To Dad....

I wanted to write this. I wanted to write it whilst there is still a chance that you might read it. That you might be able to mob me up over a pint of Sussex Ale at The Noah's Ark for being so soppily sentimental.....

I know that, quite rightly, you have always perceived Horse Racing as a massive irrelevance. But you have followed our progress with pride. You have surprised me with your knowledge and your comments - delivered, often with a wry smile, and in the full recognition of the fact that your awareness has both amazed me, but also made me hugely proud that you have been watching so closely...

I know that you are struggling very badly as I write this. Your chances of reading this are about as good as Foinavon's were as he approached Bechers second time around. But Foinavons come along occasionally. So, now, do Mon Momes. You have told me how much you have enjoyed this blog. I hope it will keep you firmly in touch wherever you get the chance to read it - I just feel sorry for the IT angel who is in charge of teaching you how the celestial computers work...!!??

You are a great Father, a wonderful Grandfather. We have had our moments. What Father and Son has not. But we have been blessed with the ability to hug each other - to tell each other that we love each other. No horrible regrets or worries. We have been able to say it all and more....

Above all, I will always think of you as a "Countryman". A man whose feet are firmly rooted in Sussex soil. A man deeply proud of our family's strong local heritage. Stewards of the same little piece of England for many centuries. When the time comes, I will take on that mantle with pride. Your love for our little bit of Sussex is so tangible. You know each and every field, hedgerow, muddy gateway, copse and coppice. We have walked it all together. And recently you have walked it's muddy fields with Barney and Tallulah - "discovering" those pre-buried coins and ancient flints, your delight at their delight so fantastically obvious....

You taught me to play cricket, to shoot, to fish (badly...), to respect and understand the countryside. Although you are totally to blame for my bottom handed batting as I forever had to fetch your bowling from outside off stump in an attempt to reach the boundary line of the gravel drive behind you !! The cover drive of no use on our lawn, although those tall leylandi must still hold many tennis balls as the result of my infrequent attempts to perfect the shot....

Fun filled days together at Lords. Lunches in Whites. Days shooting together, or standing on a river bank. I was so pleased to land your 20 pounder on the Helmsdale in May. But also, for the first time, aware of your frailty as you passed the rod to me in mid fight. Long and legendary Sunday lunches at home. Your incredible hospitality towards my friends, many, many of whom have become your close friends. You introducing them to a series of scary bottles - even the dread poteen from time to time. Your home a constant for so many of my friends - a massive credit to you and Mum...

Sometimes a little too dogmatic. Intransigent at times. But frighteningly intelligent and well read - and right much more than you are wrong. A very proud and successful Soldier. A hugely loyal servant of your Monarch. A man with many friends whose words, both written and spoken, have been a great comfort in the past few days to Mum, Muffy and I - and further testament to your enormous popularity....

To my regular reader, I apologise for using my blog for such a personal piece. But this is my blog. Writing, for me, is cathartic. Sleep not coming easy at the moment. My Dad still with a chance of reading this. Who knows what the next few hours and days will bring ?? Miracles do happen....

And, anyway, I have no problem at all in shouting it from the rooftops. "I AM PROUD OF YOU DAD. AND I LOVE YOU VERY MUCH !"

Comments

[David Maxwell]

Very moving and heart-felt. A special piece of writing, and thank you for sharing it. Perhaps for dads everywhere.

[Peter Wheatley]

Continue to shout George, it will help both you and your Dad enormously, even if he is unable to actually hear it.

Pax Vobiscum.

[Nick]

Dear George
Very moving and I pray you get
the miracle. Stay strong

[alistair.lang]

GB.I read your blog to my Pa (as I know that he is completely incapable of opening his laptop)and he, as I, was desperately moved by your words. We so need your Dad to remind us all at the Deepwell that Hughie's providing the port - even when it is not his Birthday.He will be.
Our love and thoughts are with you all. All the Langs

[Miranda Godman]

Dear George

What a lovely piece and completely sums up your godfather's oldest friend. Thinking about you so much, and send you all, all our love - Joe & Miranda xxxx

[Rosie Glaister]

Dear George and Candida
Big tears have fallen on my post as I sit at my desk, lovely piece, we are all thinking of you.
Rosie and all at Ramster xxxx

[Sean Clancy]

George,
Prayers from America.
Sean.