It’s hard to believe that 20 years ago today an amazing man left the world behind whilst doing a good deed for the community and environment.
I can remember the day like it was yesterday….
My childhood best friend’s father died while volunteering to cut the top of a tree to make space for osprey’s to nest. The tree top came down the wrong direction, hitting the cherry picker he was in and causing him to fly out and land on the bank across the river. It was a shocking accident that resulted in the death of a loving father, patient husband and wonderful man.
Jon was like a second dad to me. I spent a lot of time at their house, our families did stuff together and we always joked around with one another.
When we got the call of his death, it was like the world stopped. It was my first experience with deep sorrow of losing someone despite all my years of losing people in my life. For years I used to dream that he had come back to us and everything was normal. It was consoling to have Jon appear in my dreams now and then – like a warm blanket wrapped around you on a chilly evening.
It took a while for our lives to return to normal and my friendship with the Storm ladies has continued although our paths have taken us in various directions. This, I cherish deeply.
Although a sad day to remember, it’s a wonderful feeling to recall an amazing man.
-T 😀
