking veggies in the pantry. It freaks the kids out to look at them, but I’m happy…. like Caroline Ingalls getting ready for winter.
I don’t know why I told you that. Maybe because it’s more cheerful than the cancer stuff. I really hope that the chemo kicks in soon and you can go out into the garden and enjoy all of the results of your hard work.
Much love and raking….
Still raking Sara, my thoughts are with you xxx
Love and prayers coming your way.
So sorry to hear you’re ill again. You’ll be in my thoughts and prayers for a speedy (and permanent) recovery. I’ll especially be thinking of you when I plant my garden this year!
Sara, your works (both written and physical) have given me much over the years. I feel inadequate in that all I have to give you in return are my thanks and well wishes. I really hope you battle this through successfully and live to appreciate your garden for many more years. Sending good thoughts from Melbourne.
I hope you feel better very soon! Sending wishes for health and happiness your way!
Hi Sara
I have missed your regular posts on facebook. Wishing that you get past this latest round of chemo so you can get outside and into the fresh air, to your beloved garden.
Sara,
Many years ago a friend lent me the first book in the Axis series, and I enjoyed it so much that I have since read every book that you have published, and in some cases have read them them more than once (Threshold foe example). You have given me many hours of enjoyment and escape, and for that I thank you very much.
It is with much sadness that I have been following your fight with cancer over the last couple of years. I am not generaly a religious person, but my thought and prayers are with you in these most trying of times. I cannot begin to imagine what you are going through, but can only hope that you win this fight, and that you are able to once again enjoy life to its full extent.
Get well soon.
Hi Sara,
Late last year I was diagnosed with cancer as well. It was a serendipitous discovery and would have become nasty if left to its own devices. I did surgery and two followup cycles of chemotherapy (carboplatin)- six weeks of feeling astoundingly sick and poisoned. Small stuff relative to your journey, but it gives me a glimpse of how you’ve been feeling and the effort involved in getting a blog entry done. I’m glad you’re back online.
Best of luck for where you’re at, and I’m hoping you’ll be feeling better soon.
cheers,
Stephen @ 325
Hi Sara,
I bought your Crucible series a few years ago and read them many, many times and I’ve since read a lot more of your books. You are an amazing writer.
I’ve just been placing holds on your books in my library (waiting for book two in the Troy Game) and randomly decided to ‘google’ you, which is how I found your blog. I’m so sad to hear that you’re ill and I’m sending lots of strength and good health your way.
I’m so glad you “dashed” to post! I’m raking and sending you light and loving. Great to hear from you!
I am very sorry to hear your news. You are one of the most talented and most giving authors in Australia, and I am still raking your garden and burning those leaves. I hope my love and support helps in some little way.
Thinking of you Sara, raking away and hoping you get some respite in this long battle.
As Jan above said I to have missed your posts on Facebook. Praying that everything is on the “improve” and raking all the leaves is still on the agenda.
Hi Sara, hope your feeling better soon. I too have still been raking.
Miss your posts on ss.
PW
Sending positive thoughts your way Sara and hope you are feeling better soon.
Sara you have been very missed on the S/Saving forum, we are all thinking of you and praying for a speedy recovery. E.Clare
Hi Sara, many of us miss your posts on simple savings and often wonder how you are going. You are a wealth of information on so many subjects. It sucks that you’ve been really unwell, I hope you get a burst of energy and some happy days soon.
Your ’silence’ post was one of the most amazing things I have ever read, really opened my eyes to things I never would have known if you had not been so open.
I’m glad you have lots of helpers around you and want to thank you for how much you have shared yourself with others. We have all learned from you.
Best wishes, I hope the chemo does its job soon.
Hi Sara, so sorry to hear that it’s back – I have my fingers crossed that you get through this terrible time. I, along with many others, have been a fan of your works for a number of years, reading & re-reading your books many times. I have always thought of you as a very talented woman, not just with your amazing novels, but the creation & maintenance of your website, your beautiful gardens/renovations to your home & the fantastic knowledge you are sharing with us. Thank you.
I truly hope that you succeed in beating this cancer for good & can continue to enjoy the garden you have created & the beautiful days we have here in Tassie. Take each day as it comes, take care of yourself & I too will continue to rake. Our thoughts are with you.
Still raking and thinking of you, Sara. Hope you have more good days than bad. I wish I could send you some strength. Hugs.
Sending light and hope your way, still part of the rake squad and raking for you. Hoping the chemo kicks in and helps you get many more good days both in the garden and with your wonderful cats.
Hi Ms. Douglass,
About a week ago I grabbed your ‘Troy Game’ series- the titles delighted me so much that I emmedietly began reading them. I add my thoughts and wishes to those above- I hope you are soon completely well again and can continue to work in your garden, write, and enjoy life. Your ‘Silence of the Dying’ post was really informative, and caused me to consider both dying, and interaction with those who are ill or dying, in an entirely new way. Anyway, as a new fan of your work, I want to thank you for being such an amazing writer, and a perceptive, funny, and generally awesome person. Not sure if you have any beliefs about reincarnation at all, but if that’s the case, you’ll surely end up an amazing and life-changing person, which is already the case, though perhaps next time you won’t have to deal with cancer. Don’t ever give up on life- I personally know many people who have lived decades beyond their “life expectancy”, and I can only hope, and believe, that you will also be one of them, for all human wisdom can be summed up in two words: wait and hope.
Like everyone here, your words have given me much enjoyment, relaxation and escape over the years. I am now reading the devils diadim and i am in awe of your astounding skill and ability to continue to write and make us happy whilst you battle your own wars. I am unable to offer more than my humble thanks and my sincere hope that you are feeling better very soon.
Sara
Sending hugs and positive thoughts.
I am so sorry to hear that the dreaded cancer has returned with a vengeance. Some of the CW members have been asking about you and that is how I found out. I am raking again to help you.
Lots of positive thoughts for you Sara.
You are in my thoughts Sara. Luv’n’Hugz Jude
We miss you!
Thinking of You
Hi Sara,
My thoughts and prayers are with you Sara. I’m sending lots of positive vibes your way. I’ve joint the raking squad to help you.
I found out through CW that your not well. Take care.
Wow my path has changed direction and there is light now. Just as yours goes the other way. I am hoping you will continue pain free to live each day and enjoy your beautiful part of the world, and never know what tomorrow might bring in medical terms- there must be a break through soon.
I wish I was there to help you. HUGs
What is dying? I am standing on the seashore. A ship sails to the morning breeze and starts for the ocean. She is an object of beauty and I stand watching her till at last she fades on the horizon, and someone at my side says, “She is gone.” Gone where? Gone from my sight, that is all; she is just as large in mast and hull and spar as she was when I saw her, and just as able to bear her load of living freight to its destination.
The diminished size and total loss of sight is in me, not in her; and just at the moment when someone at my side says, “She is gone,” there are others who are watching her coming,and other voices take up the glad shout, “There she comes!”–and that is dying.
~ Bishop Brent
Still raking.. My thoughts are with you. Love always Krisi
Sara, you are in my thoughts …
Hi Sara,
I just want to say thank you for your wisdom & sage advice that enabled me to go down to see my sister & spend a week with her before she passed away 3 years ago. It was incredibly hard but a blessing & I am glad I went. I sincerely hope that you have family or friends close by to sit with you, help you & minister to you so that you don’t have to go through this alone. I feel so helpless knowing what you are going through & unable to do a blasted thing, I wish I lived closer. You are allowed to rant, rave & vent all you want! We are the ones that are supposed to help you & give you comfort, not the other way around! I feel silly writing all this down when you probably don’t remember but I just wanted you to know that you are thought of with much affection.
Luv’n’gentle hugz from Jude
Sara
I wish I could help, I wish I were closer geographically to be of some comfort and humble help to you. Words fail me, all possible words seem inadequate. I cannot comprehend this reality that was thrown upon me. I cannot comprehend it because I do not want to comprehend it completely. I prefer to have hope.
Love & hugs, my friend ………..
Sara, we have never met yet through your writing I feel as though I have made a very dear and old friend who will stay in my mind for the rest of my days. You have helped me grow as a person to the extent that I will be getting a quote from Axis Sunsoar tattooed on myself as a reminder. Your books, especially the complete adventures of the StarMan, mean a lot to me. I cried every tear with the characters, took every step along Tencendor, The Outlands, Isembaard, everywhere with them and fought every battle along their side, they became, and still are, my closest and dearest friends. For some reason I thought it was important to tell you the huge role youve played in my life. I hope you don’t see this as selfish in any manner, I just wanted to say please don’t give up because you are a beautiful person. I will be thinking, wishing, praying for you. You can beat this Sara, believe.
I wish you the very best of luck, I will be thinking of you always.
Take very good care of yourself.
All my love.
Sending you a message to let you know I was so sorry to hear you are yet again doing battle with the dreaded “c”. Sending love and positive calming wishes your way, you are in my thoughts and prayers.
Happy Birthday Sara.
Sara
Gentle and soothing hugs going your way and carrying the warmest of birthday wishes for you today. I’m keeping you in my thoughts …
Thinking of you often sending you positive thoughts sorry to hear you are unwell again
Sara, wishing you a speedy recovery in this your darkest days. Are you going to bring back Azure, Faraday and Dragon Star. You are in my prayers. May your God bless you and keep you in his love.
Sara,
You are without a doubt my favourite author, I was thrilled to find out you were born in SA (my home) and terribly sad to hear about your illness. Your garden is beautiful, your writing even more so. Be strong for your fans, but more so for yourself. All the best. xxx
As with others here I hope you make a speedy recovery… what a weary world this can be sometimes… but know your books have touched many- and many others to reach with new stories in the future.
Sara
I am hoping that everything around you is warm, gentle, soothing, loving and comforting. You have and keep inspiring so many … You will keep inspiring all who understand your message.
Sara
You are a wonderful and powerful writer and more and more I’m discovering that you create with words in the same way a sculptor creates with clay, there is a plastic sensuality to the way you use words.
I am enjoying how Ishbel is being gradually portrayed and how her personality becomes more and more complex and rich. You conveyed aspects of her personality early in the book without overtly referring to them, to only be confirmed later on by just one or two sentences. I went ‘yes, that’s it’.
Thank you for your books, Sara. I am keeping you in my thoughts.
You are a brave woman to allow us even a glimpes of your journey and I truly greive for you though I am only a stranger. I have fallen in love with your books, and that love sent me searching for why there has been no more. I can not begin to tell you how devistated I felt when I read this blog and then how strange I felt about my attatchment to you. I hope that you don’t think I am odd or creepy, but I dream of being an author and rarely look into the authors I admire you are the first actually, I hope that God sends you healing and good health and that you are able to keep up your blog so that we can all know how you are doing!!!!!
Ms. Douglass,
I have been a profound fan of your gorgeous writing style, and in truth, it was you who gave me the final nudge to try and attempt my own novel. To hear that things aren’t quite looking up (granted that is an understatement) saddens me. I am not a religious person, but over the last few years as I’ve been checking in, I have always kept you in my thoughts and prayers. Every time I pass my favorite book of yours (the first to the Axis Trilogy, though the titles here in the US are different than the originals–much to my dismay. Silly US….), I always think fondly of you.
A handful of years ago, I wrote you a note and mailed it to you, fawning over your work, and every word I said in that letter was true. I still have your response letter and it brings me such joy to look over it once in a while.
You are loved by so many. Cancer is a horrible disease and so many loved ones are claimed by it. Always know that you will never be alone in your fight. Myself, as well as all of the countless people you’ve touched with your writing are standing there with you.
~Sincerely yours,
Katherine Rae B.
Dear Sara
I’m just a young guy, only 17, but I’ve read your books since I was only about nine or ten. As soon as I did I loved them! That such worlds and charcters could be created, I was in awe. Ever since then I’ve been reading and re-reading them. They have brought me such delight even in some of my more darker times. I only just discovered this website today, only just discovered your illness. I felt horrible, and still do, that I had not known about it. It was like someone in my family had been stricken with it. I know I don’t know you well but my prayers go out to you and I’m so glad to hear you are doing better. I loved your piece about the silence of the dying was amazing. I pray more people would have your strength when they face their own trials. I know I am young but I am eager to help in anyway that is possible. I can be an ear when you need it, even travel down to hobart some weekends if I can to help out as I live in Wynyard. I thank you so much for all the joy you’ve brought into my life and to others.
Forever yours,
Jesse Hyde
hi Sara,
Every now and then I drop in to see how you are, so I am very sorry to hear that you are so sick, and are unable to enjoy the kitchen that I feel I helped in such a little way to get started. I now work in a library and think of you every time I see your books on the shelf, or cover a new copy.
Last year my FIL died, and in his last week when he became comatose, we originally decided that our 5 1/2 yo son shouldn’t see him any more – the usual let him remember grandpa as he was. But when I told him that Grandpa was going to die soon, he really wanted to see him. So explaining that Grandpa wouldn’t be able to talk to him, we decided to let him. I think it was the best thing for him. Grandpa didn’t just disappear – he was very sick and dying was actaully the logical conclusion to that sickness. I also like to think that Ray knew he was there – he tried so hard to open his eyes. It was hard to contain the tears when my husband lifted my son up to kiss him goodbye and my son whispered in his ear, “I love you so much grandpa” After he died, my son asked if he could see him. Again, we explained that he would be cold and still, but he still wanted to see him. And he did and touched his hand. then there was the funeral and the final goodbye to grandpa. As a result I think he saw that death is part of life, and it made the transistion to being a child without Grandpa easier.
I tell this story for 2 reasons – 1. that the post the silence of dying actaully influenced our decision to include our son in Grandpa’s journey toward death, and 2. Just to let others know who might be in a simalar situation how we dealt with the situation. I’m not saying it would be the right thing for all children, but it was right for us at that time to be guided by our son’s wishes.
Hi Sara,
Just dropping by as i do, still raking.
Regards,
Hi Sara,
im sorry to hear you are unwell again i have family members who are also dealing with cancer at the moment too , but i thought i should pass on this information that they approve of, im not sure if you are familiar with linus pauling and his work with vitamin C but it is worth a read, some people disagree with it and maybe it is untrue but this man had a conviction that it does work.
feel free to use/disregard the information at your discretion i just wanted to share it with you
http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/releases/12154.php
Hello Sara,
I’m dropping by to say that I’m still raking. I think of you strangely often, but I’m not sure if a stranger’s thoughts and prayers offer comfort. I wish I could come up with a more eloquent phrasing, but I sadly cannot. So, here are my blunt thoughts:
You’ve been a large part of my growing up, since I began reading your books in 8th grade. Now, all of these years later, I still eagerly await your next story. But I don’t see you as an agent for stories; you seem like a friend who has walked with me through my journey into adulthood. I may sound stupid, but there it is.
x
how wonderful to read the lovely thoughts from all your fans.You greate such a band of loyal admirers through your beautiful words that we all want to repay you but dont know how. Endure with strength. much love and mwahs
Hello Sara,
I keep checking in, and keep sending good thoughts and warm wishes. You have many, many others doing the same. I haven’t even read your books, I just got hooked on your garden. Thank you for putting so much beauty and magic into the world.
Dear Sara,
Sending gentle hugs and healing wishes to you. I am still raking!
I hope that you are able to look out upon the wonderful garden which you created and see the beautiful flowers and trees.
You are in my thoughts and prayers.
Love and hope,
Rosemary
Sorry to hear that you’re very ill. I realise it must be very bad as I have missed your online posts. I hope the very people that matter to you are close during this time to comfort you. I am a stranger, but a fan of your work. I can only share a scripture in hope you’ll find comfort in it as much as I do. It’s a promise from God – Revelation 21:4.
Hi, Sara –
Was just thinking about you and wanted to tell you that I wish only the best for you. I’m not as good with words as you are but I just want you to know you’re loved and my prayers are with you.
Hi Sara
Sending you very best wishes. My son, Matt (your biggest fan), and I think about you and talk about you and your wonderful books often. We wish you a speedy recovery and hopefully a return to a quality of life that allows you to get out there and play in your garden, cook, and cuddle up with your cat.
Take care, best wishes.
Noelle and Matt and he has now written a new book – historical fantasy (guess where he got a love of that from!!) and he has just sent it out to some friends for a test read. It’s called Gorgoneion and is about Medusa and Perseus and that horrible old goddess Athena. You would love it. Matt just started his own blog if you would like to have a look at his cast of characters (whom I am sure you know well).
Best wishes.
Just thinking about you. I hope you are doing well today.
hi sara thinking of you often keep up the fight.
Sara – May God hold you in the palm of His hand.
Rest in peace Sara
RIP Sara, we will miss you xx
I just heard the sad news. Rest in Peace Sara. Condolences to your family and friends.
webgurl
Rest in peace Sara, you will be missed by many. xx
Your loving for writing and for Nonsuch has been an inspiration. You will be greatly missed.
I knew of Sara from my membership at SS a few years back. Such sad news.
Kimmie
xxx
:o{
Goodbye friend wherever you have gone it is now a brighter and better place.
Sorry to hear about your demise. May your soul rest in peace.
I’m so sad because I just found out that Sara is no longer with us. I really hope that she didn’t had to suffer that hard the last time of her life from such a terrible disease that cancer is. All my thoughts goes out to Saras family and friend in such a hard time.
Dear Sara,
Thank you for creating such a wonderful world of fantasy. It has made me wonderful friends I would not have otherwise.
I hope you are pottering around planting and making wonderful gardens in peace and pain-free.
goodbye sara you were such an inspiration i am glad i was able to do some chores for you in the past i watched you suffer with such strength yet you fought so hard your garden is beautiful you worked so hard to achieve it well done and your home always had a homely feel about it i always felt welcome you said some nice things to me and i will always remember you rest peacefully sara .
Be at peace Sara. You will be sorely missed. You and your writing will always hold a special place in my heart.
Rest in Peace, Sara.
It is with great sadness to hear that Sara died earlier this week. Like many of you, I checked in on her blog from time to time to see how she was going. The cancer and treatment that goes along with it was clearly horrendous and took it’s toll on her during these last months. To her family and loved ones who knew the woman that brought us so much joy, you have my deepest condolences. One of my cherished memories (at the age of around 19 or 20) of her books was reading the closing chapters of the second novel in the Axis Trilogy. I was asked to come and help with some chores. The story was at it’s climax, the stakes were high and I was so pumped full of adrenaline that when I finally tore myself away from the pages, i ran out and rushed though my tasks in no time. When mum asked me what the rush was, i said that i needed to get by to my book! Never had a mother seen her son so motivated by reading! So, if you were close to her, please know that she brought joy to a lot of our lives as well. I will light a candle by the windowcil this evening in honour of her memory.
With deepest regards and sympathy,
Adam.
Sydney, NSW.
RIP Sara. I will miss you xx
RIP Sara.
Goodbye, Sara. We will miss you.
In memory of Sara for her gardening inspiration,fabulous books,the adventures of Nonsuch, the kitties, CW and the roses and veg.
Sara gave generously of herself to the online community and to the people she knew.
Cancer is a bugger of a thing.
Vale Sara.
RIP Sara, you will be truly missed by our family. Your books hold a special place in our hearts and are currently all up on display in our new babies nursery awaiting its arrival into this world. I can’t wait to give them to him/her to read when they are ready. In some small way I will get to relive reading them for the first time again, something I would treasure above most other things in the world. Thankyou for all the amazing adventures you took me on.
GT
Sara, RIP. What a crushing blow to come back to check on the blog and to find that you’ve gone. Thank you for allowing the power of your words to influence so many.
Thanks, Sara, for all the wonderful adventures in speculative imagination and pragmatic homemaking. Love and blessings.
I wish all you peeps trying to sell something on this site would show some respect for Sara and her passing and go tout your wares elsewhere. This is not a selling page and a wonderful lady has just passed. Sheez.
I agree Sue. I find it really disturbing that people have nothing better to do than post rubbish – especially on Sara’s pages. I miss her and her posts.
Rest in Peace lovely soul.
I first discovered The Wayfarer Redemption in the 3rd grade, and have re-read her books so many times that layers of tape keep the cover from falling off. Her mind is a wonderful place to be in, and her books have, and will be forever more, been warming my heart and spawning a continual cycle of innovation and the simple joy in reading a good tale of her quality. It all but made me cry when I saw that she passed away but less than two months ago. Good bye, Sara; not a religious person myself, I can only hope and wish you happiness beyond death.
:~(