Keegan’s
Journey
It is
over 4 months as I write since our son Keegan had his accident. It is 2 months
since he left ICU after being declared medically stable. In many ways, time has
rushed past; when Keegan’s survival was in the balance the days and nights
seemed to run into each other. Now he is stable, some sense of normality in
daily life has returned to us, his family, and time passage is back to normal.
It is also high time to thank everyone for what they have done, and continue to
do, for Keegan. I apologise for not doing so sooner.
The
response to pleas for support for the Keegan Langley Trust have been nothing
short of spectacular. My family and I have had many humbling experiences these
past months but none as profound as the incredible out-pouring of financial
support for the Trust, primarily, but also the good-will messages and spiritual
support and prayers for Keegan that continue to help us all through this.
It has been an amazing journey, difficult, but eased enormously by the
huge support, the knowledge that yes, lots and lots of people out there really
do care. Your support has been wonderfully uplifting and has helped greatly in
alleviating the emotional impact to the family.
This
journey and the fund raising events arranged by Falcon parents has also had some
most un-expected but positive outcomes: who would have thought that a casual
walk for Keegan held at a windy racetrack called Borrowdale Park in Harare would
ultimately attract over 1,200 people? For a morning at least, the people of
At a
dinner and auction of cricket memorabilia in aid of Keegan organized by a
prominent ex-cricketer and Falcon parent, a famous Kiwi commentator even
auctioned his own shoes and spent the rest of the evening barefoot! This story
swept around the country. Thanks, Alistair and Danny.
I have
mentioned just a couple of the fund-raising efforts undertaken on behalf of the
Keegan Langley Trust, but of course there have been many others, big and small,
thanks to everyone involved in organizing these.
To the
trustees of the Keegan Langley Trust, in particular Andy Laing, thank you for
your initiative and un-ceasing work in making sure Keegan’s every need is met.
The work of all of you is yet another example of the Zimbabwean’s un-stinting
resolve and ability to “make a plan”.
The
Falcon College Bulawayo office manager has worked tirelessly writing
“thank-you’s” to all of you on behalf of the Keegan Langley Trust and my
family. Sorry that these have not come from us, I hope this letter goes someway
to rectifying this. Thanks again, Steph.
Several
artists, restaurateurs and businesses have donated paintings, dinners and
services to the Trust. Thank you, Patrick and Larry and those of you I don’t
know, sorry for not mentioning you specifically.
High
value safaris have been donated by a number of Zimbabwean outfitters and
operators. These have the potential to contribute significantly to Keegan’s
welfare, as indicated by the huge success of a safari recently raffled in the
We have
had wonderful support from the international falconry community as well as
American hunters, agents, and individuals. Sincere thanks to you all.
To each
and everyone who has in any way contributed to Keegan’s welfare and road to
recovery: without you and your input, however small, big, material or moral,
Keegan’s long walk could not have even begun. You all provide the
where-with-all for Keegan to complete the journey.
Thank
you, everyone.
Ade,
Sally, Keegan, Drew and Bryn
25th
August 2009