Pixie Post

Monday, April 30, 2007

Silent

I am rendered silent by the death of a colleague. A hard drinking, heavy smoking, diabetic colleague. But still. He was unexpectedly, prematurely farewelled in a simple little ceremony at the sports club he loved. It was hard to see his family, to talk with them about his working life, to hear those stories of him as a boy, a university student. To see his brother, looking so much like him, with the same smile, same hands. The sight of his jacket on his casket, branded with the yellow and black of our rugby team, made us all smile, and cry. It's funny how just one ordinary thing can be so redolent of a person, a personality. I wasn't close to him, but he's been part of my daily working landscape for over 5 years. There is a gap. It's hard to get used to.
Bugger it.

6 comments:

Anonymous said...

Blimey. You really are overdue for a dose of extremely good fortune soon.
Keep the chin up. x

The Sagittarian said...

Oh dear, it just keeps coming doesn't it! I found this from a French writer (Albert Camus) "In the midst of winter, I finally learned that there was in me an invincible summer".

Helen said...

Amen to the above comments.

African Kelli said...

You are in my thoughts -- and I wish I was there to give you a hug myself!

Ali Honey said...

Keep your chin up Pixie! I am sure you being his friend made a difference to his quality of life while he was alive. Be sad but move on when you can....make a new friend, not to take his place, but just to know someone else. Life can have many downs......so I hope you have some wonderful things happening for you soon.
Hugs from Alison.

Judy said...

Sorry for your loss. Isn't it amazing how folks like that can really leave a huge gaping hole when they depart our lives. I am so sorry.

Warm hugs,
Judy