Oh Nick. So sorry. You know what gives me comfort is Carl Sagan’s writings (and Joni Mitchell’s Woodstock song) saying “we are stardust.” Being "stardust" is about the interconnectedness of humanity and the universe. We are literally made of the same material as stars and galaxies, connecting us to the vast and ancient cosmos. You were a good friend to him Nick. Those political differences no longer matter as his stardust joins the universe.
Thank you for sharing Nick. I had a similar couple of years farewelling my brother - you take what positives you can in a really negative universe. I don’t think people are really ‘gone’ if we keep thinking and talking about them…
I'm so sorry for your loss. You are so right though. They may physically be gone, but the more we talk about those we have lost and keep their memories alive, those we love and have lost will continue to live on.
Thanks for sharing your experience and renewed contact with an old friend. . . Life is strange in the way that it connects us parts and maybe. . reconnects again . . . Then gone forever.
Your experience - your life - but I’ll intrude - where angels would not.
You write you saw fear in his eyes. You saw something. Was it fear? It may have been. It may have been grief. Grief at the loss of everything, of all relationships. Grief at finality.
I’m 90 in June and had more than nine lives. (Profile photo I was 19! Long way back.) I have no fear of death. I’m content being in my dying years, but the realisation of nothing and chemistry taking my body in fire while all I am, all I have been, every bit is to finish end . . . nothing. That’s a thought when it comes stops you in your tracks - awesome emptiness. Life is for living, for loving and forgiving. I thought when my wife died. With no fear in her and readiness to live or die.
You have done far better than any sad gathering..you have remembered and shared the friend and friendship you knew , the energy and discussion...the good times and memories. The joy of having known your friend.
Beautiful words and music today. The kindness of others helps keep us going. I can just feel that kindness when you write about Fi and your family and I see it here in the words of your readers. I have survived these last 9 weeks with that kindness. Recently I caught up with a friend who I hadn't seen for probably 40 years. He video messaged me recently, he's a cellist ( among many specialties ) and played a solo piece - I felt like it was own private concert - it was just incredibly moving and a beautiful gesture. The kindness of others. My tears are flowing, they do every day and by their volume I hope shows that there is something right with my heart. Thank you Nick for todays post. Best wishes and love to you and your whanau.
Thank you Nick and thank you also for introducing me to Hauser - I had not come across him. I've been playing some of his music all morning. Sumptuous and beautiful cello music - seems to fit the day. And in case you had not heard the warbirds will be flying over Te Atatu at 1050 - get out on your deck.
What a true friend you are and a good human. Our true wealth comes ONLY from friends and family. Your chosen music was both beautiful and sad in equal measure
Thank you for giving this to us, Nick. And that's how it will be for me after I die - no funeral, no fuss, just a scattering of ashes and maybe some memories shared
Very sorry to read about Keith’s departure from this mortal coil, Nick. The silver lining in your cloud of grief is that his battle and pain are over. Yours is just beginning. Hang in there Nick, you have a readership full of support and shoulders to cry on. A beautiful piece of music which fits the occasion perfectly. (you seem to have a knack for that). I suspect that, like me, when driving around you’ll think of songs and music you shared and will crank it up with the thought “this one’s for you mate!” It works wonders for me. Take some time out to relax and reflect. I don’t think anyone will mind.
Oh Nick. So sorry. You know what gives me comfort is Carl Sagan’s writings (and Joni Mitchell’s Woodstock song) saying “we are stardust.” Being "stardust" is about the interconnectedness of humanity and the universe. We are literally made of the same material as stars and galaxies, connecting us to the vast and ancient cosmos. You were a good friend to him Nick. Those political differences no longer matter as his stardust joins the universe.
I know the song well, thanks, Darien.
Thank you for sharing Nick. I had a similar couple of years farewelling my brother - you take what positives you can in a really negative universe. I don’t think people are really ‘gone’ if we keep thinking and talking about them…
I agree, thanks Keith, and sorry for your farewell.
I'm so sorry for your loss. You are so right though. They may physically be gone, but the more we talk about those we have lost and keep their memories alive, those we love and have lost will continue to live on.
Thanks for sharing your experience and renewed contact with an old friend. . . Life is strange in the way that it connects us parts and maybe. . reconnects again . . . Then gone forever.
Your experience - your life - but I’ll intrude - where angels would not.
You write you saw fear in his eyes. You saw something. Was it fear? It may have been. It may have been grief. Grief at the loss of everything, of all relationships. Grief at finality.
I’m 90 in June and had more than nine lives. (Profile photo I was 19! Long way back.) I have no fear of death. I’m content being in my dying years, but the realisation of nothing and chemistry taking my body in fire while all I am, all I have been, every bit is to finish end . . . nothing. That’s a thought when it comes stops you in your tracks - awesome emptiness. Life is for living, for loving and forgiving. I thought when my wife died. With no fear in her and readiness to live or die.
Thank you for your beautiful message, you make a lot of sense from what is hard to understand.
Love to you and your whanau for your incredible loss. But enjoy those incredible memories. We don’t always have to be the same to share love eh.
Your writing today resonates so much for me and I thank you 🙏🏿
Arohanui
Thanks Jo. 🙂
You have done far better than any sad gathering..you have remembered and shared the friend and friendship you knew , the energy and discussion...the good times and memories. The joy of having known your friend.
Good words, Gwynneth - thank you.
To the stars, Nick. To the stars.
To the stars indeed. The motto of Rotorua Boys High School, where I met Keith, is "Ad astra per aspera" - "To the stars through difficulties."
Shed a tear reading this. Kevin was lucky to have such a good friend. And I do love the cello.
Beautiful words and music today. The kindness of others helps keep us going. I can just feel that kindness when you write about Fi and your family and I see it here in the words of your readers. I have survived these last 9 weeks with that kindness. Recently I caught up with a friend who I hadn't seen for probably 40 years. He video messaged me recently, he's a cellist ( among many specialties ) and played a solo piece - I felt like it was own private concert - it was just incredibly moving and a beautiful gesture. The kindness of others. My tears are flowing, they do every day and by their volume I hope shows that there is something right with my heart. Thank you Nick for todays post. Best wishes and love to you and your whanau.
Much love to you Brian, I am so sorry for your loss. There is much right with your heart. ❤️
Thank you Nick and thank you also for introducing me to Hauser - I had not come across him. I've been playing some of his music all morning. Sumptuous and beautiful cello music - seems to fit the day. And in case you had not heard the warbirds will be flying over Te Atatu at 1050 - get out on your deck.
Friends eh? Beautiful words. You’re a good man Nick. RIP Keith x
What a true friend you are and a good human. Our true wealth comes ONLY from friends and family. Your chosen music was both beautiful and sad in equal measure
Thank you, Sally. True wealth, indeed.
Very moving Nick and a lovely tribute to your friend Keith. Your compassion shines through your writing and makes for an emotional read.
Thank you, Mac. 🙂
Thank you for giving this to us, Nick. And that's how it will be for me after I die - no funeral, no fuss, just a scattering of ashes and maybe some memories shared
It is the memories and the life led that matter.
Arohamai, sorry for your loss. A lovely honest and relatable tribute to your friend. To the stars.
Very sorry to read about Keith’s departure from this mortal coil, Nick. The silver lining in your cloud of grief is that his battle and pain are over. Yours is just beginning. Hang in there Nick, you have a readership full of support and shoulders to cry on. A beautiful piece of music which fits the occasion perfectly. (you seem to have a knack for that). I suspect that, like me, when driving around you’ll think of songs and music you shared and will crank it up with the thought “this one’s for you mate!” It works wonders for me. Take some time out to relax and reflect. I don’t think anyone will mind.
Cheers 🙂
Sorry for your loss.
Thanks Rob.
Nice writing Nick. Take care.
Thanks Heather.