“Well, here at last, dear friends, on the shores of the Sea comes the end of our fellowship in Middle-earth. Go in peace! I will not say: do not weep; for not all tears are an evil.” – J R R Tolkien, Return of the King.
The news of my old friend’s passing came through early Friday evening. So quick. I thought we had a few more weeks to reminisce but it wasn’t to be. As you lovely people know, I thought I should write an old-fashioned letter to him, which I did. It was a long one. Probably the longest handwritten letter I’ve ever written. It was hard too. My eyes kept leaking at odd moments.
I sent it fast post last Wednesday. He got it on Thursday. Little did I know I sent it just in time. Our mutual friend was with him at the end, and let me know that the letter was much appreciated and was with him as he died peacefully, still smiling.
My last wish for him was that he did not linger in pain, that he was surrounded by loved ones and that his end was peaceful. Wish granted.
Mr T, this one’s for you – our favourite band, and an appropriate track, I feel.
cathdean.com 