...was, in the end, unbelievably difficult. I was left torn between the conflicting desires of seeing new places and meeting new people or staying at home and trying to repay all the love and kindness shown me by my friends and family over my last weekend.
A great meal with my family on Wednesday was the start of the end of a very long farewell process. My nephew, Josh Byrom (remember that name!) is the most amazing little person who I really had to tear myself away from...he might be four months, but he is certainly smarter than the average bear...and a damn sight happier too. Something very strange and wonderful has happened to my parents as they revel in the role of grandparents...doting is not sufficient to describe the spell they're under. I'm ecstatic to say that my sis and her husband have taken to parenting with unsurpassed ease...I can't wait to come back and see all of you...but particularly the three little special people in my life...Josh and his cousins Celia and Oliver. As you can see from their photos, they're a good-looking bunch - God alone knows how they're related to me ;-)
Friday night in Harrogate with old school friends started off inauspiciously...sorry about the restaurant guys, but what can you do? I'm sorry to say I have no photos at the mo, but if Ben or someone could send some on to me, I'd appreciate it a lot. Thanks to all of the beautiful girls who made me look like some kind of stud by sitting with me all evening - seriously, after dinner I wouldn't have minded if you'd gone...;-) Memories of the rest of the night are a little hazy, but some involvement with 'Lemon Drops' seems likely....and maybe one or two shandies as well. Those of you that were there that I've known since the age of eleven, it was great to be still hanging out with you after all that time...the rest of you have been welcome additions to my life at varying points over the last few years. Despite my disappearing for such a long time,I know our friendships will grow stronger still, and I look forward to celebrating with you all when I get back.
What can I say about Saturday? Some of you may laugh (Jon) but it really was the best night I've ever had...closely followed by Sunday (and only on account of the music - for no other reason!). To everyon who travelled great distances to be there, I appreciate it. To those who let me use their houses and vehicles, thank you. The music was brilliant, I was surrounded by a sea of friends (who went to great pains to ensure that I knew how much they loved me) and I can safely say I've never felt so happy. It's not very often in your life that you really get to appreciate how much you mean to your friends, nor how much they mean to you - this was just such an occasion, and for that I feel blessed.
I had lovely lunch with Don, Vickie, Mary-Ann,Tony,Amber and Evie in St. Albans. Another friend whom I see far too little of, Gav, also joined us. It was all too brief, but in the end it was just nice to have the opportunity to say goodbye to good friends.
And finally, the Ruby Lounge. It felt fitting that the place which has launched so many nocturnal adventures over the last two years, should be the final springboard for my greatest adventure yet. I was totally overwhelmed by the number of people that came - particularly those of you who made it to PAssion the night before as well. I would have liked to have been able to 'Pause' proceedings and sit with each of you for the whole evening. I hope nobody felt neglected and that you all had as fantastic a time as I did. It really topped the night off when we went to Russ's for one final party too. Several times, I was close to tears...there are those of you, particularly, that I found it hard to leave and I could see it was the same for you too.
Sorry to get all soppy, everyone, but to my darling Sue I want to say an extra special big thank you! If it wasn't for her, I wouldn't have my little blue book. Thank you all for your kind words and thoughts. I will always treasure them. So thank you Sue...for my book, for driving me, for putting me up...and putting up with me...for all your love and affection, which I hope you feel is reciprocated in full.
And let's not forget Don - who crawled out of bed at stupid o'clock to wave me off at the airport...the sort of thing I've come to expect from a very, very good friend...and a man I proudly call my brother!
Everybody who I've seen in the last few weeks (friends, family, neighbours) and, indeed, some with whom I wasn't able to catch up - I will miss you. But I have a little of each of you in my thoughts and I hope I've left a little of me with you. Fear not I will be back...in one piece ;-)
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