An old mate

[artme]

A couple of weeks back LOML and I went to Sydney to pick up some friends from Brasil. We drove back up the coast and on the way dropped into my old hometown, just to show them where this troglodyte grew up.

While there I dropped in to see an old mate whom I hadn't seen forabout 18 years.

He was very pleased to se me but I was stunned. He was in a wheelchair as the result of having 3 tumours removed from his brain and losing a small part of the brain.

I could only spend a few minutes with him and just could not reconcile the mate I had played chess, tennis and cricket with as young fellas as the one I saw now. We also studied together and after finishing high school we all went our separate ways.

Since then I have spoken to him on the phone - he is hospital and maintaining a positive attitude.

I also emailed a couple of other mates from the same group who have promised to get in touch with him. I just hope this boosts his morale.

I fear that my old mate doesn't have much time left among us but I certainly hope for the best and hope that life can deal him a last good hand.

[Ed Reiss]

Arthur...goes to show that none of us know when the time will be up ~ young, old, middle age, the damn reaper eventually catches up.
So all we can really do is our best while were still here!

Good thoughts for your friend.

[hughie]

buga! thats a sad story that I wouldnt wish on anybody, your a good man charlie brown.

[crowie]

Yes life has a way of catching up on you.
After an initial recovery from a brain injury I started the process to look up a whole bunch of old mates I'd done my Navy engineering training with.
Turned out good finding 70 of the 120 and had a great ANZAC weekend reunion a few years back.
Friends and family are what counts with both taking time & effort; very worth while!!
Keep it up Arthur, you're a good mate.

[artme]

Last night I was given the sad news that my old mate, Don, had passed away.

I spoke with Don's mother this morning and she is bearing up well. However Don's father has not taken the news so well.

I last spoke to Don the day after his birthday. Unfortunately a couple of hospital moves and exhaustion for Don left me unable to speak to him again.

I May not be able to attend the funeral but the family was very understanding and thankful for the contact.

Vale Don.

[Ed Reiss]

Art,
Sincere condolences on the passing of your friend.

Regards,
Ed