In this two-part audio-story, Cash (Caíseal) and Laya (Laine) reflect on making a home in Brisbane, at Nudgee Beach, and the happiest moments of their lives – making music (Arabic & Indian style) and playing 8-hour concerts across the globe.
In Part 1, Cash reflects on a chance encounter with the iconic David Bowie, where he offered to tune his guitar, unknowingly propelling Cash into the world of rock music with all its peculiarities and vibrancy. Laya, on the other hand, transformed Cash’s life, as he struggled with low self-esteem until their paths crossed. According to Casah, she persistently pushed him to recognize his true worth, even if it sometimes required her gentle prodding. During a challenging phase, Laya’s unwavering support meant the world to Cash. With a playful tone, Laya humorously mused about an uncertain future, believing that perhaps Cash might be of greater assistance to her on the other side.
Listen to Part 1 of Cash & Laya’s Story
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In Part 2, Cash’s life took an unexpected turn as he faced the devastating diagnosis of Stage 4 Cancer. Unprepared for such a challenging journey, he found solace in Voluntary Assisted Dying (VAD), a beacon of empowerment and compassion. With VAD, he could choose the hour and manner of his death, allowing him to connect with loved ones, say meaningful goodbyes, and cherish every moment. It offered him control amidst the uncertainty, transforming his battle into a narrative of liberation and heartfelt connections with friends from all over the world.
Listen to Part 2 of Cash & Laya’s Story
Cash and Laya had a sense his cancer was terminal, and started preparing quite early. Cash’s mother and partner of thirty years ago both died of cancer, and suffered a lot – having seen that, and knowing that the best medicine could do was to prolong his life for a couple of months, Cash was extremely grateful to be able to “choose the hour and manner of his death”. Cash feels that now his friends all over the world can now participate in a farewell; VAD gave him a deadline to contact everyone to say goodbye, and without it, Cash felt he would be focused on himself.
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Cash has composed a piece of music, which will be the last thing he will hear – and asked his musician friends to each contribute a sound to it. This has, he thinks, made the mourning processes easier – and has kept Laya busy. Part Irish and part Indigenous, Cash has chosen a significant date (Halloween) – two Sundays after the interview – when the veil between the worlds is very thin, as he is “looking for an auspicious rebirth”. His partner Laya described the process as intense and interesting, reflecting on how she has never felt such a mix of emotions in her life: “it’s a rollercoaster ride, one moment – I would be driving the car, and this wave of grief… and then to elation… and then to panic attack… and then to… angry… there is not even words for some of the emotions. But the most overwhelming emotion is gratitude – for our life, for you”. Knowing the VAD date helped Laya immensely; it takes a “weight off” – because Iaya did not know if she could do this for much longer, seeing and hearing Cash in pain and suffering was very challenging. While the situation was “despairing and extremely exhausting”, Cash was immensely grateful that Laya had supported his VAD decision, and moved through it with him so that he was “ready to go”.
As the VAD date was nearing, they were relaxing more – there was both relief and anxiety for Laya, while Cash was very much at peace.
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In the midst of a terminal diagnosis, Cash’s journey became a poignant call for a more compassionate society. VAD’s empowering choice helped him confront life’s end with dignity and meaning, highlighting the need for open conversations about mortality. It provided him with the chance to focus on what truly mattered, honoring his loved ones and shared experiences. Through this narrative, Cash not only faced the challenges of his illness but also sparked a transformative conversation about compassion and the value of end-of-life choices.