Memories

I recall this morning eight years ago so vividly. Jill and I where camping in Castlewellen with our kids when we got the dreaded phone call. It was 7am in the morning and my mobile seemed to echo through the camp site, “Come home quickly” Jill’s mum said. Jill and I where in the car in minutes leaving the kids in their sleeping bags, I broke every speed limit and was driving into Jill’s mum and dads drive within 30 minutes. It was to late, Jill’s dad; my friend had slipped into eternity just minutes before we arrived. It was Sunday morning and I can still see him the Friday before sitting in the kitchen of his home with blue pyjamas on which seemed to exaggerate the deep blue eyes which Jill had inherited from him. The doctor said “Philip maybe you would help Billy down to bed” as he wanted to talk to the girls and their mum alone. I’ll never forget Billy’s reply as he jumped up and marched down the hall with me behind him, “I don’t need anyone to help me, I’m ok”. It was all for the benefit of the girls, when we got into the bedroom he nodded at me to close the door and then with tears in his eyes said, “Philip, look after them for me”. I promised him I would and I have.
Here’s my life’s observation for today the 12th of July 06. Life just ain’t fair. Time passes but memories stay, terribly difficult in early days but hopefully the pain subdues.