Apologies to those who were expecting a posting either last weekend or the weekend before. Unfortunately, I was overtaken by events. As I mentioned in my previous posting, I had planned a visit to the UK 'for family reasons'. In fact, to say goodbye to my brother Clive who was coming to the end of a courageous two year battle with terminal cancer. Towards the end things happened rather quicker than we all expected and on 28th January I received a call from England as a result of which I had to literally drop everything and rush back. Thankfully, I and my brothers and sisters arrived just in time to have a couple of days with Clive before he drifted quietly into a coma and passed away on 8th February.
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| Clive was never one to be morbid or have regrets about silly or inevitable things. At the end he showed great character and retained his sense of humour to the bitter end. |
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| It was however a great comfort to him to have all his family and a few of his many friends around him in his last hours. |
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| And this is the Clive we will all remember. Gone now to another place of eternal life and I am reminded of the words of Emily Dickinson: Because I could not stop for death, He kindly stopped for me; The carriage held but just ourselves. And Immortality. |
Forgive me for this short and rather personal posting but it is all I really have the stomach for this week. I arrived back at the cabin today after an eventful journey back. The trip to the UK had many brighter moments but I think it is better to keep them for the next posting, which I will try to do next weekend.
Very sad time for you and the family, Chris. I was glad that I too had a little time with Clive before he slipped into the coma. Like most folk, I struggle to find the right words for these occasions but can only say that I am proud to have known Clive for nearly 60 years and to call him my friend. He was a very kind and popular guy and will be badly missed
ReplyDeleteGood luck with completing the cabin and your future endeavours, which, I am sure will follow
John, it was very good to meet you. I had heard so much about you from Clive over many years. Thank you for your kind words. Chris
DeleteSunset and evening star,
ReplyDeleteAnd one clear call for me!
And may there be no moaning of the bar,
When I put out to sea,
But such a tide as moving seems asleep,
Too full for sound and foam,
When that which drew from out the boundless deep
Turns again home.
Twilight and evening bell,
And after that the dark!
And may there be no sadness of farewell,
When I embark;
For though from out our bourne of Time and Place
The flood may bear me far,
I hope to see my Pilot face to face
When I have crost the bar.
-Tennyson