RIP
Roger
Uncle Norman
Paul
Keithy
and now my good friend Dave.
So, in just 75 days (2 months, 13 days), several, once prominent male friends and figures in my own orbit have passed away.
Dave W.
Dave, who was buried on the 3rd of this month, represents the closest friend I have ever lost since my very best friend, Tim Stocker, died back in 2000.
And Dave was a VERY special human being.
He got diagnosed with cancer back in 1980, even before I ever met Jackie, the love of my life I would spend 20 years with. (Squawk was influential in facilitating that love story).
On learning he had been admitted to The Royal Marsden Hospital in London, I hitched a lift from Crewkerne, Somerset right to the very steps of The Royal Marsden, London, courtesy of a lorry driver who actually drove me right into the heart of London before pulling up in his huge rig … right outside the impressive steps of that famous cancer hospital. (In the days when lorries were allowed into that part of London without fuss).
I was able to be there to offer Squawk a little moral support …
And, several months later, when I was devastated at the death of my beloved nan, (Daisy), Squawk, who had recently recovered from chemo, ‘made everything right’ by performing an amazing stunt to lift my spirits.
I had gone to the Laundrette in our High street to do some washing though was lost in a black hole of despair and grief … till Squawk bound in the doorway full of the effervescent energy he always carried with him to exclaim …
“CHRIS … You have to come out here.” (Pause). “I’ve laid on a little surprise to cheer you up!”
I looked up listlessly but … it was impossible … to resist the drifting wave of good cheer Squawk had just manifest before me …
So I got up onto my feet and walked to the entrance of the Laundrette … just in time to see A MARCHING BAND turn left into South Street and start marching down towards me!
“You see. You see?”, Squawk shouted above the din of beating drums and heralding brass, “I’ve laid this brass band on SPECIALLY FOR YOU … to put a smile on your face!”
And I had to …
I had to laugh.
I had to BEAM with joy and watch a brass band march right past me … knowing that, yes, my friend Squawk had laid a brass band on … especially for me. 🙂
And I swear … the marching girl at the very front gave me a knowing wink as she marched right by me.
RIP Squawk. You were a great friend. I LOVE YOU … and I miss you. 🙂
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