Why I didn't wear a tie

A new Year Story

Hey, you guys, you gotta wear ties on the weekend.

— Eddie Cochrane, Weekend

Every story has a story behind it. This is the story of why I didn’t wear a tie.

Every year our family has a New Year party. And every year Ian and I are the only ones who wear a jacket and tie.

Photo of Terry in jacket and tie

Every year Ian and I have the same conversation:

— Wearing a tie again, I see.

— Well, someone has to maintain sartorial standards.

— Isn’t that the same tie you wore last year?

— I’m a creature of habit.

I haven’t designated who says what because the roles are interchangeable.

This year I did not wear a tie. People commented:

No tie, Terry?

I preferred to be less formal this year.

Where’s your tie, Terry?

I thought I’d lower my standards in order to better fit in.

A short while before Christmas, Ian complained of chest pains. His wife asked him if he’d like her to call 999. He declined. She started to phone 111 instead, the NHS service for non-emergencies. As she did so she heard a thud behind her. Ian had collapsed. The operator at the other end of the line talked her though performimg CPR while an ambulance was on its way.

The paramedics tried in vain to get Ian’s heart going again.

And that’s why I didn’t wear a tie this year.