If you are reading this it is because I have died and my family has worked out how to post this final blog on my behalf. I’m sorry I won’t be around to share any more of my erratic journey with muscular dystrophy, and I am sorry too that I haven’t even come close to writing the book so many of you urged me to write. I’ve spent my life living by the disreputable motto of ‘never do today what you can put off doing until tomorrow’, but a time was bound to come when there was no tomorrow left.
I have lived a good life, blessed and supported by the greatest wife a man could hope for and inspired by four stupendous children who are the fineest gift that Sally and I will leave to this world. Most of all, I am grateful to God who I committed my life to follow, when I was sixteen, and who has walked with me and my family through the good and the bad times ever since. If you want to be introduced to Him ask any Christian who holds the name of Jesus as Lord, and start your own journey of faith.
And finally, if you are wondering what the title of this final blog means, you are clearly not (yet) a fan of The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy. It’s a bit bizarre maybe, but take this as a book recommendation from beyond the grave.
With love to you all.
** from Ian’s family – we will be holding a celebration of life service for Ian, and will publish details in due course. Please know you are all invited
What wonderful and heartwarming words to finish this often amusing and amazingly honest blog of hope.
To love and be loved: Ian and Sally, one thing remains certain – that you both shall continue to live this way.
Thank you Ian for sharing your journey. I did wonder if you had prepared a final blog. I have truly been inspired by all your blogs. Your character has shone through and despite such a difficult and painful journey you always managed to make me smile. I am very sad to say goodbye. You have inspired me to try and look at life through your eyes. You will be sorely missed. Xx
Dear Ian,
I knew this day would come but I still can’t believe it has come so soon.
Thank you for enriching my life. I know that I would not be the person I am today if it had not been for your influence, both personally and professionally.
I will miss your blogs but you will always inspire me. I will think of you often, as I have done especially over these last few years.
I send my thoughts and prayers to Sally, your children and your wider family.
You were a very special person,
Love Amanda xx
Thank you Sally and family for sharing Ian’s last words on this blog. I’m in tears – but I know that this isn’t really goodbye – we will see each other again one day…until then…I thank God for Ian and the time we spent working together at CofE. Ian had a profound impact on my time there and came alongside at a very painful point during my time there and supported me through – I’ll never forget what he did for me. Thank you my friend
Thank you Sally for sharing this blog as Ian’s last (public) words. The blog has been a truly precious and valuable window for those of us mostly guessing at the day to day challenge of these years. And fitting that this last one, like the previous ones, reflects the courage, honesty, humour, creativity, deep faith and rich love I will always associate with Ian. Bless you, my friend. Xx
A truely inspirational human being. I’ll miss you, friend. Thank you so much for sharing. Sending all the Theodoreson lots of love 🫶🏼
I have a smile on my face and a very sad heart, but after reading your last blog, the smile wins. Ian you always brought wisdom and humour to any conversation. I am so grateful and blessed for your friendship over the last 45 years. I miss you. But, you race your race – you have received your reward in heaven.
“I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, and I have remained faithful.”
2 Timothy 4:7 NLT
– love to all the family.
What a precious man you were, and one whose memory will live on for many of us. As I read this last blog with a lump in my throat, I hear your voice, and I struggle to fathom that there will be no more blogs to look forward to reading.
I have so valued your wisdom over the years, Ian; the way you have obviously watched from the side lines, observing and digesting, then sharing pearls of wisdom. You have amazed me with the way you have borne your diagnosis and found glimmers of hope at every opportunity, despite the increasing challenges that MD has brought.
You will be sorely missed, but I am thankful that our paths crossed 40 odd years ago. Go well, dear friend. May you rise on eagle’s wings.
Ali x
Love to Sally and family and thank you Ian for sharing and teaching us.
Hello Sally, we never met, but may God’s love be with you and all your family at this time.
I looked forward to reading the next blog in a very bitter sweet way, wondering if Ian would miraculously recover. There is no doubt however that he will know the answer is more than just 42 when he is in heaven.
Thank you for sharing Sally. These words hit me like a brick when I opened up my e-mail this morning. I look forward to hearing when the celebration of life will be. My thoughts are with you and the family 💖
Sadness tinged with happy memories at learning this news. Janie and I are thinking of you and the family, Sally. I have written a short personal tribute: https://ianlouisharris.com/2024/10/27/a-personal-tribute-to-a-mentor-friend-ian-theodoreson-1957-2024/
A lovely tribute, Ian. I look forward to reading more of the blogs on your site and learning about how you and Ian spent time together.
Missing Ian so much. Praying for you Sally and the whole family. 🙏🏼 May God comfort you all in your grief. Xxx
Thank you Sally and family for sharing Ian’s words with us.
Words fail me now, love never fails though and through tears in my eyes I write this.
Rest in peace, Ian, dear friend and colleague