Mouldy's husband killed in Russian mine

Subject: RE: Mouldy's husband killed in Russian mine
From: Hawker
Date: 29 Mar 07 - 03:53 PM

Andrea,
Though I don't know you, your sincerity and honesty have shone through in your posts - as has your love and respect for your Ian - and your sense of humour. I think all who have visited this thread have been touched by your humility and strength and I know that there are many, like me, who will be thinking of you and holding you in our hearts tomorrow. Keep strong.
Much Love, Lucy X

Subject: RE: Mouldy's husband killed in Russian mine
From: wysiwyg
Date: 29 Mar 07 - 03:28 PM

Condolences, from north central Pennsylvania.

~Susan & Greg

Subject: RE: Mouldy's husband killed in Russian mine
From: skipy
Date: 29 Mar 07 - 03:20 PM

There will be many "mudcat strangers" there with you tommorrow, lean on us, that is what we are for. We will be thinking of you.
Skipy, with a tissue!

Subject: RE: Mouldy's husband killed in Russian mine
From: Pistachio
Date: 29 Mar 07 - 03:07 PM

Condolences to you and your family from another saddened 'catter'.
Take care of yourselves - and let the wonder of mudcat hugs hold you as you say goodbye tomorrow. <<<<<<<<<<<<<<< x >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
Hazel.

Subject: RE: Mouldy's husband killed in Russian mine
From: catspaw49
Date: 29 Mar 07 - 08:41 AM

Andrea.....When you first joined us here at the 'Cat we had some funny interchanges about your screen name and it was obvious then that you had a great sense of humor. More to the point, you have humor in your soul and a willingness to view reality through several different lenses which gives you the ability to take the world from any point of view.......upside down or tilted sideways. I doubt there is anything I value more in a person than that ability and that skewed version of reality and the humor it spawns.

Somehow I have no doubt that you will find all the touchstones to get you through not just the next few days, but the rest of your life as well. And as the next days pass remember that this weird litle cyber community will be here...........for whatever that's worth! Hang in.....I am sure you will.

Spaw

Subject: RE: Mouldy's husband killed in Russian mine
From: Tig
Date: 29 Mar 07 - 08:07 AM

Hang in there Kidda - after tomorrow your life will start to (hopefully) return to more like normality for you - if anything about your life could be said to be normal!

We can sort the migraines from the alcohol later.

Love and HUGS
xxx

Subject: RE: Mouldy's husband killed in Russian mine
From: mouldy
Date: 29 Mar 07 - 03:05 AM

I have been told by my son to stop spreading rumours about winklepickers! (He's getting more and more like his dad every day, except he's 3" taller). Apparently what was actually said was that he is kitted up in the most expensive fashionable (Russian) style suit, and although nobody has actually checked, I should be warned that the latest fashion for shoes in Moscow is winklepickers. The undertaker will know, but I don't want my image of Ian's broad fitting size ten feet in winklepickers ruined!

In my mind he's still wearing 'em! He was wearing something along those lines the night I met him!

I'm in the calm before the storm at the moment. The undertaker has shown me a photo of the coffin: it's Canadian! It is a proper casket. He estimates it weighs about 15 stone without Ian, who wasn't much short of that himself. After measuring it John, the undertaker, thinks it'll go in the hearse with about one or two inches clearance at the top!

For any of you who will be there, apologies for the snivelling wreck that will dribble in and out of the church: I'm bad at funerals at the best of times! Also, we are expecting a LOT of people, and when I get round the corner into the Priory and see them, I'll just go off on one. It's also quite a long aisle (but the carpet's red, if my memory serves me right). The clergy are also going with the red theme, as are the staff of the Brewer's Arms! (Conveniently this Sunday's liturgical colour is red).
I'll be okay once we get to the pub and someone gets a drink into me.

The main stress at the moment is getting the booklets for the service done. They're nearly finished, and Cyril, the Rector, has suggested we print 250. I've even bought a posh new printer for the job...my old Epson would probably have imploded under the strain!
Got the financial advisor coming today, but he hasn't let me know when.

Andrea

Subject: RE: Mouldy's husband killed in Russian mine
From: Grab
Date: 28 Mar 07 - 07:12 PM

So sorry to hear about this - best wishes Mouldy.

Graham.

Subject: RE: Mouldy's husband killed in Russian mine
From: Tig
Date: 28 Mar 07 - 03:47 PM

Don't forget to wear a 'touch of red' if you are going to the funeral on Friday.

Subject: RE: Mouldy's husband killed in Russian mine
From: Tig
Date: 27 Mar 07 - 05:51 PM

Hmmm - winklepickers :-) Talk about surreal.

We'll be there too Andi.

Love and HUGS
xxxxxxxxxxx

Subject: RE: Mouldy's husband killed in Russian mine
From: GUEST,meself
Date: 27 Mar 07 - 10:49 AM

"the type of strength and grace that you have exhibited here" - well said, Big Mick ...

Subject: RE: Mouldy's husband killed in Russian mine
From: GUEST,ib48
Date: 27 Mar 07 - 10:45 AM

very sorry to hear this,thoughts go out to you from murton county durham.

Subject: RE: Mouldy's husband killed in Russian mine
From: katlaughing
Date: 27 Mar 07 - 10:39 AM

Well, being across the pond, I had to see what winklepickers were! You've made me smile with that one.

Keep writing to us, okay, and know you are held in our hearts and thoughts.

kat

Subject: RE: Mouldy's husband killed in Russian mine
From: Mrs.Duck
Date: 27 Mar 07 - 10:20 AM

We'll be there, Andrea - just hope the thought of the winklepickers doesn't give rise to a fit of giggles!!Don't think he'd mind though! Will ring later.

Subject: RE: Mouldy's husband killed in Russian mine
From: Barry Finn
Date: 27 Mar 07 - 06:52 AM

I hope that from here on in the sun will shine over your shoulders for the rest of your days. Good luck & take the best care of yourself, you deserve it Andrea.

Barry

Subject: RE: Mouldy's husband killed in Russian mine
From: Big Mick
Date: 27 Mar 07 - 06:51 AM

mouldy, whether you realize it or not, you are teaching many of us as to what it is like to walk with grace. From where ever you are drawing it, your strength of character and absolute love of Ian just comes pouring through. Dealing with this type of event is very difficult. When my time comes to do so, I pray that I will have the type of strength and grace that you have exhibited here.

One day we will meet, and I look forward to that. In the meantime I hope you take some comfort from the knowledge that there are many people around the world who are with you in spirit and love right now. We need not worry about finding Ian's voice, it is alive and well in you, Ruth, Alex, and Eleanor.

Bless you, ..... and thank you.

Mick

Subject: RE: Mouldy's husband killed in Russian mine
From: mouldy
Date: 27 Mar 07 - 06:26 AM

For all you out there who knew Ian, and his - hrmm - sartorial taste...
He is taking his ease in a huge American style casket, which JUST fits into the hearse, and he is dressed, apparently in a very expensive (Russian) suit, with the absolute latest fashion Russian footwear - winklepickers! This is what I have been told.

I have been receiving letters from people who knew Ian and worked with him, but also, today, one from an association of ex Bevin Boys, who feel solidarity with anyone in the mining industry, especially at times like these.

The funeral is set for midday on Friday. The Rector's due here in a minute to sort out the service with me.

You are right. I can express my feelings better sometimes by writing them down. It gives me time to think. His company forwarded some photos they had been sent of him, including some out with the Hash. There's one of him in his bright orangr Sarajevo Hash T shirt, sitting by a lake with what is probably an empty can of Baltica by his side, and with his fingers in his mouth pulling a face and leering directly at the camera. It's on my desktop now, so every time I boot up the computer he gets greeted...usually at the moment, "Git!" or "You bastard!" Since we've got him back I've been more emotional, and cursing him for getting me into the state I'm in does help.

Andrea

Subject: RE: Mouldy's husband killed in Russian mine
From: katlaughing
Date: 27 Mar 07 - 03:40 AM

I second what Skarpi put so eloquently. You are full of grace and we are blessed by your sharing, even though it was brought on by such a tragedy.

{{{{{{{Andrea & family}}}}}}}}

Subject: RE: Mouldy's husband killed in Russian mine
From: alison
Date: 27 Mar 07 - 01:38 AM

really to sorry to hear this

hugs and good thoughts from Oz

slainte

alison

Subject: RE: Mouldy's husband killed in Russian mine
From: Bee
Date: 26 Mar 07 - 07:01 AM

As we say in Cape Breton, sorry for your trouble. It does sound like you have around you a fine collection of family and friends, and that is a very good thing. Remember to care for yourself over the next hard days.

Bee

Subject: RE: Mouldy's husband killed in Russian mine
From: skarpi
Date: 26 Mar 07 - 05:28 AM

Andrea you are a brave woman , to come out and tell us all this
I hope and I know it help to write or talk about hard matters
that we go through on our lifepath , I know its hard next days
and weeks so be strong , talk about it , cry about it , tell
your feelings to someone you trust , you have something that
noone can take away from you , the memory of Ian ...........


school of life ..........its hard to be in that school .

Again deepest sympathy from me to you and yours and may
god be with you through this time ahead .

All the best Skarpi Iceland.

Subject: RE: Mouldy's husband killed in Russian mine
From: mouldy
Date: 26 Mar 07 - 04:45 AM

Thanks everyone.

We met with the guy who escorted him back to the UK last night, and he brought Ian's personal effects from Kemerovo, including his two rings which he was wearing when he died. There is no damage to them at all. I have the comfort of knowing that death was almost certainly instant - carbon monoxide - or black damp as it used to be called in the mines. I believe there are injuries to his lower body, but they did not contribute to his death. Obviously this is what Mark was told, and has relayed to us. I haven't yet got the death certificate: all the coroner stuff starts today. But at the moment I know what I needed to know.

The night after I found out about his death, and just as I was trying to sleep, I had a vivid image flash twice in succession into my mind of Ian being pulled out from under some fallen rock, but was only buried from the waist down. He looked peaceful, and only had one or two small cuts about his face. Over the last few days the possibility of CO poisoning has been foremost in my mind, and although I feel more weepy today as now I have his stuff it is all real, I have a tremendous feeling of inner peace. Things could have been much more violent.

The office staff in Moscow are absolutely devastated by Ian's death and I have had a lovely letter from them. Also, Mark showed me a photo he had taken of Ian's desk, which is all neat and tidy, and covered in flowers.

Andrea

Subject: RE: Mouldy's husband killed in Russian mine
From: GUEST,KT
Date: 25 Mar 07 - 11:38 PM

Mouldy, please know that someone in Alaska is holding you in heart, thought and prayer. I'm so sorry for your loss. KT

Subject: RE: Mouldy's husband killed in Russian mine
From: AllisonA(Animaterra)
Date: 25 Mar 07 - 05:03 PM

I'm just finding this now. Dear Mouldy, you are in my thoughts and in my heart. I've suffered sudden loss of a partner, too, and know about the shock, and the after-shocks. I'm just sitting here with you, keeping company for awhile. Take care of yourself, my dear.

Subject: RE: Mouldy's husband killed in Russian mine
From: mouldy
Date: 25 Mar 07 - 10:30 AM

Thanks Paul

It must be 20 years since we last saw you!
If you want to get in touch, you can PM me from here, or use [e-mail]

The young lad you last saw is now coming up for 28 and is 6'4"!

Andi

Subject: RE: Mouldy's husband killed in Russian mine
From: GUEST,Paul Warwick
Date: 25 Mar 07 - 05:22 AM

Dearest Andi


I was deeply saddened to here the news of Ian's death

My thoughts are with you & all the family at this time

I will always have the fondest memories of Ian and the pint of Shipo's we used to share

Paul Warwick

Subject: RE: Mouldy's husband killed in Russian mine
From: John MacKenzie
Date: 25 Mar 07 - 05:20 AM

I have read your posts with a lump in my throat, and I am full of admiration for your courage.
My sincere condolences, and I wish you continued strength and the support of your family, to help you through the difficult days.
I hope also, that the support of this Mudcat community helps you cope.
Giok

Subject: RE: Mouldy's husband killed in Russian mine
From: Hollowfox
Date: 24 Mar 07 - 04:41 PM

I am So sorry to hear this. I'd hug you if I could, Mouldy. My thoughts and prayers go out for you, and yes, a candle will be lit for you and yours tonight when I get home.

Subject: RE: Mouldy's husband killed in Russian mine
From: Les from Hull
Date: 24 Mar 07 - 03:42 PM

Deepest sympathy and virtual hugs from Maggie and me and your other friends in the Hull area, Andrea. We're very sorry for your loss.

Subject: RE: Mouldy's husband killed in Russian mine
From: bfdk
Date: 24 Mar 07 - 10:08 AM

Sincerest condolences from Denmark as well.

Best wishes,

Bente

Subject: RE: Mouldy's husband killed in Russian mine
From: Linda Goodman Zebooker
Date: 24 Mar 07 - 10:04 AM

I'm very sorry for your loss. You seem like such a brave person. My sympathy to you and your family.

Linda

Subject: RE: Mouldy's husband killed in Russian mine
From: jacqui.c
Date: 24 Mar 07 - 07:27 AM

One day at a time Andrea.

Thank you for keeping us updated at such a time. You kow that we are here and there are a lot of people who do care.

Tonight we will be going to a House Concert with a lot of other Mudcatters. I'll raise a glass to you and Ian there.

Subject: RE: Mouldy's husband killed in Russian mine
From: GUEST
Date: 24 Mar 07 - 07:26 AM

Dear Andrea,

I rememeber meeting and chatting to you at a Yorkshire Gathering several years ago and winning a raffle prize you made.

My deepest condolences and sympathy to you and your family in these most difficult times.

Subject: RE: Mouldy's husband killed in Russian mine
From: skarpi
Date: 24 Mar 07 - 07:22 AM

Hallo Andrea, my deepest Sympathy and condolences .. to and your
family ...... what can we say ....... I am sending hugs and thoughts
to you over the ocean from the N-Atlandic ocean .

All the best Skarpi Iceland.

Subject: RE: Mouldy's husband killed in Russian mine
From: GUEST,meself
Date: 24 Mar 07 - 06:34 AM

Sympathy and condolences ...

Subject: RE: Mouldy's husband killed in Russian mine
From: freda underhill
Date: 24 Mar 07 - 06:01 AM

I am very sorry to hear this very sad news.

all my best wishes

freda

Subject: RE: Mouldy's husband killed in Russian mine
From: mouldy
Date: 24 Mar 07 - 04:26 AM

Managed a reasonably good night thanks to a couple of little white pills and a half of Hambleton ale. The cough that decided to start last night did its best, but I slugged some of the old Potter's and it did the trick. I had my first foray into the social world last night for an hour, and went to the Jemmy Hirst in Rawcliffe. Some of you will know the place and what a friendly and gently welcoming place it is. With an ex police officer landlady, you are in very good hands at a time like this. The son of one of my friends from church is a regular, and he was straight in for a cuddle and a kiss, despite me probably moving around in a viral fog. I DID warn him ....

Ian will arrive at Heathrow this evening. Mark Mounde, who has been with him all the way, is then being kicked home to his wife in Doncaster before he joins Ian in the real sense! A couple of the company directors are then going to escort him north. The Russians have already, apparently "done the business". He has been embalmed, and they have provided him with a top-range coffin. We don't know what it's like, but Mark says he's seen how much it cost! Pity it'll be burnt, really.
Reality will hit me tomorrow evening when Mark is coming with a Jiffy bag sized amount of Ian's effects: presumably the stuff he had with him at the mine. More than likely this will include his rings, if they've been able to remove them. Stand by for the hysterics.

Otherwise I have been writing a letter to go to people I haven't yet been able to contact, and also sending out details of the disaster fund, to which donations can be made by using the nominated corresponding banks and following the route through to the fund account.
If anyone feels inclined to do anything, pm me with your email address and I'll send you the details. There are 2 routes, one for dollars and one for euros.

Andrea

Subject: RE: Mouldy's husband killed in Russian mine
From: Partridge
Date: 23 Mar 07 - 03:05 PM

Hi Andrea,

Hope the blood pressure was ok.

Black humour was one of the devises that helped me when my dad died, its strange the things that you can laugh about in the middle of a tragedy, perhaps its the body's coping mechanism. "Laughing, crying its the same release" I think thats part of a song, but its about right.

If you need to talk "bollocks" you know that there are many here prepared to listen - and probably understand somewhat.

Hope you have a better nights sleep,

love

Pat xxx

Subject: RE: Mouldy's husband killed in Russian mine
From: mouldy
Date: 23 Mar 07 - 04:19 AM

Thanks folks.
I've actually slept 3 or 4 hours last night, which puts me up to 6 or 7 since Tuesday!
Tig can mother me as much as she likes!
Signing off again now as i have a docs appointment (the old blood pressure) and I have to get going.

Once again, thanks to all of you for your support - and humour.
The deep black humour kicked in here not long after I got the news - the bugger always said he wanted to go out with a bang, and he never was one to do things by halves!

Yesterday was a good day for me. Today? well we'll see.

Andrea xx

Subject: RE: Mouldy's husband killed in Russian mine
From: JennyO
Date: 23 Mar 07 - 12:54 AM

I think under these circumstances, mother hen-ing is definitely a Good Thing. There are times when we really need that, and this is definitely one of those times.

Andrea, one of the best things I have found to strengthen the immune system, and also to ease the symptoms of a cold, is astragalus. The one we have here in Oz is called AstraForte. I get it from a health food shop. You only need small amounts of it - I like to add hot water to AstraForte Liquid and sip it. I can feel it doing me good. It just might help you a bit if you can get it over there.

I can also recommend the herbal flower essences, like Emergency Essence, which also might help. It has worked for me in the past when I was under stress.

Subject: RE: Mouldy's husband killed in Russian mine
From: Tig
Date: 22 Mar 07 - 06:53 PM

Not your talking bollocks Jane - the description of me Mother Hen-ing!
I wasn't doing it on purpose, honest :-(

Subject: RE: Mouldy's husband killed in Russian mine
From: Mrs.Duck
Date: 22 Mar 07 - 03:45 PM

Tig, when Steve died Andrea had to put up with me ringing her up and rambling - it helped me a lot. Talking bollocks was her description :0)

Subject: RE: Mouldy's husband killed in Russian mine
From: Tig
Date: 22 Mar 07 - 03:24 PM

Hmmm. Not quite sure how to take that:-)

Subject: RE: Mouldy's husband killed in Russian mine
From: Mrs.Duck
Date: 22 Mar 07 - 03:01 PM

Take care of yourself, Andrea!! You know where we are and if you want to return the favour and talk bollocks to me I'm ready!

Subject: RE: Mouldy's husband killed in Russian mine
From: Partridge
Date: 22 Mar 07 - 02:53 PM

Hi Andrea, still thinking of you and yours, and am lighting a candle for Ian.
lots of love

Pat xxxxxx

Subject: RE: Mouldy's husband killed in Russian mine
From: mouldy
Date: 22 Mar 07 - 02:32 PM

The latest we have is that he will arrive at Heathrow about 6.30pm Saturday. Expected arrival up here about 1am, after the formalities this end. There is a guy who has gone out there to accompany Ian home, and who is working himself into the ground at the moment. The poor man is nearly dead on his feet.
It appears there IS a fund set up. Ian's company are making investigations about the best way to transfer money to it via their Moscow office. The company are also compiling a file of letters of condolence that they have received. A representative will be bringing it to the funeral.

Just had a nice chat with Tig on the phone. I have come down with a cold (immune system has bottomed out, I suppose) and she's been mother hen-ing me!

Andrea

Subject: RE: Mouldy's husband killed in Russian mine
From: katlaughing
Date: 22 Mar 07 - 09:32 AM

Thank you, Andrea and Ruth for taking the time to come here and share with us. Somewhere, I think it was Big Mick, who posted an old saying about sorrow shared being halved. I am sure it doesn't feel that way right now, but please come and "ramble on" all you need to and I hope that the sharing will help lessen the sorrow as time goes by.

Your Ian sounds as if he was a remarkable person, of a remarkable family. It is good to know he has left you in a position of being able to help others. How beautifully your souls shine through in your caring about others and wanting to help them.

Thank you, again, for sharing with us.

In sympathy,

kat

Subject: RE: Mouldy's husband killed in Russian mine
From: GUEST,jOhn
Date: 22 Mar 07 - 08:56 AM

Very sorry to hear this, my thoughts are with you.

John.

Subject: RE: Mouldy's husband killed in Russian mine
From: Partridge
Date: 22 Mar 07 - 07:22 AM

I'm so sorry to hear this Andrea, my heart goes out to you.

love

Pat xxxxxxxxxx

Subject: RE: Mouldy's husband killed in Russian mine
From: bbc
Date: 22 Mar 07 - 07:10 AM

Andrea & Ruth,

Thank you for taking the time, in the midst of this truly awful time for you, to write to us. Whether we've met you or not, many of us in this online community do sympathize with your suffering & do care.

Prayers from New York,

Love,

Barbara