35 Comments

Oh, my. So sorry about Ian, Terry, for you and his family. This post was poignant and gentle.

Expand full comment

Thanks very much, Mary

Expand full comment

I’m sorry for your loss. This was a lovely bittersweet tribute 💕

Expand full comment

Thank you very much, Bryn.

Expand full comment

Oh Terry, such a touching tie-less tribute.

I'm so sorry for the loss to your family. Of course, there's never a right time for a tragedy like this, but it feels even worse to lose someone at Christmas.

Expand full comment

Thanks, Rebecca. Yes, Christmas is especially difficult because of our family get-together at this time. It's been a huge shock, especially as he wasn't even old by today's standards.

Expand full comment

😕

Expand full comment

This is why I try to keep healthy: a brisk walk to the kitchen every morning, a frugal breakfast of a handful of grains, a glass of Barleycup and a spot of weightlifting (Minty and Mocha)

Expand full comment

Oh Terry, I'm so sorry.

I was all ready to write a "chortle" at your "I thought I’d lower my standards in order to better fit in." but then I read the part about Ian.

I can't help but feel you and Ian must have had the same sense of humour and that he'd be smiling at your description written in this piece.

Expand full comment

Thanks, Nathan. Re: Ian smiling, yes I hope so. We didn’t see each other often, but usually had a good laugh when we did.

Expand full comment

Awful yet humorous. So sorry about Ian. I understand why you forgo the tie. I may reconsider the scarf.

Expand full comment

Yes, my little mark of respect/homage. I didn’t tell anyone in the family, but Elaine guessed why. Scarf: 🙂

Expand full comment

Thanks for sharing a small part of Ian and your shared story with us. I am so sorry for your loss.

Expand full comment

Thanks very much, Donna. 🙂

Expand full comment

It felt wrong putting a ‘like’ on this. Sigh…. Take care. All the best.

Expand full comment

Thanks, Beth. Yes, I know what you mean. There ought to be a button that means "Acknowledge" rather than "Like", although having said that it would probably look like the equivalent of [useless] managers answering "Noted" in response to informing them of an issue.

Expand full comment

I'm so very sorry for your loss, Terry. Suddenly is so hard for those left behind. It sounds like you were kindred spirits and you will remember him fondly and with a smile.

Expand full comment

Thanks, June. Definitely hard on the ones left. I've often pondered which is "better": a sudden death, or a long-drawn out one. I've seen both sorts, and they are each as devastating as the other. Yes, definitely will remember Ian with a smile.

Expand full comment

My younger brother is dying at the moment. He went from being reasonable but ill (cancer), to pretty much end of life over the weekend. It’s still a shock…

Expand full comment

Oh my goodness. I'm so sorry to hear that. It must be awful for you all. Are you able to visit him? Sorry also for not responding sooner, but I didn't see your comment. Elaine just pointed it out to me.

Expand full comment

Oh I'm so sorry Terry.

Expand full comment

Thanks very much, Susan.

Expand full comment

Sounds like Ian was a kindred spirit, Terry 💜

Expand full comment

Thanks, Kathleen. We didn';t share similar interests, but shared similar values.

Expand full comment

Touching and poignant Terry. Heart goes out to you. That had to be tough. - Jim

Expand full comment

Thanks very much, Jim. It's been a huge shock to the whole family, and left his wife in a terrible state.

Expand full comment

Oooo, Terry. So sorry for your loss.

Expand full comment

Thanks, Jim.

Expand full comment

That’s a sad story…poor Ian…

Expand full comment

Yes, especially as a week before he'd had the all-clear from cancer.

Expand full comment

Ironic…

Expand full comment

Oh no! A lot of sadness is cloaked in that light-heartedness, Terry. I don't know who Ian was, but you obviously cared for him a great deal and I am sorry. Not wearing a tie was a perfect way to honor that. Maybe you could tell us a bit more about Ian someday?

Expand full comment

Thanks, Sharron. I was a bit unsure about the lightheartedness, but Ian and I shared a similar sense of humour so I thought it was apposite. As for writing more about Ian, possibly 😊

Expand full comment

I don't think I've worn a tie since I was a kid. (There is photographic evidence that I did then.)

Expand full comment

😊

Expand full comment