Robert Sykes – 1964 to 2009. 29th July 2009 the day we said goodbye

Today was the day. I have not seen Robert and my old colleagues from Fairweathers for about 6 years.

On my way to the Funeral Service I had decided that I did not want to spend the time shaking hands and asking how people were but I simply wanted to be quiet and spend the time remembering Robert and thinking of his family.

I did greet a few people like Darren, John, Valerie & Frannie but my wife and I stayed at the back and paid our own tribute to Robert.

The service was full of many people and hopefully that offered some comfort to the family – knowing that Robert was loved and respected so much that all these people had made an effort to attend.

It was moving and I am sitting here, havuing just got home from my mum’s (they stil live in Ruislip) still feeling sad. We did did not go back for the “wake” as it did not feel right for me.

I, at times, get so angry with the world. 44 is no age. Why should Robert not have seen his daughters get married? Why should he not be allowed to enjoy his life?

It is very unfair for a young man to pass away without a warning – sometimes a prolonged illness or any illness atleast gives us time to adjust to what transpires around us.

Once things have settled down I hope to meet some of the people from Fairwethers for a drink so we can remember the old days – I have not asked yet as they may not want to!

To conclude this blog I would reiterate what Robert’s “other half” said today – Live every day to the full and tell those that you love that you do indeed love them.

In the words of my beloved Music Artist I would just finish with: -

My Harbour lights are fading fast

soon they’ll disappear

alone I sit in darkness

hoping someone might come near

though I wait, though I try

no one ever comes

and the feelimgs that I have flood over me

the river starts to run.

We fly so close, sometimes we fly too close……..