Part 1. DC
Nina (at work) described my week, this week, as being ‘middle aged crisis week’.
She’s the same age as me (or perhaps a mite older – i sit next to her and I like to think i’m an occasional gentleman, so I have never enquired) . She wasn’t being flippant.
She was reflecting on what happens to us all when we reach a certain age. Specifically around loss. And turmoil in the family. And children. And Friendship.
What she was saying (i think) was that in your forties, you become properly mortal. Or in the case of the amazing Darren Cooper, you become immortal.
Darren died on tuesday. He was re-diagnosed with cancer a very short time ago, having struggled and fought with this shit of a blight on his body for years. He beat it up for a long time – and then it came back. And it won. The big man was clearly tired. But he squared up to to it for nearly 25 years… would I have had that courage? That strength? I don’t think I would.
I never quite fitted in at school at the time… but afterwards, as we’ve all grown up – and mostly through the endeavours of my brother in law – i’ve been made to feel welcome by an amazing group of friends who were founded in junior school, and then iron-forged at Passmores. Darren was the soul of this group, and wherever there was a party he would be at the heart of it. He was also the most welcoming (and the sorriest that he gave me a hard time for being a bender).
And I say he is immortal. Because of the commentary on Facebook. I challenge anyone not to be moved by the tributes to the man. From his friends, his family… from his own boys. I hope they are recording the outpouring of love that so clearly exists. Surely there’s a way to capture this love and recognition in an uncommercial way…
Part 2. Over 28 Years and counting.
Standing at the side of the stage at the Harlow Playhouse in 1984, whilst waiting to move a flat, a mate suggested I audition for a play called Sally.
I auditioned. I got in.
I f***ed up the first scene on the first night.
My co-’star’ from the scene, Sam, and I still laugh about it. My Pop still refers to it as being the moment he realised I was ‘me’. That was the start… Rooster is the latest part of the journey. 28 years laer.
I’ve been bonkers. I’ve been crazy. Felt shallow love for many, and the very deepest love for one. Three children who I can’t even put a feeling for on any scale…. but several around obsession…
So. To the person who started me on this journey, or if any of you (3 or 4) who read this are in contact with him, pass it on…
LIFE IS TOO SHORT. RICH AND I MISS YOU. PLEASE!!!?
Nice blog.