My brother, how to tell you how much you
mean to me as you slip away?
How to put words on the unthinkable, find
some way to capture the pain, sorrow and loss.
I don’t have to. One look in your eyes says
it all. Through our gazes I feel closer to you than ever before, I get the
slightest sense of what you must be going through. And it makes my heart ache.
More than it ever has before.
The day you called from the hospital when
all this begun is etched in my memory forever. Seeing you the next day finding the
humour in being paralysed on one half set the tone for how you would take on
the worst life can throw at us.
And I remember you saying this happened to
you because you were the one out of all of us who could cope with it best.
Never was a truer word spoken my friend. Never were you angry, full of hurt or
pity. You took it on as one of many challenges you’ve faced – with
determination, grit and grace.
So despite it all, these past 18 or so
months have been filled with joy, love and laugh with one liners and wise
cracks that only you could think up. You’ve always been more concerned with how
things impact on others rather than yourself. Through this you’ve taught us what
counts in this fragile life. Thanks Cam.
I don’t know what comes next. But I know
this – what we do in this life counts. When we fill our lives with love,
purpose, commitment and wit (all very brownian qualities), it matters. It
shapes whatever comes next, and what we leave behind.
And you sir have crammed more into your
precious years than many do in a full life. Tennis prodigy, MBA graduate,
social entrepreneur, environmental power house, the list goes on and on. And
all done with vintage style and swagger, a brilliant soundtrack, way too much
humility, and a razor wit.
All of that is pretty damn impressive. And
I have to admit to more than a touch of jealousy at times. But it pales in
comparison to who you are as a person – loving, kind, gentle and fun. A heart
of gold. A great friend.
I cherish our time together whether it be in
Melbourne, Sri Lanka or London. So many memories that will stay with me and
fill some small part of the massive hole you’ll leave behind. And no one can
take those from us: sharing some musical treats, frisbee in the park, the
little moments when the magic happens.
The only way I can make sense of this all is
to take every opportunity given to me, but taken from you, and fill it with as
much Cam as possible. As a husband, I will love and support the way you do
Nikki. As a father, I will love my kids more than ever knowing this is
something you dearly wanted and had planned together. As a professional, I will
make sure my work means something and serves a greater purpose.
And as a person, I will always strive to be
as kind, gentle and comically gifted as you are my friend. I’ve started doing
this already and it’s led me to follow my heart. So thanks Cam, giving right to
the very end.
You are one of the special ones Cam, don’t
ever forget that.
Go quietly and gently my brother. Be in
peace knowing that you have a world of love for you here and you have lived a
life rich in love, meaning and laughs.
See you on the other side my friend.
Love for always,
Ross
Beautiful post and what a great message for us all: "The only way I can make sense of this all is to take every opportunity given to me, but taken from you, and fill it with as much Cam as possible."
ReplyDeleteI wish I got to know you better whilst you worked here at EPA. RIP mate.
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