A tribute to the friends we’ve lost along the way
What a sad title …? But a topic that nobody really wants to talk about. Maybe because we don’t want to expose ourselves, maybe because you would look like a “smartvraat” - in Afrikaans, (Sorry, but I couldn’t get an equally descriptive word in English), maybe we want to protect ourself from the hurt and rather put their memories in a closet behind a locked door - only to be opened on special occasions. For men, I think it’s even worst. At least a woman are allowed to cry/be upset and they will write it off as her being “unstable again”, but men don’t get away with it that easily. They would not be a proper man if they showed emotion (and I find it especially true in the Afrikaans society).
Ever been in a situation where a familiar smell or sound took you back to a certain place and time? Well tonight, Sweet Caroline played on TV and emotions of 5 years ago came rushing back when a very dear friend of ours had a fatal car accident. Funny it was not the accident that was brought to my mind, it was the fun times we had together. The laughter and joy, the naughtieness and especially the way he smiled when he looked at you. I think it’s our brain’s way of protecting ourselves by remembering the good things in life and not the sad things - or maybe is just instinctive survival? My heart was crushed by the fact that his son was not even 2 years old at that stage. His wife needed to pick herself up and face the reality of raising a son without a father. I take my hat off to her in doing that.
This block is dedicated to all the dear friends we’ve all lost along the way and the Beautiful Noise that they’ve left us with to enable us to treasure them forever. Thanks to Neil Diamond - what will our lives be without music.
