02/10/2020
To the Bethsaida Family, it is with regret that I must notify you all, on behalf of the family of one of our beloved BUMS, that Margaret Darnell is seriously ill, and has decided not to pursue life extending treatment. Margaret's cheerful smile, infectious laugh and can do attitude made her an important part of life on the dig and in the bone lab. Her spectacular tatting, and handling of Ian...try doing that in one day by yourself, made her such a special part of life in the Kibbutz and on site. Margaret welcomed newcomers, folded them into the slightly dysfunctional family that us BUMS are and became a part of our extended group of family and friends. Join with us in prayer and in sending good thoughts to her, Ian, and her children and their families. Ian explained it best in a message early this evening, and I enclose it here.
From Ian Darnell. It’s been a long week. It’s actually been a long few months. Margaret’s lymphoma went a little crazy in the last couple of weeks, thumbing it’s nose at the chemo and generally dragging her down. We nearly lost her during the week due to blood loss, which they managed to stop. Yesterday we had a family meeting with her doctors and she made the decision to stop chemo as she is no longer strong enough to see it through. Mum is at a private hospital in Toowoomba and has now been moved from ICU back into the ward for comfort care. She is too frail to travel home for the weeks the doctor suggests she might have. Mum is at peace with her decision, is organizing us all and eating huge amounts of ice (seriously, she wanted to leave ICU, but was concerned the ward wouldn’t have an ice machine. Just to set your mind at rest, it does, so she’s happy).
We love you Margaret and wrap you in our prayers and best thoughts and wishes, even though you are far away from us, we reach across time and distance to hold you in our arms. We love you Ian, and send you our prayers and thoughts for strength at this time.
