Tuesday, March 17, 2009

death at a birthday party.

Today is Herrad's birthday and St Pat's and I feel like shit. My old friend Nick died yesterday and I am just starting to realise what it means.
Nick was a brilliant man. He had a lifetimes battle with depression. It impacted on him in many ways. He was so clever and talented but never hit the heights he could have. If only he had been able to love himself a bit more. He was born to a theatrical family in South Africa. His father was well known for his satirical plays about South African politics. Nick fled South Africa after refusing to participate in the illegal war in Namibia. He was a refugee in Amsterdam for the rest of his life but he never lost his love of his home land. I met him in 89 and got to know him in 97. The more time I spent with him the more interesting he became.
I have lost my only male friend in Amsterdam. I have lost unique conversation. I have lost a big hug and a kind word. I have lost Nick Leslie

7 comments:

Anonymous said...

Hi R, so sorry to hear about your friend, just wanted to send BIG HUGS @ STRENGTH GarethXXX

soulful sepulcher said...

I'm truly sorry for your loss of your good friend. I lost my (woman) bestfriend from childhood(43 yrs we were friends)a couple of years ago. It's not easy, but life goes on, at times when we can't understand life as it is.

Take a look up at the nightsky one night soon, and toast your friend with some champagne or something.

Herrad, is here.

Cathy said...

I am so sorry about your friends death.
Happy Birthday to Herrad !
Sending a virtual hug your way.

A said...

Dear Richie:

I'm truly sorry for your loss; as true friends are rare indeed, even precious jewels polished and sized as a man’s fist are more common than finding a trusted and cherished friend in this life.

This is lost that must be felt, as a memory that must be held close and treasured through our own personal clocks ticking rhythm of lasting hope and thankfulness.

You're Bloggery Pal,
Stan

mortonlake said...

im sorry richie,my deepest sympathies,mort

awb said...

Sorry for your loss, you don't find friends like that everyday.
Andy

Iain Dughlais said...

So sorry to hear about the loss of your friend. :(