Friendship takes time and needs commonality. I'm an outdoorsman; I teach in a workshop and prefer casual and slightly unruly. Coffee in the garden, beer, braai, fire, eating under the trees, gazing at the galaxies. I'm not very well house-trained - but I'm full of joy, energy, and "a let's go" life. We called Alice our woohoo baby for ages - she's got so much get up and go, go, go.
I was recently delighted to be surprised by two friends. One walked into my workshop mid-afternoon and stayed a while. Then, an hour or so later, I saw Tony in the car park and spent some time catching up; being with them lifted my spirits. We need to share the journeys and the nitty-gritty of authentic lives. I don't love readily; however, time and commonality have forged these two friends into my heart.
Today is remembrance day. The first one I've celebrated without my Dad. I wear his Gurka and Cheshire regiment ties on and before with reverence. My great mate is a retired warrior, and I quote him saying, "Every day we remember, today we celebrate." Braves who have put themselves in harm's way in conflicts both past and present, who strive to bring us peace and freedom. We will never forget their sacrifices.
When you go home, tell them of us and say, "For your tomorrow, we gave our today."
With Jarod "Zamps" Zamparini, my head of house in 2005. He dropped by from RSA!!
Please read and reflect on Tribe by Sebastian Junger.