Guy's Last Blog

November 25, 2011

Dear friends,
This is Guy's last blog, written by Inbal and Iris.

On November 20, 2011, Guy died after 4 years of living with multiple myeloma. At the time of his death, Guy was surrounded by love , with Shoshy holding him and Iris by his side. His passage out of his earthly life was smooth, painless and spiritual in our own improvised way. Although he never got to see her, he was a grandfather to Daniela Alona for one day.

Despite aggressive treatments and many discomforts, Guy really lived during his years of battling cancer, scheduling trips in between chemo sessions, eating the food he liked despite stomach aches, and always smiling so that those who love him did not feel his pain. Guy didn't even consider this eventuality. The eternal optimist, he believed that like everything else in life, when he planned well and did all the ground-work, things work out well. He inspired and comforted us throughout the last 4 years and we didn't consider any option either. Even in the last day of consciousness in hospital, when Ruthy said to him; "it'll be ok" he answered,"I'm not worried."

He loved Needham and this will be his resting place. The burial ceremony took place on November 22^nd, 2011, in the Needham cemetery where many of Guy’s friends and family gathered, both in physical presence and in spirit. It was a beautiful afternoon, with gentle sunshine coming through the trees, a day Guy would describe as perfect for pictures. We will also have a ceremony in Israel at a later date, which we will notify you.

We thank you for the very many messages we have received and your love and support in this difficult time. If you want to send a farewell message to Guy or write us to tell something about him, feel welcome to send messages to his email (guy.alon@gmail.com). We'll scan all emails and make a memorial album. We'll print the letters on paper and fold them into paper boats which we'll release on the sea during the memorial service in Israel.

Many of you have asked us what you can do to honor Guy’s memory. We will be putting a few memorial pieces (such as benches, paths, fountains, swings) in his name in Israel, the US, and other places where he liked to go. If you would like to participate, please see the information below. Once all is done we will email you with the locations.

We feel that even in this sad moment, Guy would want all of us to continue his sense of optimism, and remember that even though optimism sometimes may not change life’s course, the lesson from his life is that optimism gives life meaning and allows us to live with hope and love instead of fear.

Still inspired by Guy’s optimism,

The family

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For contributions in the US:

Shoshana Alon, 56 North Hill Ave, Needham, MA 02492

Contact Information for contributions in Israel:

שירלי וערן חמד

רח זיו 5
ראש העין
48571

E mail: eran_132@bezeqint.net

Post by Guy's family

November 7, 2011

Dear all followers of Guy's blog,

We hope the next blog will be written by Guy himself.

Meanwhile, we thought to let you know what is happening; Guy had the stem cell transplant and his body has had to deal with some serious complications. He is aided by all manners of medical technology, which we hope will do his body's work for him until his body can slowly recover and reclaim its functions. Since he is constantly on sedatives, the only communication we have with him is by our love for him. However, the situation is not desperate. We had a meeting with his team of doctors today and were told that there is still hope and sometimes people can recover even from intensive care.

We know you've all been moved by his blog. In Guy’s spirit of optimism, we all need to resolve that he'll pull through. We’re sure that your optimism and love will find its way to help both him and us.

Meanwhile, we are all knitting and waiting for Guy’s first granddaughter to be born.

The family