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Dad - various and with Bob Hope
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Welcome to John "Johnny" Bourns web presence.
Squadron Leader - Retd.
18 October 1928 - 24 August 2008
A year without Dad:
Today marked the end of the first sad year without my Dad. Me and my family walked to Dads favourite spot, and placed some flowers. It was rather grey when we set out, but the sunset started to light the sky. It is indeed a lovely, peaceful spot. We sat on "his" bench where he used to sit whilst he walked his dogs and frequently met some of his friends for a chat. The memories of the darkest times he endured at the hands of others were replaced with happier memories.
My own family miss him, and sadly, thanks to others, all I have to remember my father with are the memories, a few photos, and this was the only place which was never spoiled for him or tarnished for us.
The Media Zone
A new section has been added and is password protected. This section contains an anti-elder abuse viral campaign and more personal insights into elder abuse from a family perspective and from a victims perspective. Access in the past has been granted to several elder care organisations and press. If you would like access, please get in touch via the forums.
For Dad:
Dad, in tears we saw you sinking,
We watched you bravely fade away.
You suffered so much in silence,
Dad, you fought so hard to stay.
You faced your all recent tasks with such courage.
The Bourn spirit did not bend,
and still you kept on fighting until the very end.
Dad, He saw you getting tired.
When a release was not to be.
So He put his arms around you and whispered "Johnny, come to me".
So when we saw you sleeping so peaceful, at last free from fear and strain.
We could not wish you back,
to suffer that again.
Love, Ianxx.
John Bourn was a caring father of three and great Grandpa to nine! with a new Grandchild due later in January 2009 which sadly he will not meet as Dad passed away on 24 August 2008. He was diagnosed with Alzheimer's in 2000/2001 and eventually suffered a Brain Stem stroke. He fought his condition with great courage, he took on those who wished him harm with vigour and was determined to to see justice served and rid himself from the darkest of times. Ian writes "Abuse occurs when people mistreat or misuse other people, showing no concern for their integrity or innate worth as individuals, and in a manner that degrades their well being. Abusers frequently are interested in controlling their victims. They use abusive behaviours to manipulate their victims into submission or compliance with their will. Dad was such a victim".
Grandpa's Lights...
He loved seeing the Grandchildren all play together, and when he knew they were coming - he always remembered to get some sweets. He would delight in handing out the sweets and enjoy any hugs and kisses he got.