A friend of mine died yesterday. On Saturday, he was out on patrol and he stepped on an IED. He was taken to hospital at Bastion, but his injuries were too severe, and he died Sunday evening.
That would be afternoon here. Probably around the time we were getting ice cream at Kew. That just...seems wrong.
His name was Charlie. Most people called him Red. Not because of his hair, which wasn't, but because of his underwear, which was. Every single pair. He proved it frequently and often in public.
I thought if I started writing I'd be able to think of something to say that actually mattered, but I can't. He was a good man. I'll miss him.
Going to schedule this to post while I'm picking up Sherlock and not look at the comments for a while. Or maybe ever. Sorry.
That would be afternoon here. Probably around the time we were getting ice cream at Kew. That just...seems wrong.
His name was Charlie. Most people called him Red. Not because of his hair, which wasn't, but because of his underwear, which was. Every single pair. He proved it frequently and often in public.
I thought if I started writing I'd be able to think of something to say that actually mattered, but I can't. He was a good man. I'll miss him.
Going to schedule this to post while I'm picking up Sherlock and not look at the comments for a while. Or maybe ever. Sorry.
48 comments:
*hugs because sometimes words don't matter*
hugs and all that but more importantly thinking of you and your friend's friends and family.
I'm so sorry, John.
Sorry for your loss
Oh John, so sorry, for you and for his family...and you did say something that mattered... I for one, will never see red underwear again without thinking of you and your friend. Would that we could all be immortalized with such quirky, loving affection.
I've been staring at the comment space for ages without coming up with any words. So that's all I can offer, no words, just my thoughts are with you.
Thanks, everyone.
Don't be sorry that you may never read these comments, there's no need.
But if you do, in a day, a week, a year, then remember him well. Remember his life, not his death, remember the good things. Easier said than done, I know, but we have to try.
I love you.
Thanks, love. I did end up reading them just now. Sherlock wanted to know what everyone was saying.
Are you almost done at work?
Yeah, just leaving. Sorry, things went on a bit.
It's all right. How did it go?
Not bad. At least it was a good result. They weren't all out for our blood for once. All the usual about how we let it happen in the first place though.
Literally on the bike now.
All right. See you soon.
I'm so sorry, John.
I'm so sorry, John.
Its Memorial Day here in the States, so we remember everyone we've lost to war over the years. They and their families are all in my prayers.
My condolences, John.
I thought if I started writing I'd be able to think of something to say that actually mattered, but I can't. He was a good man. I'll miss him.
I think that matters.
Nameless - I agree.
And John, if you want to go to the funeral, or repatriation, I'll be happy to go with you. Or I can just stay here and do the school run, if you'd rather go alone or with friends.
No need to make a decision yet.
I would like you to come along, yeah. Thanks.
Nameless - I suppose so, yeah. At least it's something.
A toast to your friend, John. Keep your head up. I know it's hard.
John, don't know if you'll feel like it, but Rachel and her partner are coming to London at the weekend. I said we might do lunch or a picnic or something. She's massively pregnant and says she won't be up for much. They're staying with her bloke's folks.
Thanks, DW.
L - that sounds good. The baby must be almost due by now?
the timing of seeing that comment just made me laugh in the most ironic way you can imagine Greg and I needed a laugh thanks.
Anon - sorry, I'm being slow, I don't follow..
John, yeah, next month. I think this is a bit of a last-chance-to-leave-the-house type visit, his parents are having a jubilee garden party or something.
Afraid I'm going to have to work some of the four-day-weekend. Tell me if you have a preference which days.
nothing to follow Greg sorry.
clicked on comments just having had some (not so good) pregnancy related news of my own and it made me laugh in a very weird way. Very much needed a laugh so thanks.
I'm so very sorry to hear this, John. Your friend sounds like a really wonderful, mischevious person, and my thoughts are with you & his family.
I thought if I started writing I'd be able to think of something to say that actually mattered, but I can't. He was a good man. I'll miss him.
Surely this sentiment is the one that matters most of all.
Sorry to hear that Anon. I hope you're okay, and glad you got a laugh if you needed it, even an ironic one.
In the words of chumbawamba Greg
I get knocked down
But I get up again
you're never going to keep me down :)
I hope you don't have to work too much of the weekend or if you do that you manage to work the least sunny and least fun days!
Kate L - Surely this sentiment is the one that matters most of all.
Maybe. Thanks.
J - I think that's what every eulogy boils down to, really. Using more words to say it doesn't make it any more heartfelt.
Anon - I'm sorry for your not so good news. I hope you're doing all right.
L - the weekend after this one, while Mycroft's still home...would you be free to go and see my parents?
Kate - yeah. In the end, there's nothing else to say, is there?
J - not really, no. Just that they were loved, and they'll be missed. *offers you a cup of tea*
Of course I would. I'll juggle the schedules.
I love you.
L - thanks. I mean, it can wait, if it doesn't work out, but I thought now might be better than July, which is the next time Mycroft's out of school. I love you too.
Kate - thanks. Tea sounds like a good idea.
It's fine. Even if we don't go, still want to spend time with you all.
I'll make tea. Want to go to bed? Can talk if you want. Or not. I'm easy.
Bed, yeah. That'd be nice.
I hope you get some sleep John :-) you to Greg.
Cheers AnonyBob.
Sleep tight, gents.
Echoing AnonyBob's wishes that you both get some sleep.
Anon, sorry to hear you've had bad news; if we can offer a hand to help you get back up then we'd be only too happy to do so.
Thanks all. Sleep might be a while in coming. At least we've got each other for company.
Sometimes, company is all there is.
John - If you need anything from us, we'll be here to listen.
And for you to say that anyone is "a good man," that's high praise indeed. Sometimes, that's all that needs to be said.
I hope sleep has found you both.
~A from NW
If sleep won't come then cuddles are a fairly reasonable place to start. Glad you've got each other :-)
Hope you're both fast asleep by now...as Mazarin said it's Memorial Day here in the US. We made a stop by the local National Cemetery for a little while, and I thought of your friend, John.
In my family we say "long life" to the mourners, that they may live long and preserve the memory of their departed with life, and not grieve too long. It's also why we name children after deceased relatives, to let the best of them stay in the world.
What my rambling comment boils down to is: remember your friend, buy a pair of red underwear and be proud of it. A good man's presence deserves to
Iinger.
Long life, John, and to his family and comrades.
Just came online and saw this. I'm so sorry, John--losing someone leaves a hole in your heart. He does sound like someone you'll (eventually) be able to remember with a smile--that's a good legacy.
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