Polly's pages (aka 'Donna Williams')

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Vale Polly Samuel (aka ‘Donna Williams’) 1963-2017

April30

Hello world,

Chris Samuel here, Polly’s husband.

It’s my sad duty to tell you that my beautiful wife, Polly Samuel, died on the night of Saturday 22nd April 2017.

She went as she wished, with no pain and in a palliative care ward where the staff were exemplary and acted entirely in accordance with her wishes.  They didn’t bat an eyelid when  we proceeded to have a little party in her room the afternoon of her admission with Easter eggs, raspberry lemonade and even a sip of sake.  They also didn’t ask us to keep the noise down when Polly got us up and singing and dancing to the music we had there. 🙂

Polly’s timing was impeccable, talking to the palliative nurses they told me that had she stayed home she would still have gone at the same time, her body just gave out on her in the end.   I think her vitality and activity meant that a great many people she met couldn’t see that her cancer was progressing, and I know it surprised even staff at the hospital when she went so quickly after arriving.

It goes without saying that I’m sad and I miss her terribly but given her situation I would not have wished anything else than that which happened for her. It was a privilege to be part of it. She had a good death, with life and laughter at the centre of it and one that was just as she wished.

Polly was an amazing person and I don’t think she always realised the profound effect she could have on those she met in a personal capacity.  Many of those who I’ve talked to over the past few days have let me know how she influenced them for the better, without really realising it much of the time.

We were so lucky to have had 7 months of fab time in which to live what felt like 10 years of life, as well as to prepare for this. The fact that death was not taboo in our house and that we talked about so much of what was to come means that I know that this is not the end of my world, just the end of a really wonderful chapter in my life and which will have many echoes in chapters to come.

If you would like to do something in her memory then perhaps you would consider a donation to the Anne McDonald Centre?  Anne was an old friend of ours with CP who having proved in the high court here in the 1970’s that she could communicate despite not being able to speak went on to become an advocate for all the others in her situation.  The AMC lent Polly some communication aids that allowed her to make her wishes known plainly when the ascites were too much for her to be able to speak.

Website: http://www.annemcdonaldcentre.org.au/
Donations: https://www.givenow.com.au/deal

Another cause I know Polly supported was Oxfam Unwrapped.

Website: https://unwrapped.oxfam.org.au/

You could also plant a plant for her & add a bit more colour to the world, as she did when she was here.

Please understand that there is just one of me and many, many, many of you and so if you do reply and send good wishes know that I really appreciate them but I am unlikely to be able to reply to many of you at all, if any.  Thanks for understanding this.

Now remember to skip & sing & not care what people think about you whilst you do it, and remember that whilst she’s gone physically we carry her in our hearts now.

“Just one step in front of each other, each day. In the end, that is all, we’re expected to take.” – Footsteps of a Nobody

Take care,
Chris

posted under cancer, Donna Williams
71 Comments to

“Vale Polly Samuel (aka ‘Donna Williams’) 1963-2017”

  1. On April 30th, 2017 at 2:40 am Kathryn Whitaker Says:

    Beautiful. How fortunate she was to have such a brilliant outlook and loving partner. I live in Vermont, USA, and have been impacted professionally and personally by your amazing wife.

  2. On April 30th, 2017 at 2:50 am Brittany Springmeier Says:

    Beautifully written Chris. I will greatly miss her insightful wisdom and her ability to explain and articulate the world around her. She has touched my heart and helped me better understand how to interpret the world around me. She reminds me to be more present in self and spirit. She moved so gracefully through life. She is one of a kind and will never be forgotten. I will truly miss her. ❤

  3. On April 30th, 2017 at 3:17 am Megan Says:

    I’m sad to hear this news, i was privileged enough to hear Polly talk about her experiences and she helped me to understand my son a little better. Such admiration for that and her courage to share the last stages of her life. Thinking of you Chris and a warm thank you to Polly ❤

  4. On April 30th, 2017 at 4:09 am Pamella Hakala Says:

    Hugs

  5. On April 30th, 2017 at 4:36 am Sandra DIllon Says:

    Polls flew without wings but now she has them x so sad but I will continue to use the wings she gave me to support disability and my son x take care Chris.

  6. On April 30th, 2017 at 6:06 am ruth stansfield Says:

    i was never to know when i read her first book many many years ago that i would meet this amazing woman, her books were amazing and with autism in the family she was such help, fly high lovely lady , you went through so much especially in your early years but were sent to earth for a very special reason, and you have touched so many.

  7. On April 30th, 2017 at 6:40 am Julia Says:

    Bless you and Polly, Chris. Thinking about you both. So glad to know her leaving was peaceful and just as she would have it.

  8. On April 30th, 2017 at 7:11 am Louise Page Says:

    Dear Chris. Terribly sad to hear of Donna’s passing. The two of you were a wonderful couple. Donna’s spirit will live on beside and with you. Bless her beautiful soul. A treasure taken way too soon. Love and condolences from me. xxx

  9. On April 30th, 2017 at 7:22 am vittoria cristoferi Says:

    I love You Chris and i remember Donna for Even

  10. On April 30th, 2017 at 7:58 am Alison petchey Says:

    So sorry to hear this , I went to her talks and read her books she was a amazing lady.xx

  11. On April 30th, 2017 at 8:07 am Shannon Coles Says:

    I’m an autism professional, Donna’s work is an inspiration to me and has been for many years – I talk about her in all my training illustrate how lucky we are to have people who have autism living with us.

  12. On April 30th, 2017 at 8:08 am Rosa Taylor Says:

    it was a pleasure to have Know you fly high,Polly
    my thoughts are with you Chris at this time God Bless you

  13. On April 30th, 2017 at 8:17 am Chris Says:

    Thank you Chris. Thank you Polly. My love to you all.

  14. On April 30th, 2017 at 8:18 am Rose Says:

    Chris my thoughts are with you, thank you for letting us know, it must have been hard to write but it is appreciated. She was a great help to me in understanding the spectrum and its varieties. Rest in say Polly and have fun we will miss you.

  15. On April 30th, 2017 at 9:16 am Lana Nikolic Says:

    I learnt a lot from Donna, and have admired her. Rest in piece xx

  16. On April 30th, 2017 at 9:36 am Felicity sagar Says:

    Hey Chris it’s Felicity, This is beautiful !
    I’m so sorry to hear about Polly and I will miss her so much. She certainly changed so much of myself .. And her inspiration still lives on in my heart and art . Let me know if I can do anything for you

  17. On April 30th, 2017 at 9:43 am Lin Myers Says:

    {{{Hugs}}}, Chris

  18. On April 30th, 2017 at 9:49 am caroline coleman Says:

    Donna’s books were my guiding light when my son Kyle was first diagnosed. Music has become his doorway which he walks through every time he sings. I thank Donna for so much she will continue to be an inspiration for us as her wisdom and her love of music lives on. Love and blessings Chris our hearts and minds are with you 💗x

  19. On April 30th, 2017 at 9:51 am Sara Says:

    So very sorry to hear this sad news. Polly’s books helped me to understand my autism. She will be missed by a lot of people. Take care, Sara

  20. On April 30th, 2017 at 9:59 am Deanna Stephens Says:

    I will always miss my friend and sista. I will never forget her.

  21. On April 30th, 2017 at 10:02 am Jan Newgreen Says:

    This is just a beautiful post Chris. I met Donna at the Special School I taught at and am so pleased I did. She enriched so many lives with her insight and sharing. We are all here for such a short time but Donna’s time was seemingly cut short. To know her was to love her.

  22. On April 30th, 2017 at 10:27 am Jill and Kim Johnson Says:

    Best wishes to you Chris after Donna – we r
    have and read all her books – she was a jewel

  23. On April 30th, 2017 at 10:48 am Leonie Hope Says:

    So sad to hear this news. I have read all of Polly’s books and learnt so much from her insight. I know many of my students have benefitted from her sharing her perspectives. I am sorry for your loss, but it sounds like she was blessed to have had you by her side in life and in death.

  24. On April 30th, 2017 at 10:59 am Heidi Everett Says:

    Thank you for making tangible such a powerful expression of Life. I met Polly many years ago when she invited me into her home and working world through our shared love of making and performing original music. I’m forever grateful for the care and incredible intelligence and creativity that emanated from her every fibre, and generously shared. Polly was light years ahead of the world. My deepest condolences to you yet we will see her colours everywhere blossoming I’m sure.

  25. On April 30th, 2017 at 11:40 am Sarah, Phillip, Simon and Jas Says:

    Although my heart is sad, I know she lives bright in the next dimension and chapter of her journey. I will plant in her honour

  26. On April 30th, 2017 at 12:13 pm Elizabeth Marks Says:

    Love you Donna!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

  27. On April 30th, 2017 at 12:54 pm Debra Bartholomew Says:

    We are honored to have read her words….and yours. My son, who is autistic is indeed privileged to stand and be counted as walking in a legacy of triumph. May God continue to shine on your path and may His new angel Polly cover you with her wings….always.

  28. On April 30th, 2017 at 1:22 pm Sally J Colletti Says:

    I’ve known Donna for about 20 years and what a fierce advocate she was. She contributed to our book Silently Seizing for which we are thankful. Later, she and I shared the commonality if breast cancer. She was a spark that I.will miss. Carry on as she would want us to!!!

  29. On April 30th, 2017 at 1:33 pm Donna Williams Biografie: Autistin, Autorin, Künstlerin, Mentorin Says:

    […] Und jetzt ist sie gestorben. […]

  30. On April 30th, 2017 at 2:01 pm jan conlan Says:

    I only caught this , on a friends fb wall , but decided to read it . Unlike many , many of you I dud not know this incredible lady , but your blog has touched my heart , I will plant a beautiful meme n tree in my garden , in memoriam, for thus lady , your blog is amazing , and I’m deeply sorry for your loss , rip Polly ❤❤❤

  31. On April 30th, 2017 at 3:30 pm Meghan Mulvenna Says:

    I am an educator in the U.S. I first read Donna’s books when I was a teenager and began volunteering with children with autism. They changed my world, and I trust some of the worlds of those I have touched. Over twenty years later, Thank you, Donna. Many blessings, Chris.

  32. On April 30th, 2017 at 3:39 pm Noz Says:

    I saw Donna’s talks twice in Oxford in England. She was intelligent, funny and her insights about living positively with autism were really helpful.
    RIP Donna you’ve helped so many people and your work was inspirational

  33. On April 30th, 2017 at 3:52 pm Kate Gladstone Says:

    This is sad news. May I note that autistics and others in America (where people don’t generally study Latin) will be confused by the “Vale” in your title, and may erroneously take it to be your wife’s first name? Perhaps you should explain it, for their sakes …

  34. On April 30th, 2017 at 4:05 pm Donna Pittman Says:

    You will be in my thoughts as you begin this next chapter in life without her. I am so glad that she had her wishes met up until the end. RIP Polly, I am so grateful for the insight you gave me about my son and his journey with Autism.

  35. On April 30th, 2017 at 4:21 pm Caroline Seyedi Says:

    God bless you Donna, as I knew you. Thank you for giving me the gift of hope in the 1990s that my 2 year old daughter could possibly make positive progress and become the best she could be! Thank you for the support you gave to me and my friend Jayne whenever we got in touch with you about our girls…Thank you for replying to my every email and encouraging me with your words of wisdom in your replies as well as in your books! You really did and always will leave your footprint here in our physical world. Fly and be as free a spirit you were here and more now….💕
    Caroline & Farrah

  36. On April 30th, 2017 at 4:27 pm Yulia Says:

    Donna died, but she always will be with us in her books, paintings, music, videos, words, thoughts. We love you, Donna! I love you!
    I only begin to know you through your books. First was “Nobody Nowhere” in russian.
    Then ” Somebody Somewhere” in original. I will continue to read your books.
    I love your paintings, they are incredible and amazing just like you.
    Chris, you are very happy man becouse you were so close with Polly. You will never be alone, she will be always by your side.

  37. On April 30th, 2017 at 6:03 pm Bob Hudson Says:

    Sincere Condolences & Prayers Chris to you and your family Polly aka Donna was a special individual many of us will continue to carry in our ❤️ s. @BhudLion

  38. On April 30th, 2017 at 6:19 pm isabelle monod Says:

    hugs….

  39. On April 30th, 2017 at 7:31 pm Philip young Says:

    My thoughts are with you. Donna was a role model for all afflicted with cancer. Her attitude and fight was shared with many and that makes things count.

    Her message of courage in the face of adversity is something we all need to live up to to carry on.

    My thoughts and condolences are with you.

  40. On April 30th, 2017 at 10:24 pm Julie Donnelly Says:

    I am sad, but I am also glad at the wonderful passing that she had and how she shared it with all of us.

  41. On April 30th, 2017 at 11:29 pm Cathy Anderson Says:

    I am so saddened but relieved to read your words, Chris – Donna/Polly has made the ultimate difference to our lives – she is responsible for the health and happiness of my daughter Veronica – I went to her dietary wheelchair workshop and never looked back – she extended her friendship so generously and I wish we could have seen her again – we will never ever forget her strength humor talent and vitality
    Cathy Veronica and Lucinda

  42. On April 30th, 2017 at 11:54 pm Ruth Hatton Says:

    For Donna I will continue to “dance for Donna” – thanks for showing us the way! Many friends thank you too.

  43. On April 30th, 2017 at 11:58 pm Judi Barta Says:

    I’m so sorry for you, Chris, and the world for losing such an amazing voice and person. Her books really helped me to understand what was going on in the brain of someone with autism, which helped me to understand my brother. She will be missed!

  44. On May 1st, 2017 at 12:21 am Tania Says:

    I’m from Australia and only recently learned about Polly. What a beautiful lady she was and thank you to her husband for his beautiful words. May you both be blessed.

  45. On May 1st, 2017 at 12:31 am Peter Says:

    An era has come to an end. You delivered unforgettable inspirations to a lot of people. R.I.P. Donna

  46. On May 1st, 2017 at 5:35 am Beth Bergman Says:

    On the wings of angels Polly. Thank you for your insight into raising my own daughter, I couldn’t have done it without you!

  47. On May 1st, 2017 at 6:47 am Daniel McDonald Says:

    RIP Donna.

  48. On May 1st, 2017 at 12:55 pm John "Hai" Knapp Says:

    Sad, though I knew it was coming. Polly has been a hero and an influence to my music. Chris may contact me, whether direct email or facebook. I have lost my wife to cancer 12/7/2015

  49. On May 1st, 2017 at 2:19 pm Daniel L. Berek Says:

    So sorry for your loss, Chris. Polly’s life was a gift to us all, especially those among us struggling with awareness and acceptance of our autism. Her books and positivity were true gifts to us.

  50. On May 1st, 2017 at 4:36 pm Mik Goodram Says:

    So sad. I met her once and heard her speak. So was so insigtful, her books were amazing too. I am glad she went as she wished. She will be missed by many.