Dear Friends
For some time now I have been typing Ali’s words as he found it increasingly difficult to see the keyboard and so asked me to do it for him. His concentration is limited but I read the comments to him and as he gets so much enjoyment from the anecdotes and especially the jokes please do keep them coming as he certainly hasn’t lost his sense of humour!
Those of you who have seen him recently know how poorly he is and that he is unable to do many things for himself now but he is being tenderly looked after by dedicated professionals in this wonderful place which is such a blessing. He is very tired, sleeping more each day and having continuous medication via a patch to keep his headaches under control so he is pain free, calm and very happy for which we are so thankful.
We have been in the Hospice of St Francis now for six weeks and cannot speak too highly of the loving care we are all receiving from everyone here. We will remember this forever as a very precious time in our lives and be eternally grateful that such a beautiful place and such special people are here to help us now and in the Future and we thank them all from the bottom of our hearts.
Please continue to keep Ali in your thoughts and prayers.
Lots of Love
Diana and Team Rainback xx
With Jo my special sister-in -law
Dino looking so innocent!
Enjoying the heights
Annecy
Summer 2007
With Julian at Wimbledon
New Generation Directors
Charlie, my Bro and me La Napoule
John T and Me by Lake Annecy 07
Cheers
The Rainback Boys
Chocolate Cake and Wine !!!
Me and my Birthday Girl
Job well Done!
A Happy Day in Parc Vanoise
La Napoule Harbour before Monaco GP 07
Sunday Lunch
Family Breakfast
Guess Who
The Rainback Roundup La Napoule 07
todays highlight with Anne and Julia
Room with a view
My mate Theo!!!
Nick, Arsène Wenger and Me
View from the balcony
We'll be back soon!
The big guns
Jeanette in Anncey
Jeanette in Anncey
My brother Simon and nephew Charlie
Jo and Nephew Archie
Archie Rainback
|Charlie Rinback
Clouds above saint foy.
Ski touring in Les AVals, Courchevel
Biarritz Surfing New Gen Style!!
Si & Me in Ashridge Forest
Fran and Me-only a little drink
Rome
Jeanette in Rome
I love this photo - I hope it look like that up there just now!!
Courchevl! Black and White I think looks better
From my Window in Courchevel - New Years Days last Year
Archie
Archie Rainback
A seagull's botty, lake Annecy and a few mountains
Sunrise from our Annecy balcony
Simone!!
In La Grave
Me, Matt and John trying to look the part
Can anyone guess where this is?
Mr and my great friemd Franny telemarking in Cpurchevel
Jet and Ali in Rome
My friends Carolyn, Lotti & 'Tilda
in Bourg St Maurice
Jet and me in Rome!
Me in italy on our ski day
Children at New Gen!
The Farewell team welcoming me back!
Me and the UEAFA coaching team-Largs
Skiing in Courchevel - Thanks Matt
Charile is 4 on Saturday! Yippee!!
some old van om the way to piips house
Rocks in Courchevel during last summer
Jet and me in Annecy
Definately going to fall off that bridge!
Charlie in his flying suit - best thing!
Courchevel from the nursey slope
Skiing again in Courchevel
This was planned!!!!
A mountain!
A COLD mountain
Me and my friend Jumbo!
If you want his number you have to go through me ;-)
It's fizzy water....promise!
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Me and Warren in Zermatt
Me in Courchevel....very happy after a powder day!
Roy and me in the Helicopter in Italy
Two of BASI's top trainers ha ha
Me definately falling over!
Can you spot me?
Whooheeeee!
Some old banger in Rome!
Me in Courchevel
Don't ask me why I took this photo but I liked this lorry!
Our home in Annecy (4th floor!) - come and pay us a visit
Sunset at the Refugio de Guiliamina
A friends sand castle!
The way ahead....?
Finlay Mickel and me. Good luck with the injury Fin, it's okay, the Hannenkham is over now!!
Haha Roy is one of our most experienced Mountain Instructors and examiners!!
Me in the 550 Maranello (ssshhhh Jumbo!) ha ha
Think Shrink....please :-)
Sleeping at the hospital
Probably about to fall over!
Si and a young Charlie
Tim, Matt and me trying to play ball in Annecy
Dicky, Si and me in La Napoule
HAPPY NEW YEAR from Ali and Jeanette
THINKSHRINK!
About to hit a tree!!!
My visualisation for the day was Nick and Dicky on each of these blasting the tumor! How I laughed
John and Matt in Annecy
Me trying to punt...thanks for the lesson Fran!
Not my glasses...!
My 20th Ski birthday!
Sunset from Annecy
View from my apartment in Annecy!
Me skiing
John and me after down hill muddybiking
Wozza, Tom and me
One of my childrens group
Looking for Marmottes
The Aguille du Fruit in Courchevel - I guess it was like this yesterday. Cool!
John, Ali, Dino and Phil in St Albans yesterday (Sat)
Courchevel from 1650
Can't wait to get back!
My favourite piccie of Jeanette
Me skiing in Courchevel
New Gen in it's first year!
Back to the cycling with John soon.
My chrissie pressie from Nick....Pigeon - that's me!
Best thing today
Me and Cookie in Italy
Can you tell that I took that photo?!
We're turning a corner!
Me and my friends the Skatalites!
This is another story!
Julia, me and the Porsche
Thanks Julia!
The New Gen Surf Team!
My good friend Rachel and me half way up Saulire!
Me flying in Tignes (Thanks Matt...again!)
Our good friends Martin, Sally, Deirdre and Jeanette
Me and my friends at New Generation in Verbier last season
Me and my bro after my brain biopsy
Jeanette in Courchevel in October
The awesome Amanda (hi-5!) and the lovely an helpful Alison
These are all my photos
Jo and I with my trusty turbo trainer
This was the New Gen boys Heliskiing in Italy (I'm very proud of this photo)
Dad, Ali and Si all without (much) hair!
OK. First attempt......Option No1.
Option 2. Mmmmmmm....
Final attempt. Which do you prefer?
Yoo hoo! I'm free..!
John and I in Annecy
Charlie in his Fireman's outfit on Christmas day
My nephew Archie
My loyal and 'always there for me' Dad
My gorgeous and loving mum,,,,thank you for your everlasting support
Powder in Courchevel!
Jet and I in Thorens Glieres above Annecy
Jeanette, Rachel, Jerome and I
My friends.....I miss them!
Outside our home in the Alps
Ruthie and I in Courchevel
Fat Nick, Lisa, Fat Ali and Dicky M - sorry about sick Nick!
With the mask on again...
Me on the table today (10/12/07)
Me in Val d'Isere about to fall over!
My 20th skiing birthday party
Thanks for coming everyone!
The Buzzymachine IS my friend!
The BUZZYMACHINE at work on me! (7/12/07)
Zoe, Rachel and Jeanette on one of our lovely summer walks above Annecy
I took this of the cable cars in La Grave on our staff day out
My 36th Birthday. Jet and me in Royal Free Hospital just before my Brain Biopsy!
My eyes are half closed because of the swelling in my brain. That's better now because I'm on steriods and....I'm eating like a horse! Mum made the lovely cake.
A night at the Ronnie.....wish I was there now!
Jeanette and I in Vienna
Jeanette and I in Vienna
About Me
- Ali Rainback
- Hertfordshire, United Kingdom
- I'm the technical director at New Generation Ski school in France and Switzerland. I love skiing, meeting people, football
Counter
111 comments:
Hey Al
I thought I'd take the opportunity to be first on the blog tonight!
I had three glasses of red wine tonight. I'm trying to harden up as seeing as you are quaffing morphine, it firmly leaves me in the 'panache' division on my own. Tomorrow, I'll try four glasses.
As always one will be a toast to you my friend!
Dave Morris
Good evening Ali, Jeanette, Diana, Ian and the rest of team Rainback,
Thankyou for your words and update on Ali.
It is so much easier for us here in France thinking of Ali constantly, knowing that he is being looked after so wonderfully. Thank god for the special people who work in the special place of ST. Francis.
We do know that the cheeky loving side of Ali would do nothing but melt all their hearts. Keep up the laughing mate as it is the best medicine.
Just to let you know that it is still raining here in supposedly sunny France!
Lots of love and kisses,
Carolyn, John, Lotti and Matilda.
Hey Ali,
I was telling me friend Adam about you on Thursday and he agrees with me, you are an amazing person and an insperation to us all. As we were in the pub we raised our glasses to you and I do again tonight!
I am so glad to hear you are being looked after well and that your family is too.
Lots of Love
Kerri Prince
Dear Diana
Thank you for the update, I cannot imagine how hard it must be for you to write. The warmth in your words conveys volumes about the Hospice of St Francis, and the safe loving care you are all receiving.
From the outside looking in, it is hard to imagine, but I am enjoying the jokes and the anecdotes too. News from the bloggers, the fantastic scottish jokes earlier today, boat updates from DM and even news from RB in Hong Kong.
I remember you from HVSU days, as you welcomed us into your home and I also remember working briefly with Ian at the Herts NHS Trust in Welwyn Garden back in '94 when Si and Jo were travelling in Australia.
Sending love to all Team Rainback and prayers for peaceful sleep.
L x
Hi Ali,Sweet dreams tonight.All this rain in France-'think we'll save the planet and stay at home in sunny Scotland this summer! At least the rain will keep John cool on his bike. Love winging it's way to you dear Ali and all your guardian angels who take such good care of you.Our love,team Pirie.x
Hey Ali and Team Rainback,
Just been talking to my parents and they send their love.
Wanted you to know we never stop thinking about you all.
Lots of love
J-A and all of my motley crew.
P.S. Always loved that poem, Dicky M - good choice!
Dearest Ali
We loved the new photos posted on the blog today. They show your wonderful sunny character and zest for life. Everyone around you, family and staff at the Hospice of St. Francis are giving you their devoted care which you truly deserve. We know you are in a very beautiful place amongst special people and want you to know that our thoughts and prayers are always with you.
Sleep tight with sweet and peaceful dreams.
All our love and hugs as always to you Ali and to your mum, dad, Jeanette, Simon, Jo and all the Rainback crew.
The Conways
Chris, David, Stewart, Jo, Freya, Sarah & Daniel xxxxxx
Dear Ali and Team Rainback,
Only thought it right to have a couple (!) of glasses whilst watching the footie.
Realy pleased to hear from you, via your scriptwriter, so that we know how you are doing. You have such wonderful people around you that you must be really proud of them, as we are sitting here in "bloggers land", knowing that you are getting great care.
Thinking of you every day.
Cooperman
Thanks for the update Diana. It has been really hard not seeing the Big Man over the last week, but we understand the reasons.
We all know how wonderfully well Ali is being looked after by the team at St Francis and realise how lucky he and you are to be in such a caring peaceful environment at this time. It must be a great comfort to know that Ali is painfree and calm and not suffering any more than he has to.
Of course we keep Ali in our thoughts constantly and just try to keep remembering him as the true hero he always has been, from the time he took our kids off to Spain to give Diana and I a break right up to the present day when he still has the capacity to see the funny side in things despite his situation.
Every time I go out on my bike I think of him. Especially the time he ate an anchovy pizza at the bottom of Mt Ventoux and then wondered why he found it so hard to get up the mountain. I am going to miss him in the Alps this July - we had such plans but I'll just try and do it even better for him.
Love the picture of Dino. Taken last year in our garden. Happy days!
Lots of love to you, Ali, Ian, Jeanette and the rest of Team Rainback from all at Lower Farm. xxx
Hi Ali
Roll on 21st June,We, Well us girls are walking the "walk with the stars" for the hospice, hoping to raise lots and lots for them.Not having met u but heard so much about u from Paul, we are expecting you to be out n about in your chariot to present us with our medals and a large glass of chradonny, Shiraz, greneche, well anything over 12% !!!!, ok, u will probably have a hangover Fri nite from Choc n Vino so i will let u off, just this once though!! : )
U will be my and my friends inspiration to run not walk on sat, so i might need to borrow your Physio!!
Every step we take, every move we make, we will be watching over u.
Nite Ali, dream light,sleep tight, and awake afresh tomorrow
Love to you and Jeanette and your wonderful family
Angie n Family
xxxxxxx
Before taking myself off to bed,
Saw your Mum's words tonight, so read what they said.
They were beautiful words, it is true,
And a lovely picture of you.
And next to the cute little dog,
Your mum says that she's been typing your blog.
So if she's been writing the words for a while,
There's something that's making me smile;
I must ask before saying night night,
Did you make your Mum type the word "Sh...e"?
(see 4th June posting. I'm impressed. I'm not even allowed to say poo in front of my mum!)
Thinking of you lots.
Lots of love,
Hugh & Nicki xxx
Hi Ali and Team Rainback
Thanks for the latest update and yet more amazing photos. You and your incredible family are always in our thoughts. It is really good to read that you are all being so well cared for, very special indeed.
Well it seems Scotland has finally achieved the same weather as the south of France - we are hunting out sweaters, the baby won't leave home without wellies and the chickens just won't go out. My dog Molly has hurt herself on a fence and after some stitches she is now sporting a very fetching , or should that be illuminating (!), "lampshade"- as the vet put it the biggest she had without taping two together, can you imagine! I think we would be had up for harbouring a spy satellite if it was any bigger. We have been trying very hard not to laugh when she can see us, poor Molly. I think she now actually quite likes it because, well, Sula (Orn's dog) doesn't have one!
Thinking of you always
Love
Susannah, Orn and Thorfinn
Hi Ali and all the team
It is so comforting to know that you are being so well looked after at the Hospice.
We are just rushing off to school now but we thought we would try and cheer you all up this morning and Emma has some jokes for you.
Why did the toilet paper roll down the hill?
To get to the bottom
"Doctor doctor, I've got a steering wheel down my pants"
Doctor - "How did it get there?"
"I don't know but its driving me nuts"
Thinking of you, as always
Paul, Amanda, Emma and Georgia
xx
Now I know the world is going Mad if Dave Morris is on a red wine bender, 3 Glasses shocking!
Ali, They say your humour is intaked, so this will brighten your day, next season Spurs will win the premiership, European & Fa Cups and beat the gunners in Carling cup final for good measure..... happy days....
Hang in there fella, keep smiling and take our support and love with you.
Hugh Pelling
Hey Ali
Can I say how disappointed I am ... I thought I had the monopoly on crap jokes! Seems like I have lots of competition!
HOSF is such a special place - I picked that up from my visit, and talking with a friend who is a sister at Garden House Hospice, she can not speak too highly of where you are. You are clearly in the best hands in the business, and rightly so - when you have given so much of yourself to others, it's only right for now to be payback time! :-)
Son William is going to Hitchin Boys School in September. I'll tell him to look out for any 'AR woz ere' graffiti. Do you remember me picking you and Si up in Kimpton High Street and giving you lifts to HBS, running down the occasional pheasant on the way in my blue mini. I hope you claimed a credit on your 304 bus season ticket for those trips!
Love and prayers as always to Team Rainback, Jeanette and you.
Stay strong
Love Ewan xxx
Hi Ali
Your mum wrote some lovely words; it is lovely to know that you are being looked after very well. My sister sends her wishes too (kim- I don't think you ever met you, but she knows your mum and dad from operatic years ago).
Can you believe I have now been back in the Uk for a year (anniversary is tomorrow)...it's been great to be back after 10 years of living in the desert!! Though not good last week, as I lost my job.......the job hunt begins! After years of living the high life, I think it's time to find a 'proper job'!!
Anyway, you are in my thoughts and prayers every day.
Lots of hugs, Love Ruth x x
Hi Ali
Matilda and Bobby's favourite joke:
Why do cows have bells?
Cos their horns don't work.
Thinking about you all a lot.
Lots of love
Suzanne, Laurent, Matilda, Bobby and Lucas
Dear Ali
Keep Strong - I look at the blog every day to keep up to date.
Do you remember the stopover in Nuits St George on the way down to the summer expedition that time. Maybe that has a little to do with your fondness for the odd glass of wine or two!
Big Hugs and lots of Love to all the family
XX
Rich T
Hey Ali,
Jason here... so i wanted to write on this blog ages ago but never really knew what to say until now... Everything that you have dealt with up until now has shown me what a strong person you are!
Al, you are an inspiration to me, i seem to be just one of many that you have had a deep impact on in the years gone by.
As i read through the comments left on your blog i realise what you have accomplished so far and it really is incredible! A great business, good friends and an amazing family, it sounds stupid but you are very lucky!
One thing ive always admired about you is your ability to network and your great people skills and i hope that i can learn from these and be able to have the same impact on people lives as you do.
Stay strong, never ever give in! Not for one second! I'm counting on your valuable advice and friendship over the coming years.
All the best Ali, whatever i end up doing i will always keep your amazing way with people in mind.
Speak soon! (i keep trying to call.)
Ciao for now,
Jas
Newgen, Verbs (ali's training centre!! hahaha)
ps
This time last year you and Jeanette came and visted me at Welwyn. Remember that? The chat we had in the car park! It made me laugh that you were there to give me a second chance at working on the 'real stuff' after my hesitations!
Hi Ali
I haven't written for a while but I do log in every day to see your updates.
I don't really know what to say except that you have touched so many lives in such a positive way and that I hope you can feel the circle of love around you.
You are in our thoughts always
love
Kate
Hey Ali,
When I got to work this morning I received one of those funny email from one of my friends. I've seen it before and it made me laugh then, but today it seemed so totally appropriate for you. So, I thought I'd share the main bit of it:-
Life should NOT be a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in an attractive and well preserved body, but rather to skid in sideways, chocolate in one hand, wine in the other, body thoroughly used up, totally worn out and screaming 'WOO HOO what a ride!'
Do you recognise anybody from this. I do!
I have two favourite jokes - nobody else thinks they are very funny except after a few glasses....
What's brown and sticky?
A stick.
What's red and sits in the corner?
A naughty strawberry.
Thinking of you lots and hoping today is a peaceful day.
Lots of love
J-A
Hi Ali,
Your friend Jane-Anne beat me to it, with my favourite joke in the whole world ("What's brown and sticky?" - "A stick"!! Pause while I giggle hysterically at my computer.....)
Here's another: "What's orange and sounds like a parrot?" - "A carrot!!"
Better stop for now, but if I think of more I'll be back!
Love to you and all of Team Rainback,
Harriet and MArtin xx
Hi Ali and All,
Are people putting up naughty jokes - is that why a few comments have been deleted?
Love your jokes J-A - the stick one especially - just my stupid sense of humour! Here's another;
What's brown, smells and sounds like a bell? DUNG! (told you...)
My daughter also came up with one this morning at breakfast;
Why does a giraffe have 4 heads?
Because it has a long neck.
I know, but she is only 8, and after the tumbleweed had finished blowing past I explained to her that the joke should at least make sense to be a bit funny. Bless!
It's great to hear that you are all feeling well looked after in such an amazing place and by such fab people. Once again, it makes the things we moan and groan about on a daily basis seem so insignificant and stupid. It's the single most important thing I've learnt since being on this journey with you all (bloggers and Rainbacks alike).
Love Sheila
xx
Hi Ali
So France has finally sent it's weather to Edinburgh and I'm sitting at my desk looking out at the grey miserable Scottish weather - we do it so well here! Here's hoping that the weather in France is good for the last couple of weeks in July when I escape from my corporate life to sit in the sun drinking wine/beer and basically anything that I can get my hands on - I'm taking my lead from you ;-)
It's great to know that you're being so well looked after. Keep enjoying the wine!
My favourite joke is
I went to the zoo the other day but it only had one dog...it was a Shitzu...
Love and hugs to you and your family
Kirsty McGregor
Hi Ali, Diana, Jeanette, Ian and all at Team Rainback,
Thank you for the update and lovely words, as ever, and great pics. Thinking of you all lots and, for once, it is nice to hear we have some better weather in in Herts than parts of Europe!! ....love all the jokes, sorry I am not very good at them.....Tom is learning more all the time but just tends to get them so muddled up that we have to laugh at the end of it, whether funny or not!!
Just a little saying I saw the other day and thought of you Ali..
You have three names..
the name you inherit
the name your parents gave you
and the name you make for yourself...
Ali, you certainly have made a name for yourself as being such a determined, inspirational, motivational, humble and fun loving guy, that makes so many people smile. If my son has some of these attributes to take on his journey I will be grateful. Hope your day goes OK today. Take care, thinking of you lots and lots.
Love Sally XX
Hi Ali,
Perhaps best if you didn't watch the footy last night, very dull, so much so I turned my back on it in the pub and carried on drinking...
Can't believe the Turks got through the other night, Petr Czech in goal had a shocker, if he does that for Chelsea he will get shot ... Nice to see Arsenal have bought another school boy, Arran Ramsey from Cardiff, think he is about 4 years old and you paid 125 million pounds for him.....
Anway working on a Bar show, so that can't be bad..... lots of free booze and more free booze. You keep going son and make sure your blog is updated.
Thinking of you mate and Bretty says hello.
Dizz.
My favourite joke from Hugh:
What is the difference between a weasel & a stoat?
One is weasily recognisable and the other is stoatally different.
Well, I like it, anyway...
Nicki xx
Dearest Ali
Yet another sunny day for a very special person.
Sally's little saying about three names is certainly true of you. We agree entirely. You have more than made a name for yourself there is no doubt about that. Reading all those wonderful words from all those in blog land just reinforces what we all know.
Have a lovely day Ali with your precious family. Thinking of you lots and lots.
Love & hugs
The Conways
Chris, David, Stewart, Jo, Freya, Sarah & Daniel xxxxx
Hi Ali
I know you are sleeping lots Ali, but I hope you get to hear your mum read all the lovely messages you have had today, and the jokes, although some are pretty bad, including mine (sorry if you're a feminist!):
How do you fix a woman's watch?
No need. There's a clock on the oven.
:)
Lots of love, miss you
Rach xx
Hey Ali!
Well, if you can't beat 'em, join 'em ...
Two TV aerials got married. The service was normal but the reception was brilliant.
Two crisps were walking down the road. I was passing in my car and asked them if they wanted a lift. They said "no thanks, we're Walkers".
I'll get me coat ...
Had the Gang Show Front Row auditions on Sunday (yes, we get prepared early these days!) Got a great 8 couples together, and some top music, so it should be a corker. Still haven't found a better routine than you lot "Putting On The Ritz", though.
Stay strong
Love Ewan xxx
Hi Ali,
Just wanted to say I am thinking off you.
Stay Tough mate, you are an inspiration to all of us!
Everytime I see your pictures on your blog of you, it brings a huge smile to my face, you really are an absolute diamond fella....
Love Craig xx
Dear Ali, friends and family,
Blair and I are still reading your blog every day. It's difficult to hear sometimes when you're not well, and uplifting to read one of your inspiring entries. We're sorry to read this time you're poorly, and we're hoping for you to feel better soon.
We're off to Africa tomorrow, but you'll be in our thoughts every day!
And who said you're not missing anything about the footy?! Have you not seen Holland kicking everybody's ass?! Haha. Go Holland, go Holland..!
All the best Ali, we love you.
Marije & Blair.
hey ali, the pic of annecy through the trees is cool. the spot you took it from must be in sight from your balcony i reckon? missing not having my neighbour round the corner for bbqs and kms on the bike. hang in there my man! dougs
Diana,
It is little wonder that Ali turned out to be such a star with a Mum like you.
Team Rainback is putting up a very spirited fight and sparing us, his friends, acquaintances and admirers, from the worst. Whilst it is what we would hope our own families would do, we know it must be so hard and admire you for keeping the blog going and sharing Ali and yourselves.
With much love and respect to you and the team and an especially warm hug for Ali who I think about every day.
Gill xxx
Dear Ali
Good things about the mingin' weather on Skye today....1. John gets the day off because it is too windy to drive the boat, plus the dolphins, basking sharks and puffins are probably hiding from the weather. 2. Now we finally have a gate on our garden to keep the sheep and lambs out, the rain should be clearing up all their droppings - saves me a job! 3. I don't feel guilty about keeping the children inside for a while, so I get time to write to you. 4. It is the local Gala this weekend (English translation - village fete) and one of the highlights is the 'Duck Race'. Standard format - one hundred numbered yellow plastic ducks are dropped in at the top of the 'racing burn', we all buy numbers and the winner is the one who chose the number of the first duck to reach the finish....problem, we have had no rain for months and the burn was almost dry. It's pouring now and it will be for a few days, so the ducks will make it down in a speedy fashion. I'll pick a number for team Rainback and let you know how your duck gets on!
We're thinking of you Ali, you, Jeanette and your lovely family.
With love and BIG HUGS, Cathy, John, Jack and Sophie Hendry xx
Had better try a joke I suppose - what do you call an aardvark in a leather jacket? A well ‘ard vark ….sorry….
Hi Ali,Thea here, nice to hear that you are being so well looked after. Have been back and forth to UK since I saw you in Annecy after Zermatt trying to escape the rain but it seems to be following me around. House in Fontanil finished, selling up down south and have decided to live in a light house. Not sure if Les is with me on that one, for some strange reason he seems to think it unpractical ! What do you call a cat in a chemist ? Puss in Boots. Lots love, thinking of you every day xx Thea
Ali, Sleep well tonight, hope Team Rainback are with you, as we all are...
Take Time to work
It is the price of success.
Take Time to think
it is the source of power.
Take time to play, it is the
secret of perpetual youth.
Take time to be friendly,
is is the road to happiness.
Take time to love
and be loved, it is a priviledge of the gods.
Take time to share, life is too short
to be selfish.
Take time to laugh,
Laughter is the music of the soul.
Ali, how do you know all the above so well.. xxx
Hi All,
Thanks for the news and sharing the team’s thoughts with us.
It’s good to hear that care and love is there for you all.
Here’s something that might make you smile… Going to indulge in a bit of suffering and cycle the Manchester to Blackpool ride in July. I remember your crazy suggestion of riding to the Alps Ali, but one step at a time mate!! If I’m going to put myself through some pain (well one bit of me will hurt I’m sure!) I want to do it for a good cause so would like to raise some sponsorship. If it’s OK with you guys I’ll do it for the Hospice.
I’ll talk to the team there to check it out and hope that I can put some suffering to good use.
If you have any hints for toughening up me, or softening my saddle I will be pleased to hear them!
Thoughts are with you all the time!!
Much love
Skippy
Hi Ali and Team Rainback
Was feeling a bit sorry for myself as am getting over a C-Section and had a wee setback - but is just temporary. The jokes have made me laugh (ouch) and the thought of you all have put a few days on medicine into perspective.
Was going to share our favourite joke, but someone beat me to it (Brown & Sticky..a stick). So a few other ones (blame my sister):
What do you call a fly with no wings...a walk
How do you get a fat girl into bed....piece of cake.
Keep smiling
Love
Jo
x
"I swear, in the days still left, we will walk in fields of gold"
Thinking of you all
with love
Jane Wh
The man sits at the top of the mountain looking down on the little village, he is not cold although there is snow on the ground this high up. It is getting dark and he wonders if they will come, he wrote to them, but he is not sure whether they got his message. He looks up at the familiar mountains around him, he feels so at home here, he knows every rock and gulley, has skied this area for years and yet the mountain is still mysterious to him and he respects it. He has found peace here, more than anywhere he has ever known.
As he looks down the valley he sees that the chairlift is starting up again, and the first row of seats is full, there is a crowd gathering, more people, all coming up the mountain. Each person holds a torch, so that the route of the lift is lit with tiny sparkling lights, all heading in his direction. The first people reach the top, and start walking towards him and suddenly he is surrounded by friends. He looks at them more carefully and realises that some are people he works with everyday, and others are old friends from years ago and some have travelled across the world to be with him. His family are here, Mum and Dad, Simon, Jo, Archie and Charlie and of course Jeanette. All are carrying torches which they arrange in a huge circle.
No one notices the falling night as they laugh and talk together, sharing their lives with man. He talks to them, catching up with their news, sharing photos of his life in the mountains, and special times he has spent with Jeanette and his family. Someone starts to sing and Ewan plays his guitar.
They all sit together in the circle of light at the top of the world, laughing and singing, keeping out the dark night with the warmth of their love for the man.
Dearest Ali
We have smiled a lot today at all the jokes in the blogs above. They seem to be flowing from quite a few bloggers today. Hopefully they will bring a few smiles to you and team Rainback.
Its probably time to tuck you in for the night and for those wonderful carers to take some much earned rest too. Sleep tight Ali with sweet and peaceful dreams.
Until tomorrow .....
lots and lots of love and hugs
The Conways
Chris, David, Stewart, Jo, Freya, Sarah & Daniel xxxx
This guy walks into a bar in Courchevel and says "Hey, you guys wanna hear a snowboarder joke?" The barman says, "I'm a snowboarder, the guy on your right is a snowboarder, same with the guy on your left, and the guy behind you is a snowboarder." So he says, "OK. I'll tell it a little more slowly then..."
Apologies to all snowboarders!!
Where do you learn to make Ice Cream? Sundae School!
Thinking of you all
The Edwards family x
Dearest Ali and team Rainback,
The crowd of torch bearers that Linz describes is so very evident on your blog...and I am honoured to be one of them. How good it has been to share so many memories that you have hosted.
Seeing as you have always been a 'sporty' friend ..I enclose a slightly sporty joke...
Q:How do you know when a leper is playing hockey
A: there is a 'face -off' in the corner.
Peaceful dreams....all our love,
Clare ,Paul, Amy and Ben xxx
Hi Ali and Team Rainback
Hope you like this selection of jokes from the late, droll Scottish comedian, Chic Murray – they certainly made me laugh and I’ve heard them before:-
• I knocked and the woman opened the door in her night dress. I thought to myself at the time what a strange place to have a door.
• I rang the bell of this small bed-and breakfast place, whereupon a lady appeared at an outside window. "What do you want?", she asked. "I want to stay here", I replied. "Well, stay there then", she said and closed the window
• My girlfriend's a redhead, no hair, just a red head
• I had a tragic childhood. My parents never understood me. They were Japanese
• Visiting London, Chic was asked by a stranger, "Do you know the Battersea dog's home?". He replied, "I didn't even know it was away."
• I met this cowboy with a brown paper hat, paper waistcoat and paper trousers. He was wanted for rustling.
Glad to hear you are being so well looked after at St Francis.
Lots of love to you all
Blogger Basi Bill (Ali-terative!)
hi ali,
and all of team rainback... i again can only echo the words of all your numerous friends and admirers..
thank you diana for keeping us in touch... its some comfort to hear such good things about st francis, and to know how much support you have...
lots of love to my special friend, its raining so much here the mountains will float away soon!
big hugs from katie and the silly dogxx
Hi Ali,
Glad to hear you are being well looked after.
Thinking of you loads
Keep smiling
Love Erica and Ben xxx
Hello mate,
Thanks Diana for keeping us updated and a big thanks goes out to the team at St. Francis for looking after Ali and yourselves which really is priceless. We are always thinking of you, so keep smiling and here is my go at a joke.
A bunch of cows and bulls are standing in a field. A huge gust of wind comes along and all the cows fall over, but the bulls just stand there, bracing themselves against the gale. So all the cows stand up and brush themselves off and go back to their business. Pretty soon, a tornado blows through and all of the cows are knocked to the ground, but the bulls just munch on the grass. Next, a hurricane comes through and all the cows are knocked into the next pasture. The bulls just say "moo." Finally, one of the cows walks up to one of the bulls and says, "Moo? What's the mooing deal? How come the wind always knocks us for a loop and you just stand there unharmed ?" "Isn't it obvious?" the bull replies. "We bulls wobble, but we don't fall down."
Take care Russ, Belle, Cara & Ava xxxx
sleep tight Ali, sweet and peaceful dreams... as always in my thoughts...
keep fightng the good fight..xxx
Hi Ali and Family
Life is a wonderful thing and being part of a wonderful strong family is also a special thing! Not everyone has that. So those that do, think how lucky we are.
We all have a choice and you Ali made the choice to be happy and funny all the time, through good times and bad. Being able to bring sunshine into lives of others is a God given talent and you my friend do it with ease.
Your family is incredibly strong and this comes through day after day. Its been said a million times on this wonderful blog that you have inspired pretty much everyone you have met, even some you have not!! You are special person and I say again that I was lucky to meet you and I am proud to say that I have a friend called Ali Rainback!
In this difficult time ensure you enjoy it as much as you can, ask for everything you have ever wanted as you will more than likely get it in abundance!
Do what is right for you Ali as no one will mind in the slightest.
Love and thoughts always and everyday to you all
Danny G
Dearest Ali
Another day dawns and we are so very lucky to have you as a special friend. The words of Linz and Danny G above are beautiful and so true. We are so happy to one of those at the top of the mountain with you. You have brought so much sunshine into peoples lives and inspired them in so many ways. You deserve all the care you are getting and more. Your dear family, Diana, Ian, Simon, Jo, Archie, Charlie and Jeanette have been so strong throughout and continue to be and all the staff of St. Francis are making life more comfortable for you all in their special caring way.
We hope you have a happy and peaceful day Ali. Thinking of you lots and lots and sending you huge hugs.
The Conways
Chris, David, Stewart, Jo, Freya, Sarah & Daniel xxxxx
Dearest Ali,
I haven't had time to catch up with all the bloggers comments but I have had a brief read of the blog - I have my priorities right ;-)
I've been away in Cornwall with my family for the last 5 days with no internet connection so I have missed my daily blog fix.
I am looking forward to catching up this evening when I can read through everything properly. Like you I love reading everyone's comments they are funny.
Have a good day, thinking of you. Love
Nix xxx
Dear Ali and family,
Sending lots of love and some sunshine from Nuernberg. Won´t bother you with german jokes..they don´t always get a laugh.
much love,
fiona washbrooke
Morning Ali and the support team.
Hope you have a restful day together. Its "persisting" down in Wales, but I can see a ray of sunshine coming through - just like you Ali, you are continually a ray of sunshine to all those around you.
Love you
Rach xxx
Hello Ali and team Rainback
Just a wee note to say thinking of you all and glad to hear that Hospice is taking such good care of you.
The sun has at last come out here in France so I hope that it is shining for you all today as well.
Hugs
SUmmersc
We are all sitting in your circle of light Ali, thinking of you and wishing you and your amazing family a peaceful day. Stay strong, you are surrounded by so much love we can all feel it no matter how far away we may be.
Hi Ali,
What giggles the blog is full of today. Your team of torch bearers is certainly making me smile and laugh. It's unexpected, but good.
I wanted you to be the second to know, that after a final decision point training run yesterday... I now have a place in the Dublin marathon! It'll be my first marathon... eek!
No jokes from me at the moment. Still getting the hang of the idea that I'll be running my first ever marathon... on my birthday! Seems the joke's on me.
My Dad was the first to know. When I showed him the place confirmation his first comment was "Why do you have to pay more to enter than your friend Annette?" Not quite the excited, proud reaction I was hoping for, but then also good to know that he's staying true to his understated form (I remember coming home from school having just been to collect my GCSE results and said to him 'I've passed my exams!' he replied 'what exams?'. Bless).
I hope you'll come to Dublin to support me.
Rest well and keep on keeping on.
Michelle x
Hi Ali and the team!
Just to let you all know that we are thinking of you all.
What's the difference between a cat and a comma? One has claws at the end of its paws and one has a pause at the end of its clause.
You need a Scottish accent for this: What's the difference between Bing Crosby and Walt Disney? Bing sings and Walt disney!
Much love,
Marzie and Jo
Hey Ali,
I've found it very hard to write anything since I read Linz' comments last night. The keyboard keeps disappearing into a blur and the words fail me.
But I just wanted you to be sure that I'm still here, reading the blog, carrying a torch and joining in with the singsong.
Much Love
J-A
Ali,
I went into Harpenden library on Saturday with my trouser bottoms folded up. I thought - That's a turn up for the books.
Thinking of you
Russell Husbands
Hey Ali!
I came back to my car the other day and domeone has put a note on the windscreen that read: 'Parking fine'. So that was nice.
Two cannibals were eating a clown. One turns to the other and asks: "Does this taste funny to you?"
"Doctor, doctor, I can't stop singing "The Green Green Grass of Home."
"That sounds like Tom Jones Syndrome to me."
"Is it common?"
"It's not unusual."
As you can tell, I'm not really one for the deep and philosophical. However, here's something from Aristotle, and for once it's not all Greek to me, but rather I think it sums you up very well:
"The beauty of the soul shines out when a man bears with composure one heavy mischance after another, not because he does not feel them, but because he is a man of high and heroic temper."
Stay strong (and heroic!)
Love Ewan xxx
Hi ALi And Team Rainback - can't do jokes, so here is a quotation from a Sanskrit proverb that I just happened to read the other day - as you do;-
"For yesterday is but a dream
And tomorrow is only a vision
But today well lived
Makes every yesterday a dream of happiness
And every tomorrow a vision of hope
Look well therefore to this day."
If I could work it out it seems appropriate- thinking of you always,and carrying that torch with the rest of the multitude.
Love from Liz & Keith.
bonjour a tous
i ve just realised it might get quite hard to read in french so i thought i would carry on in english for now, unless you let me know if you want me to carry on in french.
i hope this message will find you rested and peaceful.
there is not much more to say today except the massive noise from outside because EDF, the electricity compagny is putting all the electrics lines underground so our view will be much better but i can t rest in the afternoon, cause of all their big machines and stuffs.
but it will improve so much the environment here.
about the next season, i don't think i will be able to teach in Meribel, except maybe for few weeks in easter and that makes me a bit disapointed because i need to tell you how much i love working for New Gen.
The last 2 years has been so, so brilliant with the team in the office and the other ski instructors and all the lessons i had, without much of a complains from clients...
it s been so good, and i know i will miss it.
but i know there will be always a place in the ski school for me at some point.
all these memories makes me think about the first time we ve spoken in the Courchevel 1650 bubbles, when you were talking about some lyrics for a ( i don' t remember) anthem maybe rugby song...
whatever!!!
i ve realised how passioned you were, talking about that and the way you were speaking to your clients.
you've always been a "modèle" (understand???) for me and i ve been so inspired for all my lessons since...
and i remember when we first met together in the cafeteria Casino in alberville, i thought it was pretty weird to meet my possible future boss in such a café...
and i feel so happy today that 2 years ago i made the good decision to move to New Gen.
can you let us know if we can text you on your mobile, just sometimes to say hello, i don't know if you can have ur mobile with you.
i ll try to text you soon then.
i will put some new pictures on my facebook profile about my new "body shape..."
go and check them out.
i hope Jeanette is fine as well and all your family too.
i better go because i need to take the advantage of some sun rays outside.
take care Ali, and again, if Jet needs some week ends or days away from work or courchevel or just need a place to saty for few days, few nights, we will be more than happy to welcome her at home.
specially if she check the new pictures, she won't be able to resist...
well, take care.
martin says hello and we send our love to you and everyone near you;
gazelle
Dear Ali, Jeanette and all family Rainbacks,
I am rubbish at jokes, always used to try them when teaching now and again, but never worked, had to find some other funny things to entertain clients!! We shall not go in to that!
I saw this one today and hope you do not mind me sending it to you....as it reminds me so much of you..
To laugh often and much; to win the respect of intelligent people and affection of children; to earn the appreciation of honest critics and to endure the betrayal of false friends; to appreciate beauty, to find the best in others; to leave the world a bit better; whether by a love ones memories, a garden patch, or a redeemed social ambition; to know even one life has breathed easier because you have lived. This is to have succeeded.
Much love to you all and thoughts, Sally & family XX
Hi Ali,
I hope you have had a better day today. Possibly a bit of wine and chocolate.
I am up in bonny Scotland, Inverness to be precise, on business not pleasure. What a lovely place this is. Apparently one of the biggest growing cities in the UK, along with Belfast.
Anyway wanted to let you know I was thinking of you mate.
Have a good night sleep, stay tough mate, keep strong.
Love Craig xx
Hi there Ali!
Whenever we think of you we smile and remember happy, funny and crazy times. The European Cup has brought back the memories of your fantastic world cup song and how excited you were about it all - what an adventure that was!! Your enthusiasm was as infectious as ever.
You are never far from our thoughts and always in our prayers.
Say a big thanks to Jeanette for the text last week - we really couldn't get over how happy you made us feel just by saying hello.
With love and big hugs from us all,
Siobhan, Stephen, Hannah, Mimi and Issy xxxxx
Hey Ali,
can't believe you've inspired Dave Morris to have 3 glasses of wine! I am pretty sure he's making that bit up as there is no way he'd be able to type after that!
I am so glad you are in a lovely place, with loving people around you. Keep smiling mate, we are thinking of you all out here in the Alps.
Lots of love Paul G, Kate and George
Hey Ali,
Just heading off for an early night and thought I'd wish you sweet dreams.
I wrote 100 questions for a quiz for a friend yesterday and as a thank you she gave my husband and I TWO 400g bars of chocolate, as she had assumed he'd helped me. As if! I might let him lick the wrapper, if he's lucky!
Thinking of you lots, AllyBally
J-A
Hi Ali
Hmmmm - so a joke is the password for today.
Two fish in a tank, one turns to the other and says....do you know how to drive this bl***y thing?!
Old but gold.
The new photos are lovely, keep them coming.
My mum spent some time in St Francis, so I know exactly what you mean when you say how fantastic the whole team is there. I shall never forget them and I was last there nearly ten years ago.
Hope you are sleeping soundly at the moment.
Thinking of you loads.
Lots of love to you and all the family
Jules A xxx
Hey dude,
Thought I'd leave you some more jokes to make smile but wont be rude like the last one I promise.
What do u call a man with a car on his head? Jack!
What do u call a man floating in the sea? Bob!
Did u hear about the dyslexic prostitute who walked into a warehouse?
Take care
Gordi
Dearest Ali
The sun is out for you again today so hope you can see it from your room shining on the beautiful garden outside and making your tree grow stronger.
I (Chris) cannot tell a joke but have found all those above very funny and I am sure you will have a huge smile across your face when the blogs are read out to you. Sally's last paragraph above is so true of you and we echo those words.
Hope you have a good day with all those close to you. Thinking of you lots and lots and sending the biggest hugs ever.
The Conways
Chris, David, Stewart, Jo, Freya, Sarah and Daniel xxxxxxxx
Dear Ali and Team Rainback,
We are all thinking of you constantly, our love to you all.
The Beaumonts
Morning Ali and the team.
Hope you spend some lovely time together today. I know Tom is visiting so I hope,Ali, that you are awake for a while to spend some time with him also.
Crazy dog tried to chase a foal in the field this morning, I told him it was far too big for him but he didn't listen. His name is Souka, but to be honest sometimes, when he is naughty, I feel like changing his name to something that rhymes with "Souka!", if you catch my drift! Then other times when he is a little lamb, i just love him!
Miss you
Rach xx
Hey Ali,
Jokes are definately not my thing, but here we go;
An man walks into a bar. The bartender looks at him and notices he has a steering wheel stuck down the front of his pants. "Hey," he says, "What's with the steering wheel down your pants?"
"Ach," says the man, "it's drivin' me nuts!"
Thinking of you mate. Best wishes,
Rowan.
Hey Ali,
Lovely sunny day here in Colchester and I got in to work to the following joke from my boss:-
A man drives to a petrol station and has his tank filled up. The petrol attendant spots two penguins sitting in the back seat of the car.
He asks the driver, "What's up with the penguins in the back seat?"
The man in the car says "I found them. I asked myself what to do with them, but I haven't had a clue."
The attendant ponders a bit then says, "You should take them to the zoo."
"Hey, that's a good idea," says the man in the car and drives away.
The next day the man with the car is back at the same station. The attendant sees the penguins are still in the back seat of the car.
"Hey, they're still here! I thought you were going to take them to the zoo."
"Oh, I did," says the driver, "And we had a great time. Today I am taking them to the beach."
Made me laugh, hope it did you too!
Lots of love
J-A
I was walking along the pavement when this really drunk fella (he'd had three glasses of wine...) grabbed my arm and said "Where's the other side of the road...?"
"Over there" said I, pointing it out.
"Some idiot just sent me over here!" he grumbled...
Hoping you have a good day Ali & team R.
Kelvin
Hi Ali
its me emma chambers from skiing.me and my friends have made up some funny jokes for you.
why did the orange cross the road?
because he wanted to play squash.
doctor doctor i fell like a pair of curtains.
pull your self together then.
i hped you liked them we have manny more
from emma
age 11
hi ali I have sent you some foie gras but don't eat it ;we are still walking and thinking of you at each of those roadside stone crosses ;these crosses were intially put there all those centuries ago to ward off evil spirits hoping our thoughts will help;tomorrow we leave CAHORS WITH YOU IN OUR THOUGHTS MARK AND LILI LES PELERINS
Dear Ali and team
Your mum has written such lovely words.
I am so glad that you are being looked after by such a great team.
We think of you all lots and hope that you can enjoy some of the lovely day today.
Love Clair and Martin
Hi all , hope you are all getting some sleep and having laughs when ali is up to it . I will most likely see some of you at the weekend when i look after the boys Big hugs ali , thinking of you heaps .xxxxx
lisa loooo
two termites walk into a bar
One says to the other
"is the bar tender here?"
A pair of Hotpants walks into a bar
THe barman says
"we don't serve shorts"
A piece of string walks into a bar
"are you a piece of string?" said the barman"
"No", said the piece of string "I'm a frayed knot"
Hi Ali and Team Rainback
We are so glad that you have an amazing team to look after you all - it does make a huge difference. You are in our thoughts all the time, keep smiling, stay strong and keep writting!
Sending you lots of love and huge hugs!
Pops and Mat
"When was the last time you did something for the first time?" I once heard someone ask. I bet for you Ali it is never long. I had to think about it.
Well I am currently in Egpyt learning to kitesurf and am not built for the heat - where is the snow?
Am getting very very very frustrated with it but every time I am dumped in the water upside down, inside out and every other way you can think of I think of you! As I know if it was you you'd come back up with salt water and sand everywhere you don’t want it (actually is there anywhere you would want it?) smiling and getting back up there. So that's what I am doing (perhaps not smiling as much all the time!!) and am determined to crack it. Ali – you are inspiring us in many different ways!!
Though haven’t been out today as the Egyptian god of stomachs has put his curse on me!
No Egyptian jokes but sending lots of thoughts, hugs and love from sunny Egypt!
Rich E
Hi Ali - we think about you all the time as well as your Mum and Dad, what a team, and how lovely to return from sunny Leeds today and read all the fantastic messages. I think the old but gold comment was very apt !
Here's another - what lies at the bottom of the ocean and shivers.....a nervous wreck !
All our love, Roger and Carol
Hey Ali,
The husband sends these jokes for you
Q. How many surrealists does it take to change a light bulb?
A. Fish.
Also
Q. Why can't Helen Keller drive?
A. Because she's a woman!
He's still sulking over the chocolate!
Lots of love
J-A
Dearest Ali
Just to say, good night, sleep tight with sweet and peaceful dreams. We will be in touch again tomorrow.
Lots and lots of love and huge hugs as always. All our love to all the Rainback team too.
The Conways
Chris, David, Stewart, Jo, Freya, Sarah & Daniel xxxxxxx
hey ali,
hang in there big fella.
Q how do turn a duck into a soul singer?
A put it in an oven untill its bill withers.
as a wise man once said " a heart is not judged by how much you love, but how much you are loved by others" actually it was the wizard from the wizard of oz speaking to the tin man, but i think it is quite apt in this case.
keep fighting
martin creasey
Hey Ali,
Hope you had a good night's sleep and awoke fully revitalised ready to brave the sunshine and your little patio.
Glyn has been up in Stockton on Tees for the last two days carrying out an investigation (I'm being debriefed today - lucky me eh!) and I was talking to his sister yesterday, who was telling me how his chickens have been missing him. Apparently, when he's fannying about in his garden they follow him around and he talks to them. When she's been going around to his house to feed them etc, they all line up at the entrance of their outside run and expect to be let out and start chattering (can chickens chatter?) when they see her. How funny is that!? He's now known at work as The Chicken Whisperer. I wonder who started that nickname...
Right, I suppose I'd better go and do the work thing - how dull. However, there is a birthday today so there'll be cakes - woohoo!!
Hope you have a lovely day and spend lots of time with your family and friends.
Sending big hugs and lots of love
J-A
Dearest Ali
The sun is up and its shining for you again today. Hope you manage to soak up some rays. Stay strong Ali and keep smiling, all those around you love your so much and your sunny smile. We are thinking of you constantly and praying you have a happy day today with your wonderful family.
Love and huge hugs
The Conways
Chris, David, Stewart, Jo, Freya, Sarah & Daniel xxxxxx
Dear Ali,
Ski on in your dreams and find peace within the mountains...
thinking of you and your family.
Hi Ali,
what key opens any lock?....
a Pikey!
The weekend is upon us and the sun is shining in hong kong. i'm taking the boat out tomorrow with Fat John for his birthday then drinking vodka till the sun comes up. On sunday, i will mostly be in trouble with Lindsey.
love from HK
richie rich xx
Dearest Ali,
How are you today? I hope you have had a peaceful couple of days and some good moments with J & the family...possibly even some wine and chocolate?
I'm having some technical difficulties with my internet at home, so have to sneek onto your blog at work. I need Rach (other wise known as New Gen's Technical Support!) to help me out with the internet at home...it's like setting up the Meribel shop all over again.
Sending you and the Rainback team lots and lots of love. You are in my thoughts and prayers, Nix xxx
PS the triathlon effort raised £1,200 for the Hospice - thank you to fellow bloggers who donated - great effort team :-)
Ali,
I've been looking back through your blog for the comment from your nurse ... is it Rosie? I can't find it. Anyway, she referred to a quote from Leonard Cohen and I knew then that she is a woman of exceptional judgement and impeccable taste!!
Please can you tell her that I have a spare ticket to see Leonard Cohen at the O2 on 17th July and if she would like it she is more than welcome to it. It'd be a privilege for me to give it to someone who is taking good care of you.
Please ask her to drop me a line - nibbers@gmail.com
Sending lots of love
Gill
Ali,
I hope you are feeling ok today mate. I just wanted to thank you for three things mate
1. Your help in our training for our Grade 3 together and eventually getting our 'magnet badges'
2. Informing me that indeed you could actually ski on snow in Australia!
3. That baguettes do actually make great swords! Especially against Mr Ling!
Hope you have a good weekend mate
Stew, Jo and Freya x
Hi Ali and the team
Thinking about you every day.
Hope that you're rested, calm and comfortable today Ali.
Miss you mate
Lots of love
Rach xxxx
Hi Ali and family. Just back from vagabonding......very wet time, but enough sun to prevent mould growth!
Good to read all the posts and support from the ever growing fan club. Someone dubbed you "Rainbow family": it certainly fits.
Young bull and old bull at the top of a hill see a herd of cows below.
Young bull...."Let's run down and have one".
Old bull...."No,let's walk down and have 'em all.
Good thoughts and wishes to you all at Team Rainback. Awrabest.
Welcome back Awrabest!
Please can we have a vagabonding update!!
Hi Ali and everyone,
Welcome back Awrabest - you've been missed! Hope you had a good time.
Ali, hope you're feeling calm and restful, and enjoying all the daft jokes (I certainly am!) Look forward to signing in again after the weekend to see how you are and for more funnies.
Have a nice weekend Rainbacks, Bloggers et al.
Sheila
xx
Hi Ali and Team,
Hope you all have a decent weekend and thinking of you all lots, as ever. Remember " Laughter is a tranquilizer with no side effects " - think you have known that for years Ali . Many thoughts and prayers coming your way. Love Sally en familie XX
Hi Ali and all the family
'Your way is not soft grass, it's a mountain path with lots of rocks. But it goes upwards, fowards, towards the sun'
stay strong and know that we are all thinking of you.
lots of love
jemma
Dearest Ali
Just wanted to say goodnight to you and all the Rainbow crew. Sleep tight with sweet and peaceful dreams.
Lots of love and huge huge hugs
The Conways
Chris, David, Stewart, Jo, Freya, Sarah & Daniel xxxxx
Hi Ali,
still following the Blog and continuing to read every entry. You and yours are all in our thoughts and hearts daily.
Robin and Olwena XXX
Good Morning Ali and family,
A new day - new tone of comment.
I hope you can feel comfortable and loved today - as everyday.
Gala day in Elgol and it is bright and sunny on the Isle of Skye. When the sun does come out here, it's truly beautiful. Ali, I know you came up here to see John on Raasay a few years ago. I hope you saw the views in the sunshine.
Anyway, I have got you an 'Ali Rainback' duck, you are number 232 (out of 500). Oh yes, they do chuck 500 little yellow ducks in the burn - should be a sight to see. I'll let you know how 'Ali Rainback' duck gets on fighting the fight from hillside to beach.
with love
Cathy, John, Jack and Sophie Hendry XX
Just realised the comment above mine may disappear - if so please ignore the 'tone' comment - don't want to upset fellow bloggers!
Hey Ali,
Been thinking about you a lot this morning. Woke up very early (extremely unlike me at the weekend) and couldn't get back to sleep. Chatted a lot to the big man upstairs.
We all love you Ali. I really hope you know that.
As Diana said once before, and we are totally behind her, this is a wonderful record of an amazing man and it should stay that way.
Lots of love
J-A
Ali and Family,
I hope you dont mind but I gave you blog address to someone also diagnosed with an astrocytoma. She is just a little older than you and scared of the future. I hoped that she could draw some inspiration and strength from the courage you have all shown. You have set an example to be proud of.
And in the future I will recommend to many other patients that they do as you have done.
Thinking of you all
Dearest Ali
Another day dawns and we are forever thankful that we have been so privileged to have you as a friend. Your smile is something we all cherish and always will. You are not only the sunshine in our lives but also that bright star that Dicky M is sailing his boat by (shall steer my boat by many a star and none of them will be as bright as you have shone) That is so true of you Ali and all your family, and friends near and far share this we are certain. One has only to read all the blogs to know how very special you are.
Keep fighting Ali, we all want to share as much time with you as possible.
Have a special day with your dear family, Jeanette and all the Rainbow crew.
All our love and huge huge hugs
The Conways
Chris, David, Stewart, Jo, Freya, Sarah and Daniel xxxxxx
Hi Ali,
Thinking of you, I hope you have a peaceful weekend, with some wine and chocolate. They say the sun will come out later and tomorrow looks good too. My Sister sends her love to you, we were only taking last night on the phone and chatting about the word Ewan used, heroic Ali, happy, smilely and loveable guy he is. She then told me she was pregnant again and 11 weeks gone. So we had a great chat on the phone.
Stay strong mate, keep on keeping on with your emmence strength.
Love Craig and Tash xx
Hi Ali, Jeanette and all the Rainbows
I have just been reading the weekend papers and all seems to be doom and gloom. What a difference to log on and read your blog and the wonderful, positive, funny and loving comments left by your many friends.
What a different place it would be if we all had your amazing attitude and looked for every little bit of wonder in our world. We are all very privileged to have had contact with the Rainback family and you are an inspiration to us all.
Thinking of you and hoping that the sunshine soon breaks through down there in Berkamsted. The rain has just started falling up here in Norfolk and, looking on the bright side, the garden will welcome it and reward us with beautiful flowers through the summer.
With our love
Jeanette & Tony x
Hey Ali!
I got back from uni a week ago now and it's really nice to be home! Would really love to see you though, been thinking of you lots! I think the whole delaney household is really! Missing seing u in your lovely ski leggins dancing around the house in meribel hehe. Good times! Other sooz sends her love too by the way whilst she's on her travels! Take care Ali, lots and lots of love, Suzie x x x x
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