Sometimes there are just too many goodbyes in life.
Today, as we do every Thursday, my friend and I went calling on our pal, an elderly gentleman in his 80s, who I have written about before here. We had, as we do every Thursday, a wonderful morning of chat, and stories, shared over a cup of tea. But today I could hear the clock for our friendship ticking so loudly, it was at times, almost hard to hear the banter between us. For today he told us his moving date is brought forward, to Monday 24th of November. Just over ten days away, and not the three weeks we had thought.
As he is still here it is hard to imagine that he will actually leave. It all seems so unreal. Visiting him is what we do on a Thursday. Listening to his stories is what we do. Sharing our own stories is what we do. What will we do without him?
Sitting there on a Thursday, my friend and I are like two children as we listen enthralled to his stories. We shout ‘Oh no’, when disaster strikes, we burst out laughing when something unexpected happens, and we wipe a small tear when he paints a picture so vividly of a sad event. He is never stuck for inspiration and the two hours sail by each week.
I sat there today and I must admit to being a bit absent at times. As my pal regaled us with another tale I did my best to photograph him, and to store that photo in my minds eye. His white hair, his brown eyes, his tall stature making the large armchair appear a normal size. I also tried to video him for posterity. I tried to capture his lilting voice. The way he says, ‘Ioreland is a wunderrrrful cuntrry’. The way his eyes twinkle and take twenty years from his face when he is saying something mischievous. The way he throws back his head to laugh out loud. The unconscious way he puts his hand, with fingers permanently bent, to his hair to push it back off his forehead. The way he shouts at us in disagreement. The way he stops himself from crying when he talks about leaving.
Next week will be our last official day with him. We have offered to help him pack up the few small things he may wish to keep for himself, and as we offered I wondered how I would get through the day. Thankfully my friend is not such a cry baby as I am, and together I know we can do it.
For next week even though we will be saying goodbye I am acutely aware that it will be our last morning together. I am determined to get another couple of stories out of him. To laugh heartily and to share one final memorable morning together. There will be enough time for tears when he is gone.
Next Thursday will be a very special day. I look forward to it, and dread it with equal measure.
Wish us luck!
My thoughts on a page. 
Good luck!!!!!
Thanks Dan. Something tells me I’m going to need it!
make sure to take some tissues with you. 😉
Yes indeed and I’ll try a very Irish solution, plenty cups of tea!
Send you my best thoughts Tric
Thanks Irene. We were lucky to have met him, and he’s still not gone so not quite time for tears yet.
All luck your way!
Thanks Eric. He makes such an effort not to cry, I don’t want to make it any harder. But I am useless at not crying!
Pretty much weak in the crying department here. Tears heal and strengthen, too!
I wonder who will miss the other more? ❤
Yes I do wonder, and there are others here who knew him even longer who will miss him so much.
He’s going over to family who can’t wait to see him, so we all know he’ll be fine, but…Waaaaaaaah.
He looks wonderful for his 80s.. Strong in character and physically too. I wish him the best.
Aw that’s not him Olivia, but it kind of showed that he is a fine man for his age. Plenty of life in him yet! Thanks Olivia.
This has me in tears so maybe I should send all three of you a hug.
I think we’ll need something thanks. Our pal would not be averse to a small drop to get us through!
Oh Tric. How lucky you three have been. I hope next Thursday is just lovely.
Thanks Helen. I am determined to make it just perfect, but inside…. waaaah.
what a wonderful friendship this has become, all around. i’m already tearing up a bit, just thinking of his departure, but know you were lucky to have found each other, even if it was just for a short time. you’ll stay in each other’s hearts and minds forever –
Ah yes Beth we have been so blessed. How lucky to have met this wonderful character and shared so much. Better to have loved and lost I suppose. Definitely not an easy relationship to forget.
Beautiful image and what a moving tribute to your friend; a touching depiction of a deep and profound friendship, indeed. We once visited with an artist on Thursday evenings, enthralled by the tales of her life. I am reminded, too, of another dear friend, named Lily, who also shared a plethora of wonderful stories. I think of them both and miss them both, as they too, moved on. Hugs. Friendship lives on, aye, that it does. Happy to have found your touching blog. Such tender words, so beautiful. Smiling cheers,
Autumn Jade
Best of luck on the day Tric – maybe a glass or two of red before you venture?
I do wish you luck. And I wish him well.
What a wonderful photo Tric. I see a man who enjoys a laugh. I see kindness and strength. A man who is as willing to give as good as he gets. I do believe you’ve done an excellent job of capturing him. 🙂