Monday, October 18, 2021
Dear Stu,
I struggled to believe what had happened in the last three weeks. You were simply going to pop round to mine and Dan's house for a wee catch up and all was going to be well. I kind of still think it'll happen. The day we met you was in the dark of Gary's shed, the door was open looking out on to the grey, cold, miserable day. There was a strange calm listening to the rain, and almost like we'd known you forever. You let us in to your family, later meeting a very awesome Sammy and Archie which we discussed our love for Reeces Peanut butter cups! You smoked a roly while we tried to figure out your accent 'Hardwick!'. At first we thought it was northern Irish, yes, I know. Ridiculous.
You went out of your way to do what you could for others, but it wasn't just about that. It was that we got to do things together, as an extended family, which brings me to one more video I have, you had the concrete saw chopping into the alien landscapes that was our house. The wind was near hurricane force whipping all the dust into the air, shirt blowing fiercely. Hmm... This seems familiar lol. Thought I have to film this, I started singing Earth Song by Michael Jackson. Ah ahh AHHHHHHHHHHH!! The irony is it probably cost the earth for Jackson to film whilst you made it happen for free. - They should have just come to Billingham, all that was missing was the choir.
The happiest memory was (again) in Gary's shed. The song Lisdoonvarna was blaring out of the speakers, you and Archie were square dancing while we watched on with big grins. These lads know how to party. Thought it was one of the most beautiful moments, a moment that paused a perfect love in time. So glad I filmed it. That's what I will remember. The promise to play guitar for your 40th birthday still stands. In other news, the house you helped restore is now being rented out to a young Hodgson, nearly two years it took lol! Few people said they would start to complete your man-cave, was starting to look fantastic. A little bit of home from home. Hate saying good byes, so we’ll see you when we see you.
