LOSS OF A GOOD FRIEND

This morning I received the sad news of having lost a good friend. Aged only 31 !

It’s hard to find the words to describe what goes through my mind.

I’ve known Barry for the last twenty or so years. We shared the same passion: music & drumcorps. We were members of the same drum & bugle corps. Already at a young age he was diagnosed with diabetes. Everyone in our corps knew this and there was nothing uncommon about regularly seeing him take his medication or last year carry his medical dialysis equipment along. His perseverance was an example to many.

Being at the peak of his life, Barry was awaiting a kidney transplant. Unfortunately this would still take quite a long time. Too long! Way too long! His perseverance was beaten...

Last night this talented fine musician and friend silently left us, leaving both great emptiness and very fond memories behind.

The loss of a friend is like that of a limb;
time may heal the anguish of the wound,
but the loss cannot be repaired.
(Robert Southey)